Zoo Attendant

Oakland Zoo; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Sick Time

Optional 403b retirement plan

Zoo Membership discounts

Job summary

The Oakland Zoo is seeking two part-time seasonal Zoo Attendants to support Glowfari, our annual nighttime event. Shifts run 4pm–9pm, 3–4 days per week, from 11/01/2026 to 02/19/2027, with potential extension based on needs.

Pay is $20.97 per hour. You must be 18+, engage guests respectfully, and be able to work evenings, holidays, and weekends. A valid driver’s license is required. Work is outdoors, standing/walking, with occasional lifting up to 25 lbs.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication with guests and staff.
• Commitment to inclusive culture and teamwork.
• Interest in wildlife conservation and zoo operations.
• Strong work ethic and passion for the Zoo's mission.

Responsibilities

• Provide friendly, outgoing support to Zoo guests.
• Assist with guest directions, questions, and safety at Glowfari.
• Help manage guest needs alongside Docents and volunteers.
• Support with security and event-related duties.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Inclusive Culture

Sustainability

Passion

Wildlife Aware

Job description

Description

Note: This is a part-time seasonal position that is expected to start on 11/01/2026 end on 02/19/2027, with potential to extend in a temporary capacity depending on the needs of the organization. We are looking to hire 2 people for this position.

Payrate: To maintain internal equity, we have identified the payrate for this position at the Oakland Zoo as $20.97 per hour. An offer at this rate will be our best and final compensation offer, in alignment with the Zoo's compensation philosophy.

Position Summary

Zoo Attendants are key, seasonal members of the Animal Care Department who serve as the interface between Zoo guests and the animals during Glowfari, Oakland Zoo's annual nighttime holiday event. This is a part-time, seasonal position that works evening shifts 3–4 hours in length, 3–4 days per week, typically between 4pm and 9pm. Zoo Attendants are outgoing and comfortable respectfully enforcing Zoo rules and engaging guests in discussion, ensuring guests have the best experience possible by answering questions, giving directions, and reinforcing Zoo rules.

Essential Job Duties

• Provide friendly and outgoing support to all Zoo guests.
• Work cooperatively with Docents and other volunteers in managing guest needs.
• Answer questions about behavior, conservation, and natural history; help guests find things in the Zoo (e.g., hours of operation, food service); answer basic animal questions.
• Maintain pathways during Zoo rounds by picking up trash.
• Assist Security in securing guest pathways from back-of-house areas.
• Assist with acoustics study during the Glowfari event.
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility

• None

Who You Are

• At least 18 years of age.
• Able to engage with guests and coworkers with positive, efficient interactions.
• Able to follow policies and procedures as taught, show attentiveness to work, and be safety conscious.
• Must be able to work evenings, holidays and weekends
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record that meets our insurance carrier requirements.

Work Environment

- Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

• Works outdoors during evening hours at Glowfari, including in adverse weather conditions.

Bonus if you have:

• Prior experience working in animal care or a high-volume public-facing entertainment environment.
• Interpretation experience

Work Environment

- Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

• Works primarily outdoors in the Zoo's Glowfari event area during evening hours in various weather conditions, including inclement conditions such as heat, cold, wind and rain, and fluctuating guest attendance levels.

Physical Considerations

- The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Able to bend and twist, lift and carry materials up to 25 lbs, stand, kneel, sit, walk, bend, stoop and speak regularly and for long periods of time (up to 8-hour shifts or more).
• Able to walk long distances on uneven terrain in variable environmental conditions (e.g., steep, muddy, etc.).

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualities

• Communication – communicates respectfully and effectively with stakeholders across identities, both verbally and in writing.
• Inclusive Culture – fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued.
• Sustainability – oriented toward the mission and values of the Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and department.
• Passion – wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo's mission and PRIDE values at all times.
• Wildlife Aware – understands mission to support the conservation and welfare of animals at The Zoo, locally and globally. This is demonstrated by a willingness/passion to reflect this mission in all actions and to continue to learn how to take action for wildlife.

Benefits

Oakland Zoo offers part-time and seasonal employees a valuable benefits package, including an Employee Assistance Program, paid Sick Time, optional 403b retirement plan, and discounted Zoo Membership options. They also have access to various perks, discounts, and programs to enhance their overall experience.