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Zoo Ambassador Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ambassador, ZooLights Ambassador, Membership Ambassador, School's Greeter Ambassador. This is not ... Provide excellent guest service to zoo guests and employees by maintaining a WILD (friendly ...

Guest Services Ambassador

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

Ambassador, ZooLights Ambassador, Membership Ambassador, School's Greeter Ambassador. This is not ... Provide excellent guest service to zoo guests and employees by maintaining a WILD (friendly ...

JOB SUMMARY The Dallas Zoo is seeking a zoologist to join our Animal Ambassador Experiences team. The ambassador program has three unique sections directly responsible for the animal husbandry, care ...

Animal Ambassador Specialist

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$17 - $19.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Virginia Zoo is looking to welcome to the team a full-time Animal Ambassador Specialist to join the team! Founded in 1901, the Virginia Zoo is located in Norfolk, VA and is home to more than 700 ...

Guest Ambassador About the Role As a member of the Guest Services Department, you will have the ... Zoo Representation: Represent the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium with professionalism, fostering an open ...

General Application - Animal Care

Dallas, TX · On-site

$15.50 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Dallas Zoo values a variety of professional backgrounds and experiences, including those gained ... Ambassador Animal Experiences The Animal Outreach team provides robust and diverse programming on ...

Director of Education

Syracuse, NY · On-site

$65K - $72K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

... ambassador animal collections utilized across public, camp, and digital programs. * Build a strong collaborative partnership with animal care team and zoo leadership staff to ensure alignment with ...

Collaborate with Zoo departments to develop exhibit messaging, conservation communications, and animal ambassador programming. * Oversee departmental budgets, business planning, attendance goals, and ...

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Zoo Ambassador information

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How much do zoo ambassador jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for zoo ambassador in the United States is $20.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a zoo ambassador?

Zoo Ambassadors are staff members or volunteers who represent the zoo by engaging with visitors, providing information about animals, exhibits, and conservation efforts. They help enhance the guest experience by answering questions, leading educational programs or tours, and ensuring that visitors follow zoo guidelines. Zoo Ambassadors play a key role in promoting wildlife awareness and conservation messages to the public. Their responsibilities may also include assisting with special events and supporting the overall mission of the zoo.

How does a zoo ambassador typically interact with visitors to enhance their educational experience?

Zoo Ambassadors play a vital role in engaging visitors by providing educational talks, guiding tours, and answering questions about animals and conservation efforts. They often use interactive demonstrations and storytelling to make learning enjoyable and memorable for guests of all ages. Building rapport with visitors and adapting communication styles to diverse audiences are essential parts of the role. Additionally, Zoo Ambassadors collaborate closely with animal care staff and educators to stay informed about exhibits and to share up-to-date information.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a zoo ambassador, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Zoo Ambassador, you need a strong background in biology, zoology, or environmental education, often supported by relevant coursework or a degree. Familiarity with educational presentation tools, animal care protocols, and visitor management systems is typically required. Excellent communication, public speaking, and interpersonal skills help you engage diverse audiences and foster positive visitor experiences. These skills are crucial for promoting conservation awareness, ensuring animal welfare, and enhancing the overall guest experience at the zoo.

What is the difference between Zoo Ambassador vs Zoo Educator?

AspectZoo AmbassadorZoo Educator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles prefer related experienceDegree in education, biology, or related field often preferred
Work EnvironmentPublic events, outreach programs, visitor engagement areasEducational programs, school visits, classroom settings within the zoo
Employer & Industry UsageZoos, aquariums, wildlife parks focusing on community outreachZoos, aquariums, museums emphasizing education and visitor learning

Zoo Ambassadors primarily focus on community outreach and engaging visitors through events, while Zoo Educators concentrate on formal educational programs and classroom activities. Both roles support public awareness but differ in their approach and setting.

