Security Park Ranger (Customer Service, Public Safety, Security)

Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens; Jacksonville (FL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens is seeking a Part-Time Security Park Ranger to protect and support 100+ acres of gardens and resident animals while ensuring a safe environment for guests and staff. The role is active and on-your-feet, requiring the ability to respond to emergencies, manage crowds, perform first aid, and engage with a diverse range of visitors with professionalism and courtesy.

Availability for up to 29.5 hours weekly, including weekends; must have a High School diploma

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• 6 months of customer service, guest-facing, or public safety experience.
• Ability to maintain integrity, professionalism, and honesty.

Responsibilities

• Protect and support 100+ acres of gardens and resident animals.
• Ensure a safe and secure environment for operations.
• Emergency response, crowd control, and first aid as needed.
• Interact with a diverse audience to create positive visitor experiences.

Skills

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Evenings/weekends

Active on-your-feet

CPR/AED readiness

Driver's license

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

Application deadline: Monday, 29 March 2026 and/or until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. We reserve the right to close the posting early if a well-qualified candidate pool has been established. Early submission is encouraged. Please ensure that your application highlights your experience and qualifications as they relate to the responsibilities of this role. Are you a team player who enjoys being active, engaging with people, and making a real impact? Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens is seeking a Security Park Ranger (Part-Time). In this role you’ll protect and support 100+ acres of botanical gardens and resident animals while ensuring a safe and secure environment for our operations. This active, on-your-feet role averages over 10,000 steps and places you at the heart of critical operations, from emergency response and crowd control to first aid. You’ll interact with a diverse audience, helping create memorable experiences for every visitor while keeping our Zoo safe and secure. If you thrive in fast-paced environments, have a calm demeanor under pressure, and want to make an impact in conservation, this is your opportunity to lead and grow in a mission-driven organization. Help us meet our mission, "Connecting our community with wildlife and wild places."

What you'll bring

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Available Part-Time for up to 29.5 hours per week, including at least one weekend day (Saturday or Sunday).
• Available to work a schedule Thursday- Sunday for peak operational need.
• Availability to work outside regular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Physical ability to perform active, on-your-feet duties across a 100+ acre campus, averaging 10,000+ steps per shift.
• Six (6) months of experience in a customer service, guest-facing, or public safety role (e.g., security, ranger, or similar field).
• Ability to maintain a valid driver's license to operate organization vehicles.
• Ability to commit to a high level of integrity, professionalism, and honesty.
• Ability to remain calm and composed in stressful situations.
• Proven ability to create a positive, welcoming, and inclusive environment for guests, coworkers, and the public.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills to effectively engage with diverse audiences.
• Working knowledge of general first aid, CPR, and the use of AED equipment to become certified within 90 days of employment.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft office related software products and willingness to learn other computer software programs to complete job duties.
• Pre-Employment Requirements: Candidates selected for this position must successfully complete all pre-employment screenings prior to their start date. Compliance with these requirements is mandatory to ensure the safety of staff, animals, and visitors. These include:
  • Criminal background check
  • 5-panel drug test
  • Non-DOT physical examination

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to consistently remain on your feet for 6-8 hours on shift.
• Ability to walk, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, and reach.
• Visual acuity for reading, writing, and observing surroundings, and auditory acuity for communication.
• Ability to perform the physical demands of a 6–8 hour shift, including working in Florida weather, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move objects up to 50 pounds for short distances.
• Ability to work with a variety of animals including invertebrates, reptiles, and small companion mammals.
• Ability to safely operate a motorized cart.

WORK CONDITIONS

• Exposure to various weather conditions, including extreme heat, sunlight, cold, rain, and wind.
• Potential exposure to allergens (dust, animal dander, pollen, etc.), bloodborne pathogens, zoonotic diseases and injuries from animals.
• Irregular work hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays are sometimes required.
• Exposure to hazards such wildlife, waste, equipment, loud noises, chemicals, and heights.

We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment regulations. EOE / DRUG FREE WORKPLACE