Skyfari Tour Operator - Seasonal - Part Time - San Diego Zoo

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 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 and leading the fight against extinction. The Tour Operator works under general supervision performs various functions of routine difficulty in the operation of the Skyfari aerial tram ride at the (San Diego Zoo) Flightline Safari (San Diego Zoo's Safari Park). This position reports to Transportation or Tours Supervisor.

This class differs from the Tour Operator Guide class at the Zoo/Wildlife Park in that the Tour Operator, primary functions are assisting customers entering and departing from the Skyfari aerial tram ride(SDZ) Flightline Safari ( Safari Park); also monitoring safe operation of equipment and machinery.

WHAT YOU WILL DO
• Assists customers in entering and disembarking from gondolas (SDZ) / Flightline Safari (Safari Park)
• Places gondolas (San Diego Zoo) / trolleys (San Diego Zoo Safari Park) on and off the cable
• Slows and stops incoming gondola (SDZ) Flightline riders (Safari Park)
• Starts ride motor and auxiliary motor
• Takes customer tickets
• Counts customers
• Closely observes gondolas, cables, machinery and customers
• Checks and observes potential safety hazards
• Answers customers’ questions
• Provides information regarding the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, wildlife exhibits and plant life

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
Seasonal position from May 10th through August 10th.

JOB EXPERIENCE
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
• Education, training and/or experience which clearly demonstrate the essential functions, knowledge and skills outlined; some experience in public/customer contact work is desirable.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge of:
• Effective customer service skills
Ability to:
• Perform the duties outlined
• Learn safety rules and procedures for operation of Skyfari aerial tram ride (SDZ) Flightline riders (Safari Park)
• Learn to operate the Skyfari aerial tram ride (SDZ) Flightline riders (Safari Park) properly and safely
• Keep simple records
• Make arithmetic calculations
• Deal tactfully and courteously with the public and employees
• Communicate effectively
• Handle repetition and unruly passengers


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: San Diego, CA
• Position Type: Hourly Part-Time Non-Exempt Three-Month Seasonal Union Position - If selected, there will be fees and dues to be paid to the union
• Hourly Rate: $25.75
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 regar