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Zoo Security Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Woodland Park Zoo

Security Officer (Overnight)

Seattle, WA · On-site

$32.47 - $37.09/hr

Security This position's work schedule is anticipated to be over the night shift (Wednesday thru ... HOW DO YOU ZOO? More than 1.3 million people visit Woodland Park Zoo each year. We connect people ...

Nashville Zoo

Security & Safety Manager

Nashville, TN · On-site

Position: Safety & Security Manager, Full Time Department: Facilities Supervisor: Director of ... Nashville Zoo is dedicated to inspiring a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural ...

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Zoo New England

Safety & Security Officer

Stoneham, MA · On-site

$19/hr

Ensure safety and security by patrolling zoo grounds, monitoring in person and cameras, and responding to emergencies, including first aid, and CPR. Guards also maintain access control, escort ...

Memphis Zoo

East Gate Officer (Full Time)

Memphis, TN · On-site

$16.25/hr

Summary: The East Gate Officer position is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of the Zoo by monitoring entrances, checking credentials, issuing visitor badges, and conducting ...

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How much do zoo security jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for zoo security in the United States is $19.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a zoo security officer?

Zoo security officers are professionals responsible for maintaining the safety and security of zoo visitors, staff, animals, and property. Their duties include monitoring surveillance systems, patrolling zoo grounds, responding to emergencies, and ensuring that safety protocols are followed. They also help manage crowd control during busy periods and work closely with zoo staff to handle incidents involving both people and animals. The role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

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

To thrive as a Zoo Security Officer, you need a solid understanding of security protocols, observational skills, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, sometimes supplemented by security guard certification. Familiarity with surveillance systems, access control technology, and emergency communication tools is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, alertness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help in effectively managing both public and animal-related incidents. These skills are crucial to ensure the safety of guests, staff, and animals while maintaining a secure and welcoming environment.

What are the most common challenges faced by zoo security personnel during daily operations?

Zoo security personnel often encounter challenges such as ensuring visitor and animal safety, responding to medical or security incidents, and handling lost children or property. They must remain vigilant against unauthorized access to restricted areas while balancing a welcoming atmosphere for guests. Adapting to changing weather conditions, large crowds, and the unpredictability of animal behavior also requires strong situational awareness and effective communication with both the security team and zookeepers.

What is the difference between Zoo Security vs Animal Care Technician?

AspectZoo SecurityAnimal Care Technician
Required CertificationsSecurity training, first aid, CPRAnimal handling, CPR, first aid
Work EnvironmentZoo premises, security postsAnimal enclosures, veterinary clinics
Employer & Industry UsageZoos, wildlife parksZoos, aquariums, wildlife centers
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Zoo Security focuses on maintaining safety and security within the zoo environment, primarily through surveillance and access control. Animal Care Technicians are responsible for the daily care, feeding, and health monitoring of animals. While both roles work in zoo settings and require some overlapping certifications like CPR, Zoo Security emphasizes safety protocols, whereas Animal Care Technicians focus on animal welfare and handling.

Do zoos have security guards?

Zoo security personnel, often called security guards or officers, are employed to monitor the premises, protect visitors, staff, and animals, and prevent theft or vandalism. They typically patrol the zoo, monitor surveillance systems, and respond to emergencies, often requiring training in safety procedures and sometimes security certifications.

What cities are hiring for Zoo Security jobs?

Cities with the most Zoo Security job openings:

What states have the most Zoo Security jobs?

States with the most job openings for Zoo Security jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Zoo Security jobs?

For Zoo Security jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Zoo Security job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,591 per year, or $19 per hour.

Security Guard Graveyard Shift / Part Time Weekend

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site

Santa Barbara Zoo
Museums and Historical Sites • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Santa Barbara Zooexternal

$22.10 - $24/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Santa Barbara Zoo rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Benefits:
  • SEPP
  • Membership
  • Guest Passes
  • Company parties
  • Employee discounts
  • Free uniforms
  • Training & development
  • Wellness resources

