Project Aide, Conservation

About the Position

Note: This is a part-time temporary position scheduled to work 8 - 12 hours/week on weekends that is expected to end on 09/30/2026, with potential to extend in a regular or temporary capacity depending on the needs of the organization.

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

Position Summary

The Conservation Project Aide supports Oakland Zoo’s Beads for Chimps program by assisting with kiosk operations, guest engagement, inventory tracking, and sales transactions. Beads for Chimps is a conservation-focused partnership between Oakland Zoo and the Kibale Women’s Community Action Project in Uganda, featuring handmade paper bead jewelry and fabric items created by women artisans using sustainable materials. Through this project, Oakland Zoo guests can purchase these unique items from the other side of the globe, learn about chimpanzee conservation, and support livelihood opportunities that encourage coexistence with chimpanzees and the surrounding forest habitat. This role helps connect guests with the Zoo’s conservation mission while supporting day-to-day program operations. The position requires strong customer service, attention to detail, and the ability to work in both indoor and outdoor Zoo environments.

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Conservation

Department

Manager:

Seasonal

Part-Time

$20.43 per hour

Application Deadline:

Benefits

Oakland Zoo offers part-time and seasonal 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.

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Apply

Essential Job Duties

Track inventory and support appropriate stock levels for Beads for Chimps merchandise at the kiosk.
Process cash and credit transactions accurately and in accordance with established cash-handling procedures.
Communicate kiosk updates and operational needs to relevant Zoo departments, including through radio communication as needed.
Engage guests in a friendly, knowledgeable, and responsive manner, sharing information about Beads for Chimps, Oakland Zoo’s conservation efforts, and general Zoo operations.
Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming kiosk workspace throughout assigned shifts.
Provide excellent service to Zoo guests and staff while supporting a positive, helpful, and inclusive environment.
Perform other related duties as required or assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Who You Are

Able to read, count and write accurately.
Able to use Excel spreadsheets.
Able to engage with guests and coworkers with positive, efficient interactions
Able to follow policies and procedures as taught and show attentiveness to work
Able to communicate with customers, co-workers, and management.
Able to read, write, and count accurately
Possesses basic math and computer skills
Able to work weekends and holidays

Bonus If You Have

Cash-handling, customer service, sales and/or inventory management experience.
A demonstrated interest in conservation, sustainability, wildlife, or community-based conservation programs.

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

Work in indoor office conditions with exposure to moderate noise levels

Work outdoor environments in various weather conditions, including inclement outdoor weather conditions such as heat, cold, wind and rain.

Physical Considerations - Activities that are commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. 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 objects up to 35 lbs, stand, kneel, sit, walk, bend, stoop and speak regularly and for long periods of time (up to 8 hour shifts or more)

Ability to navigate Zoo grounds

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Required Education

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualities

May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position.

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 always models Oakland Zoo’s mission and PRIDE values.
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.

Who We Are

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 mission is to inspire respect for and stewardship of the natural world, while providing a quality visitor experience. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), The Zoo is part of the largest conservation organization in the nation. Our employees take PRIDE in our values of being Positive, Respectful, Inquisitive, Driven and Effective members of a team who places the care of our animals, stewardship of the natural environment, and the experience of our guests at the forefront of all that we do.

Oakland Zoo’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access

We believe that all people should have safe access to the Zoo and culturally relevant and responsive experiences with our staff, programs and curriculum. Oakland Zoo is also striving to create an equitable and inclusive internal culture where all staff members feel represented and valued for their identities and lived experiences. We examine how power, bias, race and other aspects of identity impact our organization. We work to build a culture of continuous learning and improvement toward a vision of equity and belonging for all staff. We are looking for team members who can actively join us in this process. We are committed to reflecting the diverse community in which we exist and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ identifying folks, and women to apply.

The Conservation Society of California is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, QAOV status, or other characteristics protected by law. The Conservation Society of California also promotes respect for all people and will not tolerate harassment based on any of these characteristics.
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Oakland Zoo participates in E-Verify to verify work authorization.