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Safari Park Jobs (NOW HIRING)

OMAHA ZOO GROUP

Lead VeterinaryTechnician

Omaha, NE · On-site

$22.53/hr

Simmons Wildlife Safari Park. OHDZA offers an exceptional opportunity for individuals to work in a unique setting that encompasses a zoo, aquarium and safari park within one company. This position ...

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$8

$46

$192

How much do safari park jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 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 are Safari Park workers and what do they 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 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Safari Park Ranger, and why are they important?

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.
More about Safari Park jobs
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,893 per year, or $46.6 per hour.
Tour Operator Guide - Part Time - San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Tour Operator Guide - Part Time - San Diego Zoo Safari Park

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Escondido, CA • On-site

$29.99/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 22 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 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 Carts & BTS Tours Supervisor.
This class differs from the Educator Guide class at the Zoo and Safari Park in that the Educator Guide handles wildlife.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
  • 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.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Safari Experiences is seeking an individual who is inspired to be part of an organization that is committed to protecting wildlife around the globe. The Tour Operator Guide will lead premium Cart Safari and Behind the Scenes tours throughout the San Diego Zoo Safari Park while upholding high guest service and safety standards. Highly motivated, enthusiastic, and personable applicants are encouraged to apply. Preferred candidates would have experience with some or all of the following: engaging with audiences of all backgrounds, sharing conservation stories in an engaging manner, and excellent teamwork skills. Schedule availability of at least 4 days a week, including both weekend days, is highly desirable.
JOB EXPERIENCE
  • 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 life sciences and prior experience in public speaking; must be 18 years of age.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
  • Valid California Driver License Upon Hire required
  • Valid California Class B Driver License preferred
  • Must be able to pass a DMV class B physical for Zoo bus positions.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge of:
  • Zoology, with special attention to the care and unique qualities of the wildlife in residence
  • Layout of the Zoo or Safari Park
  • Organization policies, rules and practices
  • Public speaking
  • Principles of public relations

Ability to:
  • Communicate clear and concise via an amplified public address system
  • Operate tour vehicle safely and efficiently
  • Handle repetition and unruly passengers
  • Update knowledge of animal exhibit and condition changes
  • Distinguish wildlife in camouflaged habitats
  • Follow directions effectively
  • Handle physical, medical, and mechanical emergencies
  • Monitor sounds
  • Perform the duties outlined above

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
  • Companion 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: $29.99

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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