Join our fun and professional team in our efforts to save the natural world!
Schedule: Saturday & Sunday, 12:30 AM to 8:30 AM
SUMMARY:
All-weather foot patrol opportunity for a "night-owl", who enjoys working outdoors and with minimal supervision. Under general direction of the Director of Safety and Security, the Security Guard patrols the Zoo grounds on a regular basis throughout the shift. Responds in a timely and professional manner to a wide variety of routine and emergency situations
ESSENTIAL DUTIES include the following:
  • Monitors activity at all gates leading into the Zoo, ensuring that only authorized personnel gain access to the Zoo at all times during the shift.
  • Physically checks all spaces, gates, doors, locks, and windows, ensuring they are locked or secured for the night.
  • Ensures full coverage of scheduled shift, making appropriate contacts for assistance or relief from duty should an emergency arise requiring the guard to leave the Zoo before the scheduled end of the shift.
  • Changes light bulbs as needed to ensure security and common public spaces are adequately lighted.
  • Patrols the entire park on foot on a regular and continuous basis throughout shift and reports all physical and security problems to the Director of Safety and Security and/or S.B. Police Department.
  • Maintains Nightly Log and Nightly Report to accurately reflect hours during which rounds were made and breaks were taken, as well as record any discrepancies or incidents that present a security or safety problem.
  • Utilizes guard tour system device when making rounds to check in at all guard tour stations on every round.
  • Sets and maintains traps as directed for raccoons and other small mammals that pose a significant threat to the health of animals in the collection.
  • Maintains open lines of communication with all departments in the Zoo, with special attention given to animal care staff concerns and issues.
  • Renders assistance to all other Zoo departments and personnel as requested, including care taking or observational duties in the animal department, irrigation and watering of Zoo grounds in summer months, and assisting the Private Event Hosts during an evening event.
  • Operates a radio, cellular telephone, guard tour system device, pepper spray, and basic hand tools such as screwdriver, pliers, and hammer.
  • Adheres to Zoo policies regarding tardiness, absences, and other attendance related issues.
  • Adheres to the Zoo's policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual.
  • Apply and Exemplify "green" (sustainable) practices whenever possible.

SECONDARY DUTIES:
  • Greets every guest with a smile.
  • Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo.
  • Answers phone calls promptly.
  • Insures the Zoo's presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions.
  • Associates with guests to assist and share information.
  • Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relation procedures.
  • Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo's uniform dress code.
  • Takes responsibility to stay informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings.
  • Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement and the Employee Pledge.
  • Performs other duties as required.

POSITION CRITERIA:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and Experience:
  • High school graduate or any equivalent occupation, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:
  • Successful completion of a CA Department of Justice criminal background check is required.
  • Current California Guard Card certification required.
  • First Aid and CPR certification preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Ability:
  • Comprehensive knowledge of the policies, procedures, and equipment of the Security Department as they relate to Security and general Zoo operations.
  • Ability to use independent judgment in handling routine as well as emergency situations.
  • Ability to oversee and monitor conditions and to promote and exercise safety precautions.
  • Ability to interact and communicate with the general public in a courteous and friendly manner.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to prioritize assignments and complete patrols within a reasonable amount of time (roughly one hour for a standard round).
  • Ability to complete assigned work and meet established deadlines and timetables under a minimal amount of direct supervision.
  • Ability to consistently work scheduled shifts without significant numbers of absences or tardiness.
  • Problem solving and conflict management skills.
  • Capacity to analyze, interpret and use sound judgment in the application of Zoo rules, policies, guidelines and regulations.
  • Capacity to perform under stress when confronted with an emergency, unusual or dangerous situation.
  • Ability to develop productive and friendly relationships at work.
  • Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and our guests.
  • Ability to exercise safe work habits.
  • Awareness of, sensitivity to, and empathy with animals.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:
  • Ability to sustain the physical speed and attention that are vital to the safe and effective completion of duties.
  • Ability to perform physical activities that require considerable use of arms and legs and moving the whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
  • Physically able to walk and remain on feet up to 8 hours, as well as work up to 16 hours at a time.
  • Must be able to exert a minimum of 25 pounds of force and able to lift, carry, push or pull or otherwise move objects whose weight may exceed 25 pounds.
  • Ability to negotiate all areas of the Zoo over a variety of terrain, including behind-the-scenes, lawns, gravel, hilltop, and attic storage.
  • Must be physically able to operate a variety of equipment including two-way radio, cellular phone, telephone, pepper spray dispenser, guard tour system device and alarm system controls.
  • Adequate hearing capabilities to hear vehicles approaching, detect warning sounds, ascertain sound direction and recognize related danger.
  • Eyesight must be at a sufficient level to perform duties without trouble or impairment.
  • Exposure to extreme environmental conditions including smoke, dust, heat, cold, and wetness.
  • Involves working out-of-doors in all weather conditions.
  • Supportive and open employment culture.

Tools Used:
  • Guard tour system device
  • Two-way radio
  • Cellular phone
  • Pepper spray dispenser
  • Alarm System controller
  • Hand tools

Compensation: $22.10 - $24.00 per hour
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Do you love animals and working with people? Join the fun, caring, friendly, and energetic team at the Santa Barbara Zoo in our mission of preservation, conservation, and enhancement of the natural world and its living treasures through education, research, and recreation.
Once you apply, please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.
The Santa Barbara Zoo is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and is a fully accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Known as one of the world's most beautiful zoos, it is located on 30 acres of lush botanic gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is home to more than 146 animal species living in open, naturalistic habitats. Our wonderful collaborative team includes up to 220 employees and 50 volunteers.

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