Job Description

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international, nonprofit conservation organization with two front doors: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We integrate wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Guest Ambassador is committed to the department's mission and vision of providing the finest customer service to each guest by actively engaging in meaningful guest encounters. The Guest Ambassador performs a variety of duties providing assistance to the organization visitors. This position reports to the Guest Ambassador Lead, Supervisor, or Manager.

WHAT YOU WILL DO
• Provides guest service by greeting guests, providing directions/general information, and maintains crowd control as needed.
• Checks various forms of admission and applicable identification, utilizes variety of tools to maintain proper attendance counts.
• Provides special event support, works with outside vendors and provides transportation utilizing company vehicles.
• Responds to guest inquiries, and refers questions/concerns to Guest Services/Duty Manager as appropriate.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Candidates should have customer service and/or guest relations experience with the ability to communicate clearly, confidently, and professionally with guests. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to comfortably engage with diverse audiences of all ages and backgrounds. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong problem-solving abilities and maintains a positive attitude in fast-paced environments. Experience in public speaking, education, hospitality, interpretation, or informal learning environments is preferred. Candidates should also demonstrate reliability, professionalism, and accountability in their work.

• JOB EXPERIENCE
◦ Customer service and/or guest relations experience

• EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
◦ Current valid California driver’s license in good standing

• SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
◦ Ability to manage internal and external customer interactions with a high level of tact and diplomacy
◦ Able to effectively work in a team environment
◦ Able to communicate and work well with others
◦ Ability to take direction
◦ Knowledge of how to use two-way radio equipment
◦ Ability to use point-of-sales automated systems
◦ Bilingual preferred

SOME OF THE REWARDS 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
• Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
IMPORTANT DETAILS
• Location: San Diego, CA
• Position Type: Hourly Part-Time Non-Exempt Seasonal Position through September 7, 2026.
• Hourly Rate: $19.50
About The Salary Ranges
The posted salary range represents the full compensation potential for this role over time. Initial hiring offers are typically made within the lower to mid portion of the range and are based on a combination of relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and organizational considerations. Placement near the top of the range is generally reserved for individuals who demonstrate sustained performance, growth, and expanded responsibilities in the role over time.
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.
At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we celebrate our differences and foster a culture of belonging. Diversity strengthens our employees, enriches our guests’ experiences, deepens our connection to our community, and supports the wildlife we serve.

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. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.