Job Description

SALARY & FLSA: $21.74 - $23.75 per hour; FLSA non-exempt

$21.74 - $23.75 per hour is the pay range for this job classification. Every temporary Admissions employee is placed at the first step of the job classification's pay range, which is $21.00 per hour. Temporary staff are not eligible to earn more than the Step 1 payrate, which may be adjusted annually.

OPENING DATE: 09/25/26

CLOSING DATE: 10/30/2026 This position will close once a sufficient number of applicants are received.

JOB TYPE: Seasonal, Part-time

UNION: Not Represented

OPENINGS: 14

LOCATION: Onsite

DEPARTMENT: Admissions & Guest Services

This position will work an average of 20 hours per week and is anticipated to end January 17, 2027.

The anticipated shifts are 3:30 pm - 8:30 pm and 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm, candidates with the ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays are strongly preferred.

This job posting is being used to fill two different roles. One position directly supports all aspects of guest entry, while the other position supports on-grounds paid experiences, such as the Carousel and VR experiences.

HOW DO YOU ZOO?

More than 1.3 million people visit Woodland Park Zoo each year. We connect people with wildlife and remind them of what’s at stake in our changing world. Our job is to motivate people to take action and provide them with the tools needed to join us in saving endangered species. Working for the zoo means upholding our mission, “To save wildlife and inspire everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives.” Apply today and show us how you zoo.

WHO YOU ARE

As our new Admissions Attendant, we know you will be successful in this role because you are:

• You’re a welcoming and dependable presence for our guests: You bring strong communication and interpersonal skills to every interaction, creating positive experiences for guests of all backgrounds while keeping admissions running smoothly, even during busy or stressful moments.
• You’re organized, reliable, and detail-focused: You manage multiple tasks at once, demonstrate strong cash handling skills, and maintain accuracy and attention to detail while consistently showing up on time and ready to support the team.
• You’re adaptable and team-oriented: Whether you're working independently or alongside colleagues, you adjust quickly in a fast-changing environment and thrive during seasonal peaks, special events, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• You’re guest-focused and mission-driven – Your enthusiasm for the zoo and its diverse visitors shines through in your commitment to excellent service, inclusivity, and upholding the zoo’s mission and core values every day.

YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform day-to-day operations such as selling general admission, greeting and directing visitors, operating cash registers or point of sale terminals, maintaining a cash drawer, completing daily paperwork, and assisting guests with questions and complaints.
• Provide information to the public in person and on the phone, including but not limited to zoo hours, prices/fees, regulations, programs, exhibits, special events, classes, directions, lost and found items, and the zoo animals.
• Rectify visitor disputes, complaints, and issues or escalate to a lead if appropriate.
• Promote and sell zoo products and experiences.
• Set-up, organize, and arrange any necessary equipment or program items.
• Interact with and assist visitors of all ages. Expedite visitor entry and egress, establish queuing lines, and help with crowd control in a customer friendly manner.
• Function as a parking attendant as required during peak times.
• Support zoo policies in a professional manner.
• Ensure a safe environment for visitors, staff, and volunteers; monitor key areas and entrances and report safety concerns to supervisor in a timely manner.
• Communicate on-site issues and ideas for improvements regarding customer service, personnel, policy or other related areas. May be asked to participate in continuous improvement exercises for the unit.
• Maintain all assigned workspaces by keeping them clean and organized.
• Perform breaks and assist other Admissions units with related projects.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to speak a language in addition to English.

QUALIFICATIONS

• One year certificate from an accredited college or technical school; or one to two years of guest/customer service experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Have strong cash handling skills.
• Ability to work a seasonal, non‐standard/flexible schedule, which may include weekends, evenings, holidays, and during special events.
• Successful applicants must live and work in Washington State to perform this role.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

BENEFITS

The Woodland Park Zoo offers temporary staff the following benefits:

• 4 complimentary Zoo tickets per year plus other discounts and perks 
• Accrue 1 hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked
• 403(b) Retirement Plan  
• Free staff parking
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 

SELECTION PROCESS

Application: Please include a resume with your application through our Zoo Careers site at zoo.org/jobs. Please be sure to list or upload copies of all relevant training and certifications on your application. The zoo may review existing application pools to fill this position or use this pool to fill future vacancies. 

This opportunity is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Woodland Park Zoo values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The zoo encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, 2SLGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. Woodland Park Zoo is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in all its services. If you need accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact our recruiting team at careers@zoo.org.

Screening: Final candidates will be invited for virtual or in-person interviews.

Offer: Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process including the completion of a background check.