More about Zoo Ambassador jobs
Infographic showing various Zoo Ambassador job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,047 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Guest Services Ambassador

The Phoenix Zoo

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$18.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Description
We are actively recruiting for the following Ambassador roles:
Ambassador, ZooLights Ambassador, Membership Ambassador, School's Greeter Ambassador.
This job description is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with the role. Management reserves the right to modify this job description at any time and to assign additional or different responsibilities as business needs evolve, such as in response to staffing changes, operational demands, emergencies, or technological developments.
Essential Duties of All Roles:
  1. Provide excellent guest service to zoo guests and employees by maintaining a WILD (friendly, helpful, positive and professional) working attitude, appearance, and assist in creating value for each individual guest and member.
  2. Maintain exceptional standards for guest service, cleanliness, and physical appearance within all locations of the zoo.
  3. Communicate clearly with guests and staff over phone, radio, or in person.
  4. Receive and respond to guest inquiries and complaints, problem-solving in a friendly, helpful, positive, and professional manner.
  5. Communicate any safety or operational concerns to the supervisor in a timely manner.
  6. Monitor the public ensuring the safety of guests and animals, including looking for prohibited items, assisting with crowd control, and communicating with Phoenix Zoo Park Rangers regarding situational concerns.
  7. Serve as a liaison between the Guest Services department and all other departments in the zoo.

Ambassador:
Guest Services Ambassadors provide front line guest service while creating a positive experience that connects our guests with the natural world. They must be able to make a good first impression on our guests.
Technology and guest service experience is a plus! Guest Services responsibilities include selling general admission tickets, validating tickets, stroller and wheelchair rentals, assisting school group entry, and providing general zoo information. Other responsibilities include selling admission tickets for and the operation of Zoo retail venues including Lakeside Carousel, Camel rides, Stingray Bay, Safari Cruiser, ScooterPals!, S'mores Host and other seasonal experiences as needed.
Required Availability:
  1. Availability to work nights, weekends (one full weekend day or half days on each), holidays and school breaks.
  2. Availability to work a minimum of 26 hours per week.
  3. Availability to work a minimum of 3 days per week.

Duration of Employment:September through May/beginning of June. Start date varies.
Essential Duties:
  1. Welcome and provide directional information to guests and members by responding to their inquiries and requests with current and accurate information.
  2. Operate computers and registers to sell admission and Zoo retail venue tickets.
  3. Scan and track tickets, issue and check for wristbands, and group tally counts at points of entry to Zoo and Zoo retail venues.
  4. Perform all duties related to the rental of equipment, including operating computers and point-of-sale registers, processing credit card transactions, reviewing applicable rental agreements, educating guests on safety guidelines and the proper use of rental equipment, and monitoring guest behavior.
  5. Clean and maintain the integrity of rental fleet and tag any broken equipment, reporting any issues to supervisor.
  6. Clean and maintain the integrity of carousel animals, deck, spinning tub and chariot, reporting any issues to supervisor.
  7. Sell and validate tickets at venues, communicate pricing and discounts, and promote current activities and upcoming events.

Each Guest Services Ambassador begins training in one area of focus. These focus areas are listed below. Depending on the business need, there may be opportunities for cross training in additional areas of focus.
AdmissionsExperiences
Zoo Host (Front Entry)
Turnstiles
Admission Booths
Rentals
School's Greeter*
Membership*
Zoo Host (Plaza)
Stingray Bay
Safari Cruiser
ScooterPals!
Camel Rides
Lakeside Carousel
Seasonal Venues
*Review specific job duties below.
ZooLights Ambassador:
Guest Services Ambassadors provide front line guest service while creating a positive experience that connects our guests with the natural world. They must be able to make a good first impression on our guests.
Technology and guest service experience is a plus! Guest Services responsibilities include selling ZooLights and general admission tickets, validating tickets, stroller and mobility assistance rentals, and providing general zoo information. Other responsibilities include selling admission tickets for and the operation of Zoo retail venues including Lakeside Carousel, Camel Rides, S'mores Experience and other seasonal experiences as needed.
Availability Requirements:
  1. Availability to work nights, weekends (one full weekend day or half days on each), holidays and school breaks.
  2. Availability to work a minimum of 26 hours per week.
  3. Availability to work a minimum of 3 evenings per week.

Duration of Employment: Mid-October through mid-January. Start date varies.
Essential Duties
  1. Welcome and provide directional information to guests and members by responding to their inquiries and requests with current and accurate information.
  2. Operate computers and registers to sell admission and Zoo retail venue tickets.
  3. Scan and track tickets, issue and check for wristbands, and group tally counts at points of entry to Zoo and Zoo retail venues.
  4. Perform all duties related to the rental of equipment, including operating computers and point-of-sale registers, processing credit card transactions, reviewing applicable rental agreements, educating guests on safety guidelines and the proper use of rental equipment, and monitoring guest behavior.
  5. Clean and maintain the integrity of rental fleet and tag any broken equipment, reporting any issues to supervisor.
  6. Clean and maintain the integrity of carousel animals, deck, spinning tub and chariot, reporting any issues to supervisor.
  7. Sell and validate tickets at venues, communicate pricing and discounts, and promote current activities and upcoming events.

