Security Officer (Overnight)

Zoo Careers; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Paid holidays

Vacation and sick leave

401(k) Retirement Plan

Job summary

Woodland Park Zoo is seeking a Security Officer to patrol the grounds and protect animals, guests, and staff. You will respond to medical emergencies, operate the radio system, and file daily security reports while supporting the zoo’s safety protocols.

This role requires night shifts (Wed–Sat, 9PM–7AM), 18+ with WA driver’s license; EMT certification is a plus. Join a team dedicated to safety and exceptional guest service.

Qualifications

• Associates degree or six months related experience or equivalent.
• WA residency requirement; must be 18+ with valid WA driver’s license.
• CPR/First Aid and defensive tactics certifications are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Patrol grounds on foot, bike, or vehicle and monitor safety of visitors and staff.
• Provide First Aid and EMT-supported medical assistance when certified.
• Maintain and use the zoo radio system; complete incident reports daily.
• Participate in the Emergency Response Team and drills as required.

Skills

CPR/First Aid

OC Pepper Spray

Handcuffing

Defensive Tactics

Education

Associate’s degree or equivalent

Job description

SALARY & FLSA:

$32.47 per hour; FLSA non-exempt

$32.47 - $37.09 per hour. The starting rate for this role is $32.47 per hour. Every employee under the Joint Crafts Council wage scale, on first appointment, will receive the first step of the salary range for the position. Employees will advance to the second step at the start of the pay period after their one-year anniversary in the job classification and each milestone thereafter (3 years, 6 years, 11 years, and 17 years of service) with Step 6 being the maximum pay rate.

Candidates with a valid EMT certification, will receive an additional $2.00 per hour. When working between the hours of 6:00 pm and 6:00 am, a $1.50 shift differential will be applied to the base rate of pay.

OPENING DATE:

08/25/2026

CLOSING DATE:

09/11/2026 (This role may close sooner or be extended, depending on how many qualified applications are received.)

JOB TYPE:

Full-time, Regular

UNION:

Represented

OPENINGS:

1

LOCATION:

Onsite

DEPARTMENT:

Security

This position’s work schedule is anticipated to be over the night shift (Wednesday thru Saturday, 9PM to 7AM).

The Safety and Security Department is committed to fostering a safe and equitable environment through empathetic listening, active engagement, and the integration of best practices into all aspects of our operations. We work collaboratively with colleagues, guests, and stakeholders to identify and address security concerns through innovative and strategic solutions.

In partnership with all stakeholders, we pledge to:

• Protect the lives and property of our animals, guests, and staff through delivering impartial security services.
• Inspire and advance the restoration of relationships between humans and the living world around us.
• Target criminal activity and disorder through prevention and positive actions.
• Maintain a higher standard of integrity than isgenerally expectedof others.
• Value and respect the dignity of all life andrenderall services with courtesy and civility.

HOW DO YOU ZOO?

More than 1.3 million people visit Woodland Park Zoo each year. We connect people with wildlife and remind them of what’s at stake in our changing world. Our job is to motivate people to take action and provide them with the tools needed to join us in saving endangered species. Working for the zoo means upholding our mission, “To save wildlife and inspire everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives.”

WHO YOU ARE

As our new Security Officer, we know you will be successful in joining the team because you:

• Customer First Attitude: You’re happy to interact with guests from providing directions to offering a sticker to child with skinned knee.
• Provide Care and Consideration: Respond to medical emergencies and utilize EMT and EQ training to approach situations with compassion, empathy, and utilize the lowest level of force.
• Prepared & Calm: Outfitted in a bullet-proof vest with full gear, makes you prepared for code red situations, but your demeanor is calm, so guests and staff feel comfortable approaching you.
• Outdoorsy & Observant: While making your rounds in all weather conditions on the guest-facing and behind the scenes trails, you remain vigilant and responsive to requests to keep the zoo’s 92 acres safe and secure.
• Timely Communication: From monitoring the radio system and immediately responding to calls for assistance to writing an incident report, you’re a natural with your verbal and written skills.

YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Patrol grounds on foot, on bike or in vehicle including parking lots, perimeter, buildings, equipment, and associated parks.
• Provide, assistance and service, and ensure the safety of zoo visitors and staff.
• Provide First Aid and if EMT certified, advanced medical assistance to zoo visitors and staff.
• Responsible for consistent use, maintenance, upkeep, and distribution of zoo radio system.
• Maintain accident/incident report and daily security report files.
• Serve on zoo Emergency Response Team and participate in zoo emergency drills.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate’s degree from an accredited two-year college or technical school; or at least six months of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Preferred qualifications include training/certification in CPR/First Aid, OC Pepper Spray, Handcuffing, and Defensive Tactics.
• Successful applicants must live and work in Washington State to perform this role.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a valid WA driver's license with a safe driving history.

BENEFITS

The Woodland Park Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package for full time staff including:

• Medical, dental, and vision HMO and PPO plans for you and eligible dependents
• 11 paid holidays and 4 personal holidays
• Accrue 12 vacation days and another 12 days of sick leave your first year
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)â¯
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)â¯
• Tuition reimbursementâ¯
• Free zoo membership that includes zoo admission and discounts after 90 daysâ¯
• 4 complimentary tickets per year plus other discounts and perksâ¯â¯
• Free staff parkingâ¯
• 403(b) Retirement Plan

This opportunity is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Woodland Park Zoo values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The zoo encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, 2SLGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. Woodland Park Zoo is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in all its services. If you need accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact our recruiting team at [e-mail].

Screening:

We will review applications and select some candidates for screening calls. Final candidates will be invited for virtual or in-person interviews.

Offer:

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process including the completion of a background check. In addition, this role requires the applicant successfully complete a: driving record review and pre-employment physical.