Job Details

Guest Services Ambassador - Temporary, Part-Time

Were looking for a friendly and enthusiastic individual to serve as a Guest Services Ambassador for the Santa Barbara Zoo. This temporary, part-time position offers an hourly wage of $16.50 and up to 25 hours per week. Job is scheduled through February 2026.

Position Status: Part?Time, Temporary, Hourly, Non?Exempt

Schedule: Up to 25 hours per week, including weekends, holidays, and school breaks.

Compensation: $16.50 per hour

Application: You must also complete the Zoos Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position.

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, a 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
• Answers 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 relations 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 Zoos 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 Zoos 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

• Greets every guest with a smile
• Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo
• Answers phone calls, voicemails, and e?mails promptly
• Ensures the Zoos 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 Zoos 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 Zoos 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 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 Zoos 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.

At this time, the Zoo does not sponsor employment or internship visas.

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.