Transportation Shuttle Driver

Energy Vault; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

The Santa Barbara Zoo is seeking a part-time Transportation Shuttle Driver to ensure the safe transport of staff and guests, providing excellent customer service. The position requires a valid California CDL with a passenger endorsement and involves routine vehicle safety checks and passenger assistance. This seasonal role runs from June 7 to September 2, 2025, and offers hourly compensation ranging from $28 to $32.

Benefits

Free parking

Free guest passes

Unlimited free tea/coffee

20% discounts on food services and retail purchases

Access to professional development resources

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Some prior driving experience, preferably in passenger, shuttle, or customer service roles.
• Ability to clear background checks.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine pre-shift inspections of vehicles.
• Operate vehicle on a fixed route for passenger transport.
• Provide excellent customer service throughout.

Skills

Customer service

Safe driving

Attention to detail

Education

Valid California Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with 'P' endorsement

At least 5 years of driving experience

CPR/First Aid Certification

Job description

Responsive recruiter

Do you enjoy being behind the wheel and providing exceptional service? The Santa Barbara Zoo is seeking a Transportation Shuttle Driver to safely and courteously transport staff, volunteers, and guests while helping create a welcoming and seamless arrival experience. Join our team and support conservation and education in a role that drives connection and impact!

Requirement:You must have a valid California Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with a “P” (passenger) endorsement, with a clean DMV record

Position Status: Part-Time, Seasonal, Hourly, Non-Exempt
Compensation: $28.00 - $32.00 per hour
Schedule: 4-6 openings: Seasonal position June 7-September 2, 2025, with a potential extension based on business need.

SHIFTS:

• Monday – Sunday
• Shift 1: 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM – 5 days a week
• Shift 2: 12:30 PM – 6:00 PM – 5 days a week
• Evenings for Special Events, based on business need

*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*


SUMMARY:

Under the general direction of the Director of Events & Guest Services & Events & Guest Services Manager, the Transportation Shuttle Driver is responsible for the safe, courteous, and timely transportation of staff and volunteers to and from the Santa Barbara Zoo. This role plays a vital part in supporting our team and providing exceptional customer service while adhering to safety standards and local laws. The Shuttle Driver will perform routine safety checks of the vehicle at the beginning of each shift, ensuring timely arrivals and departures, and maintaining a reliable and courteous transportation service.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Perform routine pre-shift inspections of vehicles at the start of each shift, report maintenance or safety issues immediately to the Director of Events & Guest Services & Guest Services & Events Manager
• Operate vehicle and transport staff and guests safely and efficiently via a fixed route with scheduled pick-up and drop-off locations for passengers
• Assist passengers as needed
• Ensure all passengers follow safety protocols, including seat belt use.
• Keep accurate records of trip logs, mileage, and fuel use
• Operate vehicle safely in compliance with all traffic laws and California motor vehicle laws
• Record number of passengers and complete daily shift reporting as required
• Maintain a clean, orderly, and safe shuttle at all times
• Communicate professionally at all times
• Provide excellent customer service with a positive and professional demeanor
• Arrives on time for scheduled shift, professionally dressed and ready to begin work
• Respond calmly and appropriately to emergencies or incidents on the route

SECONDARY DUTIES:

Guest Relations:

• Greets every guest with a smile
• Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo
• Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, and reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions
• Maintains a clean, neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code
• Takes responsibility to stay informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending Zoo meetings
• Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement and the Employee Pledge
• Other miscellaneous duties as required

POSITION CRITERIA:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requirements:

• Valid California Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with a “P” (passenger) endorsement, with a clean DMV record

Education & Experience:

• At least 18 years of age
• 5 years of driving experience
• Some prior driving experience, preferably driving passengers in shuttle, delivery, or customer service-related roles.
• Customer service experience preferred
• Ability to clear a post-offer, pre-employment background check
• Job offer is contingent on a candidate receiving approval by the Zoo insurance carrier (DMV record review)
• CPR/First Aid Certification is a plus

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and our guests
• Ability to maintain a diligent, friendly, and professional demeanor
• Attention to details
• Team oriented
• Effective oral communication skills
• Ability to effectively problem solve
• Ability to follow oral and written direction
• Ability to exercise safe work habits
• Ability to simultaneously assist and interact with guests, while overseeing event
• Must be enthusiastic, outgoing and personable
• Punctual and reliable, with strong time management skills

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• Exposure to varying weather conditions
• Primarily operates from within a vehicle, with occasional time spent outdoors
• Ability to climb stairs, stand, walk, and to sit and drive for extended periods
• Involves walking out-of-doors in all weather conditions (climate in Santa Barbara is mild)
• Supportive and open employment culture
• Regularly lifts and carries objects weighing up to 20 lbs.

Tools Used:

• Hand tools
• Electric cart
• Two-way radio
• Flashlights
• Office Equipment

BENEFITS & PERKS:

• Great team, beautiful grounds, amazing animal collection, sunshine & ocean view almost year-round!
• Free parking, free guest passes, unlimited free tea/coffee every morning, 20% discounts on food services and retail purchases
• Access to the Collabornation learning platform, professional development, and lunch & learn opportunities

*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*

Please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.

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This job description is representative of the expectations of the position described. Additional duties, reporting relationships, and/or position criteria may be assigned as deemed necessary by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative. No changes to this job description shall be made without written permission by the Chief Executive Officer or an authorized representative.

The Zoo reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description does not constitute a contract for employment, and does not guarantee employment for any specified period of time. The job description does not in any way alter the at-will employment relationship.

At this time, the Zoo does not sponsor employment or internship visas.

Compensation: $28.00 - $32.00 per hour

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receiveconsideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex,national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any othercharacteristic protected by law.

Do you love animals and working with people? Join the fun, caring, friendly, and energetic team at the Santa Barbara Zoo in our mission of preservation, conservation, and enhancement of the natural world and its living treasures through education, research, and recreation.

Once you apply, please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.

The Santa Barbara Zoo is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and is a fully accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Known as one of the world’s most beautiful zoos, it is located on 30 acres of lush botanic gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is home to more than 146 animal species living in open, naturalistic habitats. Our wonderful collaborative team includes up to 220 employees and 50 volunteers.