School's Greeter Ambassador:
The role of Guest Service's School Greeter is responsible for creating a welcoming and friendly environment for all incoming school teachers, chaperones and students. This position plays a crucial role in representing the institution and ensuring a positive first impression and overall experience. The School's Greeter will assist with verifying on-site attendance and communicating rules and procedures to on-site contacts.
Required Availability:
Availability to work 8:30am - 11:30am on Monday through Friday.
Duration of Employment: Mid-September through late May. Start date varies.
Essential Duties:
  1. Welcome all incoming school staff, chaperones, and students with enthusiasm and a friendly demeanor.
  2. Foster a welcoming and supportive environment that engages school staff, chaperones and students; answering general zoo questions with current and accurate information and offering assistance, as needed.
  3. Communicate Zoo policies and field trip guidelines to teachers, chaperones and students.
  4. Coordinate with Guest Services and Park Ranger teams to ensure groups are directed appropriately.
  5. Maintain a calm and composed demeanor in fast-paced situations.
  6. Assist with crowd control and help manage group flow during peak arrival hours.
  7. Provide clear and proper instructional and directional communication.
  8. Work collaboratively with other staff and management to ensure smooth and efficient operation of daily school entry.
  9. Provide support and assistance to coworkers when needed, fostering a cooperative and team-oriented environment.
  10. Uphold and model the Zoo's commitment to safety, accessibility and inclusivity.

Membership Ambassador:
Guest Services Ambassadors provide front line guest service while creating a positive experience that connects our guests with the natural world. They must be able to make a good first impression on our guests.
Technology and guest service experience is a plus! The Membership Ambassador supports the Member Relations department by performing daily tasks essential to the successful operation of the Phoenix Zoo's membership program. Responsibilities include promoting and selling membership packages, processing membership transactions, entering/ maintaining accurate member information, and assisting with membership fulfillment while providing exceptional guest service.
Required Availability:
  1. Availability to work nights, weekends (one full weekend day or half days on each), holidays and school breaks.
  2. Availability to work a minimum of 26 hours per week.
  3. Availability to work a minimum of 3 days per week.

Duration of Employment: Mid-September through late May/ beginning of June. Start date varies.
Qualifications:
  1. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, such as Word and Excel, required.
  2. Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
  3. Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and maintain attention to detail.
  4. Ability to work effectively both independently and within a team environment.
  5. Ability to establish and maintain excellent rapport with various individuals and groups including Zoo staff, members, donors, volunteers and the public.

Essential Duties
  1. Serve as a Membership sales representative by capturing new sales, processing renewals and promoting upgrades as well as providing a clear explanation of membership discounts and benefits.
  2. Perform all opening and closing procedures for the Membership Booth.
  3. Welcome guests and members, provide directional information and respond to inquiries and requests with current and accurate information.
  4. Collaborate with the Guest Services team to ensure guests receive exceptional service and a positive experience during every interaction.
  5. Maintain exceptional standards for guest service, cleanliness and physical appearance within all locations of the Zoo.
  6. Communicate clearly with guests and staff over the phone, radio or in person.
  7. Monitor the public, ensuring the safety of guests and animals, including looking for prohibited items, assisting with crowd control and communicating with rangers regarding situational concerns.

Requirements
Qualifications of All Roles:
  1. Guest service experience preferred.
  2. Ability to engage and communicate effectively with guests of all ages through good listening skills, friendliness, enthusiasm, and a positive and professional attitude.
  3. Ability to adapt to a fast-paced working environment.
  4. Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
  5. Ability to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions.
  6. Ability to ascend/descend stairs, bend, squat, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, twist at the waist, push, pull and periodically lift up to 50 pounds 4 feet off the ground.
  7. Reliable transportation to and from work.
  8. Ability to pass pre-employment background check and drug test.
  9. Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus.
  10. Experience working with computers and familiarity with Gateway Galaxy POS system a plus.