Seasonal Amusement Ride Inspector Jobs in Castro Valley, CA

Note: This is a part-time seasonal position that is expected to start on 10/01/2026 end on 02/19/2027, with potential to extend in a regular or temporary capacity depending on the needs of the organization. We are looking to hire 20 - 25 people for this position.

Payrate: To maintain internal equity, we have identified the payrate for this position at the Oakland Zoo as $20.97 per hour. An offer at this rate will be our best and final compensation offer, in alignment with the Zoo's compensation philosophy.

Guest Services Representatives play a key role in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone who visits the zoo. They will be asked to play many roles throughout the zoo, including greeting guests, managing ingress/egress, staffing various guest services locations, assisting people in boarding the gondola, and safely operating amusement rides. These staff will interact with numerous other departments and are expected to maintain their service level across those interactions as well. These essential members of our team help connect folks to amazing experiences at the Zoo.

Essential Job Duties

• Demonstrates superior customer service with customers, both internal (i.e., co-workers) and external (vendors, visitors, customers, etc.)
• Greets guests and safely welcomes them on and off all rides/attractions
• Greets guests and assists in guest flow in and out of the park and throughout the zoo
• Learns and maintains an understanding of zoo protocols and policies to ensure proper guest engagement
• Responds appropriately to emergency situations
• Maintains a clean and orderly work area
• Arrives in uniform, on time, and ready to work each day
• Performs other related duties as required and assigned

Who You Are:

• At least 18 years of age.
• Able to engage with guests and coworkers with positive, efficient interactions.
• Able to follow policies and procedures as taught, show attentiveness to work, and be safety conscious.
• Able to learn to operate various rides and detect possible problems with ride operation.
• Able to read, write, and count accurately.
• Able to work weekends, nights, and holidays.

Work Environment - Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

• Work in outdoor environments in various weather conditions, including inclement outdoor weather conditions such as heat, cold, wind and rain.

Physical Considerations - The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Able to bend and twist, lift, stand, kneel, sit, walk, bend, stoop and speak regularly and for long periods of time (up to 8 hour shifts or more).
• Ability to navigate Zoo grounds.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities – May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position.

• Communication – communicates respectfully and effectively with stakeholders across identities, both verbally and in writing
• Collaboration – builds trusting relationships with both internal and external stakeholders across our organization and community-wide and approaches differences of opinion with curiosity and humility
• Dependability – demonstrates trustworthiness and reliability, including while working with little or no direct supervision
• Flexibility – nimbly adapts to evolving priorities and urgent needs; handles intervals of high pressure while maintaining perspective and humor
• Inclusive Culture - fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued
• Passion – wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo’s mission and PRIDE values at all times
• Wildlife Aware - understands mission to support the conservation and welfare of animals at The Zoo, locally and globally. This is demonstrated by a willingness/passion to reflect this mission in all actions and to continue to learn how to take action for wildlife
• Sustainability – oriented toward the mission and values of the Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and department