This is a temporary, part-time position.Are you a friendly and enthusiastic individual who loves creating memorable experiences? The Santa Barbara Zoo is looking for a Guest Services Ambassador to provide exceptional customer service and ensure every guest has an unforgettable experience. Join us and become the welcoming face that connects our guests to wildlife and conservation!
Position Status: Part-Time, Temporary, Hourly, Non-Exempt
Schedule: Up to 25 hours per work week, including weekends, holidays, and school breaks. We are currently hiring for seasonal positions for now through September 2026.
Compensation: $16.90 per hour
*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*
SUMMARY:
Under the general direction of the Director of Events & Guest Services, the Events & Guest Services Manager, the Guest Services Supervisor, and the Guest Services Lead, the Guest Services Ambassador facilitates a positive guest experience by providing excellent service to all those visiting the Santa Barbara Zoo.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
- Greets every Guest within 10 feet with a warm smile, and every guest within 5 feet with a friendly “hello”
- Answer phone calls promptly and professionally
- Promotes the sale of memberships and processes the paperwork
- Performs duties of ticket sales and customer service at Admissions and Parking
- Performs guest safety for trains by closing gates and blocking tracks
- Responds to all guest inquiries, comments, and criticisms in a timely manner, in accordance with the guest relation’s procedures
- Associates with guests to share information, identify their needs, and make their experience a more personal one, providing a high level of customer service and satisfaction
- Performs opening and closing procedures and assures that all necessary tasks are completed
- Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping the work area clean, picking up trash while out in the Zoo, and reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions
- Follows cash handling and point-of-sale procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual
- Adheres to the Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual
- Other duties as assigned
- Understanding/Handling Emergency Situations:
- Responds to emergencies quickly and follows emergency protocols
- Remains calm and creates an atmosphere of calm and control for those dealing with the emergency situation
SECONDARY DUTIES:Guest Relations:
- Greets every guest with a smile
- Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo
- Answers phone calls, voice mails, and e-mails promptly
- Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions
- Associates with guests to assist and share information
- Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures
- Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code
- Takes responsibility for staying informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings
- Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement, the Zoo’s Core Values, and the Employee Pledge
- Applies and exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible
- Other miscellaneous duties as required
POSITION CRITERIA:To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Education & Experience:
- Customer service experience preferred
- At least 16 years of age
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
- Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and our guests
- Ability to maintain a diligent, friendly, and professional demeanor
- Attention to detail
- Team oriented
- Effective oral communication skills
- Ability to effectively problem solve
- Ability to follow oral and written directions
- Ability to exercise safe work habits
- Ability to simultaneously assist and interact with guests while overseeing an event
- Must be enthusiastic, outgoing, and personable
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
- Requires the ability to access all areas of the facility
- Must be able to climb stairs and stand/walk for up to two continuous hours
- Involves walking out-of-doors in all weather conditions (climate in Santa Barbara is mild)
- Supportive and open employment culture
- Regularly lifts and carries objects weighing up to 20 lbs.
- Occasionally lifts and carries objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
Tools Used:
- Hand tools
- Electric cart
- Two-way radio
- Flashlights
- Office Equipment
BENEFITS & PERKS:
- Great team, beautiful grounds, amazing animal collection, sunshine & ocean view almost year-round!
- Free parking, free guest passes, unlimited free tea/coffee every morning, 20% discounts on food services and retail purchases
- Access to the Collabornation learning platform, professional development events, and lunch & learn opportunities
*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*
Please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.
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This job description is representative of the expectations of the position described. Additional duties, reporting relationships, and/or position criteria may be assigned as deemed necessary by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative. No changes to this job description shall be made without written permission by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative. The Zoo reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description does not constitute a contract for employment, and does not guarantee employment for any specified period of time. The job description does not in any way alter the at-will employment relationship.
At this time, the Zoo does not sponsor employment or internship visas.
Compensation: $16.90 per hour
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive
consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex,
national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other
characteristic protected by law.
Do you love animals and working with people? Join the fun, caring, friendly, and energetic team at the Santa Barbara Zoo in our mission of preservation, conservation, and enhancement of the natural world and its living treasures through education, research, and recreation.
Once you apply, please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.
The Santa Barbara Zoo is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and is a fully accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Known as one of the world’s most beautiful zoos, it is located on 30 acres of lush botanic gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is home to more than 146 animal species living in open, naturalistic habitats. Our wonderful collaborative team includes up to 220 employees and 50 volunteers.
