Zoo Attendant - GlowFari (Part-time)

About the Position

This is a is a part-time, temporary position that works evening shifts 3–4-hours in length, 3-4 days per week, typically between 4pm and 9pm. Zoo Attendants are key, seasonal team members in the Animal Care Department who provide an interface between Zoo guests and the animals. Zoo Attendants are outgoing and comfortable with respectfully enforcing Zoo rules and engaging Zoo guests in discussions during our annual nighttime holiday event - Glowfari. Zoo Attendants ensure that guests have the best experience possible by answering questions, giving directions, and reinforcing Zoo rules. This is a is a part-time, temporary position that works evening shifts 3–4-hours in length, 3-4 days per week, typically between 4pm and 9pm.

This is a part-time, temporary position lasting from November 2025 to January 2026.

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Animal Care, Conservation & Research

Department

Manager:

Adam Fink

Seasonal

Part-Time

20.43

Application Deadline:

Benefits

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.

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Essential Job Duties

‍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 pay rate will be our best and final compensation offer.

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., know hours of operations, food service etc., and 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 Glowfari event
Perform other related duties as required and assigned

Who You Are

No experience necessary although preference is given to those with animal care and/or interpretation experience
Excellent guest service communication skills and attitude
Valid driver’s license and clean driving record

Willingness to work unusual hours, weekends, and holidays

Physical Considerations

Good physical condition with ability to walk long distances over uneven terrain, and willingness to work in adverse weather conditions

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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.

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

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.