North Carolina Zoo Seasonal Jobs
The Zoo’s peak operating season is March – October each year and we offer an array of job opportunities. If you love people, animals, interested in conserving a piece of the world for generations to come, and want to work at our world class Zoo, this is the place for you! The North Carolina Zoo welcomes more than a million guests each year, and we want to ensure their Zoo experience is positive and memorable.
The North Carolina Zoo offers seasonal opportunities in Guest Services, Education, and Operations. Candidates must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
Admissions – Cashiers, Gate Attendants and General Guest Services
- Customer Service experience
- Cashier/Point of Sale experience preferred
- Good math skills
- Flexible work schedule 7 days a week
- must be available on weekends and holidays
- Bilingual is a plus
- 24-36 hours per week ($15.00/hr)
- Apply Now
Entertainment - Cashiers, Attraction Operators and Air Hike Guides
- High level of customer service skills
- Ability to work outside in varying weather conditions
- Ability to move freely around the Attractions for cleaning, inspection and operations.
- Ability to stand for extended periods of time
- Ability to climb on a frequent basis
- Ability to work on elevated surfaces on a frequent basis
- Excellent public speaking and interaction skills
- Must be 18 or older for Carousel Operators and Air Hike Guides.
- Ability to cross-train for multiple positions.
- Ability to pass 4-day guide training course for Air Hike Guides.
- Applicants need to meet physical requirements for Air Hike Guides.
- Flexible work schedule 7 days a week
- Must be available on weekends and holidays
- Bilingual is a plus
- 30 – 40 hours per week
- Cashiers ($15.00/hr), Attractions Operators ($15.00/hr), Air Hike Guides ($16.00/hr)
- Apply Now - Operator/Cashier positions
- Apply Now - Air Hike Guide
Transportation - Bus/Tram Drivers
- High level of customer service skills
- High level of energy
- Ability to drive a multi-passenger bus and/or multi-car tram
- Ability to work outside in varying weather conditions
- Ability to climb up and down from vehicle on a frequent basis
- Ability to lift 30 lbs on a frequent basis (loading and unloading strollers, wheelchairs and ECV’s)
- Excellent communication skills for dealing with a diverse guest audience
- High tolerance for stress
- High level of attention to detail
- Must be 18 years old or older with a valid North Carolina driver’s license
- Must pass pre-employment drug screen and subject to random drug testing
- Flexible work schedule, seven days a week
- Must be available on weekends and holidays
- Bilingual is a plus
- 30 - 40 hours per week ($16.00/hr)
- Apply Now
Environmental Services - Custodial/Housekeeping
- High level of customer service skills
- High level of energy
- Must be able to work with chemicals and cleaning agents
- Ability to work outside in varying weather conditions
- Ability to walk, bend and stoop on a frequent basis over uneven terrain
- Ability to lift 30 lbs. frequently
- Must have valid North Carolina driver’s license
- Bilingual is a plus
- 20 - 40 Hours per week ($12.00/hr)
- Apply Now
Rangers - Security
- High level of customer service skills
- High level of energy
- Good attention to detail
- Good listening skills
- Ability to remain calm in emergency situations
- Ability to work outside in varying weather conditions
- Ability to walk over uneven terrain
- Prefer skill in basic First Aid
- Ability to lift 30 lbs.
- Valid North Carolina driver’s license
- Bilingual is a plus
- Approximately 30 hours per week ($13.00/hr)
Education - Play Leaders, Educator 1s, 2s and 3s
All Positions
- High level of customer service skills
- Enjoy working with people of all ages
- Enthusiastic public speaking
- Ability to adjust presentations to diverse audiences
- Ability to work outside in varying weather conditions
- Weekends will be required
- Bilingual is a plus
Play Leaders
- “All Positions” Expectations
- Experience working with young children.
- Must possess physical ability to move or stay stationary for long periods of time.
- Ability and willingness to use biofacts and live animals to communicate a message
- Must be 17 years old or older
- 28-32 hours per week ($15.00/hr)
- Apply Now
Educator 1s (Guest Engagement Educators)
- “All Positions” Expectations
- Ability and willingness to use biofacts to communicating a message
- Knowledge and experience in Biology, Zoology, Ecology, or Science Education
- Must be 17 years old or older
- 28-32 hours per week ($16.00/hr)
- Apply Now
Educator 2s (Educational Programming Assistants)
- “All Positions” Expectations
- Experience giving formal and informal educational talks
- Knowledge of educational and interpretive techniques.
- Ability and willingness to use biofacts and live animals to communicate a message
- Knowledge and experience in Biology, Zoology, Ecology, or Science Education
- Overnights will be required
- Must be 21 years old or older
- 32-36 hours per week ($17.00/hr)
- Apply Now
Educator 3s (Programming Leads)
- “All Positions” Expectations
- Experience giving formal and informal educational talks
- Knowledge of educational and interpretive techniques
- Ability and willingness to use biofacts and live animals to communicate a message
- Knowledge and experience in Biology, Zoology, Ecology, or Science Education
- Experience designing educational programs and activities
- Experience as the lead presenter for a variety of education programs or head counselor at camps
- Overnights will be required (for camp/overnight lead)
- Must be 21 years old or older
- 40 hours per week ($18.00/hr)
Education - Guest Surveyors
- High level of customer service skills
- Enjoy working with people of all ages
- Enthusiastic public speaking
- Ability to adjust presentations to diverse audiences
- Ability to work outside in varying weather conditions
- Weekends will be required
- Bilingual is a plus
- Must have disposition that enables engagement with guests (friendly and confident)
- Must be able to follow protocols and procedures
- Must possess ability to work outside in a variety of weather conditions (remaining stationary and moving through the Zoo)
- Strong communication and decision-making skills
- Must be able to work alone in an effective and responsible manner
- 20 hours per week
Zoo Culinary Service Jobs
Service Systems Associates (SSA) is the exclusive on-site provider of culinary experiences at the North Carolina Zoo. SSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers a wide variety of full-time (28 - 40 hrs.) and part-time (12 - 28 hrs.) positions in Food, Catering, and Guest Services.
Culinary Services - SSA Food Service Cook, SSA Food Service Associate
- High level of customer service skills
- Cashier experience preferred
- Restaurant experience welcomed but not required
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to lift 30 lbs. frequently
- Must be at least 16 years of age
Membership and Gift Shop Jobs
North Carolina Zoo Society manages Zoo Memberships and Gift Shop Operations.
Apply in person for these positions at the North Carolina Zoo's Education Building Reception Desk Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. or the Earth Explorer Gift Shop at the North America Entrance during Zoo operating hours. Inquiries are encouraged to call (336) 879-7267.
Gift Shops
- A positive attitude is a must
- Great work conditions
- Flexible hours
- Must be 16 years old or older
- Ability to stand for long periods of time
- Weekdays and Weekends 20 - 40 hours per week
Membership Services
- High level of customer service skills
- Flexible work schedule 7 days a week
- Sales experience a plus
- Must be able to work outdoors
