Security Officer (Temporary, Part-Time)

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

Benefits offered by this job

4 complimentary Zoo tickets per year

Sick leave accrual

403(b) Retirement Plan

Free staff parking

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Woodland Park Zoo is seeking a Security Officer to safeguard guests and staff during the WildLanterns season. The role is seasonal, part-time with an average of 20 hours per week and a strong emphasis on evening coverage and at least one weekend day. Openings: 4; on-site location in Seattle, WA.

End date anticipated: April 30, 2026. You will patrol grounds, respond to incidents, provide first aid when needed, and coordinate with the Emergency Response Team.

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 CPR/First Aid, OC Pepper Spray, Handcuffing, and Defensive Tactics.
• Successful applicants must live and work in Washington State.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a valid WA driver's license with a safe driving history.

Responsibilities

• Patrol grounds on foot, bike, or vehicle (parking lots, perimeter, buildings, equipment).
• Provide assistance and service to ensure safety of visitors and staff.
• Provide First Aid and, if EMT certified, advanced medical assistance as needed.
• Maintain use and upkeep of the zoo radio system.
• Maintain accident/incident and daily security reports.
• Serve on the Zoo Emergency Response Team and participate in drills.

Education

Associate’s degree or 6 months related experience

Job description

SALARY & FLSA: $32.47 per hour; FLSA non-exempt

$32.47 - $37.09 per hour is the pay range for this job classification. Every temporary employee under the Joint Crafts Council wage scale is placed at the first step of the job classification's pay range, which is $32.47 per hour. Temporary staff are not eligible to earn more than the Step 1 payrate, which may be adjusted annually per the contract.

OPENING DATE: 10/23/2026

CLOSING DATE: 11/4/2026 This position may close early if a sufficient number of qualified applications are received.

JOB TYPE: Seasonal, Part-time

UNION: Represented

OPENINGS: 4

LOCATION: Onsite

DEPARTMENT: Security

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.”

This position is intended to provide security for WildLanters and other events at Woodland Park Zoo. This role is anticipated to work an average of 20 hours per week and may decrease or increase depending on concert and event needs.

This role has an anticipated end date of April 30, 2026.

This position primarily works evening shifts during the WildLanterns season and requires availability for at least one weekend day.

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 temporary staff the following benefits:

• 4 complimentary Zoo tickets per year plus other discounts and perksâ¯
• Accrue 1 hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked
• 403(b) Retirement Planâ¯â¯
• Free staff parking
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)â¯

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].

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 to successfully complete a: driving record review, pre-employment physical.