Tour Operator Guide - Seasonal - Part Time - San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance•San Diego, CA

1d•$30•Onsite

About The Position

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors — the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park — giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives. 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. 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 August 10, 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.

Requirements

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
Must be able to pass a DMV class B physical for Zoo bus positions.
Knowledge of: Zoology, with special attention to the care and unique qualities of the wildlife in residence
Knowledge of: Layout of the Zoo or Safari Park
Knowledge of: Organization policies, rules and practices
Knowledge of: Public speaking
Knowledge of: Principles of public relations
Ability to: Communicate clear and concise via an amplified public address system
Ability to: Operate tour vehicle safely and efficiently
Ability to: Handle repetition and unruly passengers
Ability to: Update knowledge of animal exhibit and condition changes
Ability to: Distinguish wildlife in camouflaged habitats
Ability to: Follow directions effectively
Ability to: Handle physical, medical, and mechanical emergencies
Ability to: Monitor sounds
Ability to: Perform the duties outlined above

Nice To Haves

Valid California Class B Driver License
classroom teaching
higher education
foreign language skills

Responsibilities

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.