Job Description

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors — the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park — giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Tour Operator Guide works under general supervision and presents an informative narration on tours throughout the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. This position reports to the Transportation or Tours Supervisor.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Performs as organization’s public relations representative in the Transportation Department
• Conducts an average of five to six tours daily
• Presents educational and entertaining narrative simultaneously while driving a tour vehicle
• Presents a positive, friendly, and outgoing image
• Conducts tours in an organized, safe and timely manner
• Interacts with tour patrons continuously
• Loads and unloads tour vehicles
• Educates the public and maintains the organization’s image of goodwill
• Conducts tours on paths, walkways and behind the scenes areas
• Conducts special tours as required
• Distinguishes wildlife in camouflaged habitats
• Responds to medical and mechanical emergencies
• May work relief lead shifts

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The Tour Operator Guide serves as the voice of the San Diego Zoo by providing an engaging, educational tour that introduces guests to our plants and animals as well as our hubs of conservation activity and our leadership role in the conservation community. In addition to narrating tours and at Panda Ridge, these positions drive vehicles, including both double-deck and single-deck buses, through the Zoo grounds in a manner that promotes our reputation for safety and professionalism. Work or volunteer experience in public speaking and guest service is necessary and fluency in a second language and prior experience with classroom teaching is highly desirable. Positions will last until approximately September 2, 2025.

• JOB EXPERIENCE
• Training and/or experience which would demonstrate the essential functions, knowledge and skills outlined. An example of which would be prior training or education in the life sciences and prior experience in public speaking
• EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
• Current valid California Driver’s License in good standing
• Current valid California Class B Driver’s License in good standing
• Must be able to pass a DMV class B physical for Zoo bus positions
• SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
• Zoology, with special attention to the care and unique qualities of the wildlife in residence
• Layout of the Zoo or Safari Park
• Organization policies, rules and practices
• Public speaking
• Principles of public relations
• Communicate clear and concise via an amplified public address system
• Operate tour vehicle safely and efficiently
• Handle repetition and unruly passengers
• Update knowledge of animal exhibit and condition changes
• Distinguish wildlife in camouflaged habitats
• Follow directions effectively
• Handle physical, medical, and mechanical emergencies
• Monitor sounds
• Perform the duties outlined above

SOME OF THE PERKS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER

• Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Family Passes
• Complimentary Tickets
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Location: San Diego, CA
• Position Type: Hourly Part-Time Non-Exempt Seasonal Six-Month Union Position - If selected, there will be fees and dues to be paid to the Union
• Hourly Rate: $22.87

Fraudulent Recruiting
Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.
If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.

Be an ally for wildlife by joining our team!

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we thrive on celebrating our differences. Diversity is vital for the benefit of our team members, our guests, our community, and our wildlife.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.

As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.

Job Tags

Hourly pay, Part time, For contractors, Relief, Seasonal work, Local area, Immediate start, Shift work,

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