Education Walking Tour Guide - Part Time - San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Job Description Posted Friday, May 8, 2026 at 10:00 AM | Expires Friday, May 22, 2026 at 9:59 AM 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 Walking Tour Guide will support the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's vision of creating a world where all life thrives, by leading premium experiences throughout the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The Walking Tour Guide will uphold high guest service and safety standards, while sharing impactful conservation stories that inspire our guests to make a difference for wildlife. The Walking Tour Guide is expected to engage with guests in front of various wildlife habitats or during guided walking tours. This position may require early morning or late-night shifts. This position reports to the Education Supervisor. The Walking Tour Guide's primary responsibilities are to comply with all safety rules and procedures during daily operation, to serve as Storytellers to Safari Parks guests, and to provide high quality guest service to all Safari Park guests. The Walking Tour Guide consistently demonstrates a desire and ability to engage in positive relationships with internal and external customers as a representative of the

SDZWA. WHAT YOU WILL DO

Connects with guests on paths, walkways and behind-the-scenes areas in front of or within various wildlife spaces while on foot in all weather conditions Showcases the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance as a conservation leader by presenting a positive, friendly and outgoing image while conducting multiple tours daily in a safe and timely manner and monitoring 2-way radio communication Follows all safety standards, behind-the-scenes protocols, biosecurity measures and reports issues in a timely manner Creates authentic and meaningful connections with guests, while sharing SDZWA conservation stories and wildlife natural history ensuring all tour requirements are met Assists with checking in guests, managing crowds and practice effective guest management strategies Conducts special tours, VIP tours and PR tours as required Responds and provides support in emergency situations

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park's Education Department is seeking an individual who is inspired to be a part of an organization that is committed to protecting wildlife around the globe. Someone to join us in our commitment to provide innovative opportunities for learning and share how SDZWA's work is changing outcomes for wildlife every day through visits to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Preferred candidate would have experience with some or all of the following: experience teaching children (K-12) in an informal or formal educational setting, ability to engage and interact with groups varying in size, and ability to learn and implement life science curriculum content for audiences of all ages. Please note that the Safari Park's Education Department does not oversee the Safari Tours available for booking on our website. 75% of the Safari Park's Education Department audience are youth aged 4-18 in a classroom setting. Our current department's operating days are Monday through Saturday, subject to change in the future.

JOB EXPERIENCE EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

Training and/or experience which would demonstrate the essential functions, knowledge and skills outlined. Must be 18 years of age.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge of:

Layout of the Zoo or Safari Park Wildlife natural history and SDZWA conservation stories Organizational policies, rules and practices Ability to: Communicate clear and concise information to large groups Practice effective guest management strategies Monitor 2-way radio and park sounds Understand and communicate instructions and directions Handle physical, medical and mechanical emergencies Perform the essential functions and representative duties listed

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:

Escondido, CA Position Type:

Hourly Part-Time Non-Exempt Union Position - If selected, there will be fees and dues to be paid to the union

Hourly Rate:

$26.79 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. 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027, USA