1

Informal Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

... informal STEM education programs. Girlstart's year-round programs inspire girls to transform our world. These programs include after school, week-long summer camps, community STEM programs, and an ...

Houston After School Program Leader

Houston, TX · On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

... informal STEM education programs. Girlstart's year-round programs inspire girls to transform our world. These programs include after school, week-long summer camps, community STEM programs, and an ...

... informal STEM education programs. Girlstart's year-round programs inspire girls to transform our world. These programs include after school, week-long summer camps, community STEM programs, and an ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$103K - $136K/yr

This role includes informal mentorship of junior engineers and participation in team technical standards, but does not require org-wide technical leadership. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES or ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Informal information

See Texas salary details

$16

$21

$26

How much do informal jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for informal in Texas is $21.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an informal job?

An informal job is a type of employment that is not regulated by government laws, labor protections, or formal agreements. These jobs often lack benefits like health insurance, job security, or a fixed salary. Examples include freelance work, street vending, domestic work, and gig economy jobs. Informal jobs can provide income flexibility but may also involve financial instability and lack of worker protections.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an informal worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an informal worker, you need practical expertise in your trade, adaptability, and often some basic literacy or numeracy skills, though formal qualifications are not always required. Familiarity with tools, mobile payment systems, or social media for client interactions can be advantageous. Strong communication, reliability, and self-motivation are important soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities help informal workers secure clients, deliver quality service, and maintain sustainable livelihoods in often unstructured environments.

What are some common challenges faced when working in an informal job setting, and how can they be managed?

Informal jobs often come with challenges such as lack of job security, inconsistent income, and limited access to benefits like healthcare or paid leave. Workers may also experience fewer opportunities for formal training or professional development. To manage these challenges, it's helpful to build a strong network within your field, seek out skill-building opportunities on your own, and maintain clear and open communication with employers or clients about expectations. Additionally, keeping detailed records of work performed can help when seeking future opportunities or negotiating pay.

What is the difference between Informal vs Formal?

AspectInformalFormal
CredentialsMinimal or no certifications requiredTypically requires certifications or specific training
Work EnvironmentCasual, flexible settingsStructured, professional settings
Industry UsageCommon in casual or startup environmentsStandard in corporate or regulated industries
Search & ComparisonOften searched by job seekers looking for casual rolesOften searched by those seeking structured roles

In summary, Informal roles usually involve casual work environments with minimal credentials, while Formal roles are characterized by structured settings and required certifications. The choice depends on the work style and industry standards.

What cities in Texas are hiring for Informal jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Informal job openings:
Infographic showing various Informal job openings in Texas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,098 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Informal Educator - Classroom and Overnight Programs [Part-Time]

San Antonio Zoo

San Antonio, TX • On-site

$13/hr

Part-time

Posted 7 days ago


San Antonio Zoo rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 36 rated wildlife parks and zoos


Job description

Informal Educator- Classroom and Overnight Programs
Collaborate with a passionate Zoo Crew in San Antonio
Choosing where to grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it’s equally important you know that the place you choose to work at will support and guide you. With a diversity of passionate people, San Antonio Zoo is a place where you can collaborate with others securing a future for wildlife.
The Impact You’ll Make in this Role
Join a team charged with inspiring guests to secure a future for wildlife through mission-based zoo programs! Informal Educators are enthusiastic ambassadors responsible for conducting fun and educational programs that inspire people to love, engage, act for and protect animals and the places they live. Programs include, but are not limited to, classroom presentations, day and evening tours, overnights, day camps, adult and family programs, and assisting with school group entry and departure. Informal Educators carefully convey conservation messages and zoo stories in a relatable way that is appropriate for participants.
As an Informal Educator for Classroom Zoo Programs & Overnights, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative and diverse people in San Antonio. Here, you will make an impact by:

  • Deliver engaging, inspiring, accurate and creative programming to a diverse range of zoo guests during child only, adult only and family-oriented programing.
  • Lead, support and interpret age-appropriate presentations, activities, games and zoo tours.
  • Become knowledgeable about program topics, effective delivery methods, and group management.
  • Effectively communicate and model appropriate conservation messages and zoo initiatives to participants.
  • Become proficient in small animal handling and presentations, in accordance with established protocols.
  • Monitor location, safety and wellbeing of all participants attending the program.
  • Become familiar with and maintain current knowledge and status of the zoo’s plants, animals, operations and conservation initiatives.
  • Attend and complete all San Antonio Zoo scheduled meetings, training, and professional development opportunities, as required.
  • Take responsibility for program material set-up and clean up (e.g. arranging furniture, prepping craft supplies, food items).
  • Uphold all company policies as outlined in the Zoo Standard Operating Procedures, SA Zoo Team Member Handbook, and Code of Business Conduct.
  • Current availability requirements for this position are Monday-Friday from 8a-3p. Opportunities to work weekends/overnights may be available but not guaranteed.
  • Scheduling for this position is flexible; availability to work a minimum of 32 scheduled hours per month required. Scheduling is posted ~2 weeks prior and prompt availability communication is essential.
  • Commit to working a schedule created with the availability that is provided to Education leadership.
  • Always offer Awesome Guest Service to all zoo guests, program participants, and the general public.
  • Consistently exhibit an attitude of service inside and outside of the zoo, showing hospitality to all.
  • Be fully committed to the mission of San Antonio Zoo to create awareness that inspires action to care for the wild world we steward and animals we protect.


Other Responsibilities:

  • Performs other work-related duties as required and assigned.


Your Skills and Expertise
To set you up for success in this role from day one, the San Antonio Zoo recommends the following skills/qualifications:

  • Strong communication skills. Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely with team members, volunteers, zoo and program guests, parents, etc.. Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
  • Strong organizational and group management skills.
  • Strong desire to work with children K-12, as well as adult and family groups.
  • Ability to work and complete tasks with minimal oversight or supervision.
  • Ability to work well with a diverse team of staff and volunteers, as well as individually, with limited direction.
  • Ability and flexibility to accommodate last minute program and schedule changes with a positive and supportive attitude.
  • Experience leading group programs e.g. camps, scouts, classroom presentations, children’s programs.
  • Basic knowledge of biology, zoology, and the ability to organize, plan, collaborate and implement educational presentations.
  • At least two years of college coursework in life sciences, zoology, education, environmental interpretation or equivalent experience preferred.
  • Knowledge and experience in conservation education or science is preferred.
  • Ability and desire to deliver year-round outdoor programing.
  • Ability to speak and understand Spanish helpful.
  • Successful candidates must complete a pre-employment National Sex Offender Search, Criminal Background Check, and Drug Screen.
  • We enjoy year-round operation for all staff, must be available day, nights, weekends, and occasional special after-hour assignments.


San Antonio Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. San Antonio Zoo will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.


What San Antonio Zoo employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom