Summer Seasonal Guest Services Representative; Part-time

Pay Rate: To maintain internal equity, we have identified the pay rate for this position at the Oakland Zoo as $20.43 per hour. An offer at this rate will be our best and final compensation offer.

Note:
This is a seasonal part-time position, lasting from May 4, 2026 to August 9, 2026.
Applications are due by April 5, 2026. We are looking to hire around 20 people for this position.

Guest Services Representatives play a key role in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone who visits the zoo. They will be asked to play many roles throughout the Zoo including greeting guests, managing ingress/egress, staffing various guest services locations, assisting people in boarding the gondola and safely operating amusement rides. These staff will interact with numerous other departments and are expected to maintain their service level across those interactions as well.

These essential members of our team help connect folks to amazing experiences at the Zoo.

• Demonstrates superior customer service with customers, both internal (i.e. co-workers) and external (vendors, visitors, customers, etc.)
• Greets guests and safely welcome them on and off all rides/attractions
• Greets guests and assist in guest flow in and out of the park and throughout the zoo
• Learns and maintains an understanding of zoo protocols and policies to ensure proper guest engagement
• Responds appropriately to emergency situations
• Maintains a clean and orderly work area
• Arrives in uniform, on time, and ready to work each day
• Performs other related duties as required and assigned

• At least 18 years of age
• Excels in engaging with guests and coworkers with positive, efficient interactions
• Able to follow policies and procedures as taught, show attentiveness to work and be safety conscious
• Able to learn to operate various rides and detect possible problems with ride operation
• Able to read, write and count accurately
• Ability to navigate complex customer service situations

• Able to bend and twist, lift, stand, kneel, sit, walk, bend, stoop and speak regularly and for long periods of time (up to 8 hour shifts or more)

• Must be able to tolerate varying inclement outdoor weather conditions such as heat, cold, wind and rain.

Oakland Zoo offers part-time employees a valuable benefits package, including an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Paid Sick Time, optional 403b Retirement Plan, and a Zoo Membership. They also have access to various perks, discounts, and programs to enhance their overall experience.

• Communication – communicates respectfully and effectively with stakeholders across identities, both verbally and in writing
• Collaboration – builds trusting relationships with both internal and external stakeholders across our organization and community-wide and approaches differences of opinion with curiosity and humility
• Dependability – demonstrates trustworthiness and reliability, including while working with little or no direct supervision
• Flexibility – nimbly adapts to evolving priorities and urgent needs; handles intervals of high pressure while maintaining perspective and humor
• Inclusive Culture - fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued
• 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
• 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

Oakland Zoo (managed by The Conservation Society of California) is an award-winning facility stretching 100 acres and overlooking the city of Oakland atop the hills of beautiful Knowland Park. Our…