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Safari Park Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Virginia Safari Park

Other Positions

Virginia, MN · On-site

$11.50 - $15/hr

Zoo Crew - Guest Services Department The Virginia Safari Park seeks motivated individuals to join our Zoo Crew in the Guest Services Department. The ideal candidate must be friendly, outgoing, and ...

Association of Asian American Veterinary Medical Professionals

$130.42 - $146.72/hr

Informs protocols and practices to improve care and management of animals across the San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, and SDZWA's field programs. Collaborates with scientific colleagues within and outside ...

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$8

$46

$192

How much do safari park jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for safari park in the United States is $46.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a safari park worker do?

Safari Park workers are professionals who help operate and maintain safari parks, which are large wildlife reserves where visitors can observe animals in environments that resemble their natural habitats. Their roles can include animal care, guiding tours, educating guests about wildlife, ensuring visitor safety, maintaining park facilities, and supporting conservation efforts. Some may specialize in animal health as veterinary staff, while others focus on customer service or park maintenance. The work often involves a combination of outdoor activity, animal interaction, and public engagement. Safari Park workers play a crucial role in wildlife preservation and in providing educational and memorable experiences for visitors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a safari park ranger?

To thrive as a Safari Park Ranger, you need expertise in wildlife management, conservation principles, and often a degree in biology, zoology, or environmental science. Familiarity with GPS tracking, animal care software, and first aid certifications are typically required. Strong communication, public engagement, and crisis management skills help rangers educate visitors and handle emergencies. These abilities are crucial for ensuring animal welfare, guest safety, and effective conservation efforts in a dynamic park environment.

What are some common challenges faced by staff working in a safari park environment?

Staff members at a Safari Park often encounter unique challenges, such as managing the safety of both visitors and animals while maintaining an engaging educational experience. Working outdoors means adapting to varying weather conditions and sometimes dealing with unpredictable animal behavior. Additionally, effective teamwork and communication are essential, as staff must collaborate closely with animal care specialists, educators, and guest services to ensure smooth park operations. Flexibility and a strong commitment to animal welfare and guest satisfaction are crucial to thriving in this dynamic environment.

What is the difference between Safari Park vs Zookeeper?

AspectSafari ParkZookeeper
Primary RoleManaging and overseeing large-scale wildlife exhibits and safaris for public education and entertainmentCaring for and maintaining individual animals in zoo or wildlife sanctuary settings
Work EnvironmentOpen-air safari parks, large outdoor enclosures, public interaction areasZoo enclosures, animal habitats, indoor facilities
Required CredentialsWildlife management, environmental science, or related fields; certifications varyVeterinary technology, animal science, or related certifications

While both roles involve working with animals, Safari Park staff focus on managing large-scale exhibits and public safaris, whereas Zookeepers primarily care for individual animals within zoo settings. Safari Park roles often require knowledge of wildlife management and outdoor work, while Zookeeper roles emphasize animal husbandry and veterinary care.

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What cities are hiring for Safari Park jobs?

Cities with the most Safari Park job openings:

What states have the most Safari Park jobs?

States with the most job openings for Safari Park jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Safari Park jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Safari Park jobs are:

Safari Park jobs near you
Infographic showing various Safari Park job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,893 per year, or $46.6 per hour.

Food Server - Part Time - San Diego Zoo Safari Park

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Escondido, CA • On-site

$19.50/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

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 Food Server performs a variety of moderately difficult duties in greeting and taking orders from restaurant guests, serving guests, keeping assigned tables and areas clean and orderly. This position reports to the Lead Food Server, Manager and Supervisor.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
  • Welcomes and greets guests
  • Takes and serves food and beverages orders tableside
  • Prepares certain menu items including salads, appetizers, and desserts
  • Advises customers' regarding menu items
  • Make Customer Service a top priority
  • Politely and professionally answers guests' questions regarding the Zoo or Safari Park
  • Professionally handle difficult situations with employees and guests
  • Keeps assigned areas clean, orderly and in a safe condition
  • Assists new personnel as needed
  • Assists (Lead, Cooks, Manager and Supervisor) as needed
  • Assists with special events when needed
  • Compliance with the SDZWA and Health Departments uniform standards
  • Maintains a passing grade on the County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health Food Handlers exams
  • Maintains a passing grade on the Environmental Health Department tests
  • Adheres to all SDZWA and department policies and practices
  • Performs related duties and responsibilities as required

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The ideal candidate will obtain an RBS Certification and Food Handler's Card within 30 days of starting the position.
  • JOB EXPERIENCE
    • At least one year of full service or fine dining restaurant experience.
  • SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
    • Wine, premium beers and specialty cocktails
    • Standard menu items and daily specials
    • Cash handling procedures
    • Safety and sanitation methods used in the preparation and serving of food
    • Basic inventory controls and best practices
    • Basic usage and care of standard kitchen equipment and utensils
    • Guest service standards and policies
    • Operate and understand the cash register system
    • Proficiently handle cash and credit card transactions
    • Understand and carry out oral and written instructions
    • Make simple arithmetic calculations
    • Communicate effectively (verbal and written)
    • Interact tactfully and courteously with guests and employees
    • Work effectively in a team environment
    • Multi-task and prioritize to meet the demands of business
    • Work in a high volume, fast-paced environment
    • Work competently with large diverse groups of people
    • Perform required clean-up work

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: $19.50

About The Salary Ranges
The posted salary range represents the full compensation potential for this role over time. Initial hiring offers are typically made within the lower to mid portion of the range and are based on a combination of relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and organizational considerations. Placement near the top of the range is generally reserved for individuals who demonstrate sustained performance, growth, and expanded responsibilities in the role over time.
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.

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