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 Tour Operator Guide performs all job assignments with a positive attitude that supports San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's mission and vision of saving species worldwide by uniting our expertise in wildlife care and conservation science with our dedication to inspiring passion for nature. The Tour Operator Guide works under general supervision to engage and captivate guests through storytelling while operating vehicles and in department areas. They are responsible for facilitating tours, queuing, loading, and dispatching safely and efficiently, providing an exceptional experience for our guests at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. This position reports to the Attractions & Transportation or Tours Supervisor.

This class differs from the Educator Guide class at the Zoo and Safari Park in that the Educator Guide handles wildlife.

WHAT YOU WILL DO
• Serves as the voice for the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, offering captivating an educational tours and connections that introduce our guests to plant, wildlife, conservation science, and our leadership role in the conservation community.
• Operates vehicles in a manner that promotes our reputation for safety and professionalism including responding to medical and mechanical emergencies as needed. Closely observes pathway conditions and riders, actively looks for and reporting potential safety hazards, and follows department guidelines on timeliness to ensure the efficiency of the department.
• Facilitates boarding processes and engage with guests to answer questions and ensure adherence to safety guidelines. Records and input guest counts and operational data.
• Provides consistently welcoming guest service throughout all job assignments.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The Tour Operator Guide serves as the voice of the San Diego Zoo by delivering engaging, educational tours that highlight our animals, plants, conservation hubs, and leadership in the global conservation community. In this role, guides safely drive double and single deck buses, conduct five to six mission focused tours per shift, assist with boarding procedures, narrate at Panda Ridge, and provide warm, professional guest service. Ideal candidates are passionate about conservation education, thrive in a fast paced environment, are receptive to feedback, and can communicate tactfully while problem solving in real time. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid driver’s license with a good driving record, and have experience in public speaking and guest service, with classroom teaching, higher education, and foreign language skills preferred. These seasonal positions run through September 8, 2026, and selected candidates must provide a current DMV record, pass a Class B physical, and be able to clearly explain scientific concepts to diverse audiences.

JOB EXPERIENCE
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
• 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; must be 18 years of age.
• Valid California Driver License And Upon Hire required
• Valid California Class B Driver License preferred
• Must be able to pass a DMV class B physical for Zoo bus positions.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge of:
• 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
Ability to:
• 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 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 Union Position ending September 8, 2026 - If selected, there will be fees and dues to be paid to the union
• Hourly Rate: $29.99
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.