Seasonal Jobs

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 900,000 guests each year and we want to ensure their zoo experience is positive and memorable.

The North Carolina Zoo offers the following seasonal opportunities in Guest Services, Education and Operations. Candidates must be able to work a flexible schedule including weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Current Openings

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 weekends and holidays
Bilingual is a plus
24-36 hours per week ($12.00/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 years old or older for Carousel Operators and Air Hike Guides.
Ability to cross train for multiple positions.
Ability to pass 4 day guide training coarse for Airhike Guides.
Applicants need to meet physical requirements for Airhike Guides.
Flexible work schedule 7 days a week
Must be available weekends and holidays
Bilingual is a plus
30 – 40 hours per week
Cashiers ($12.00/hr), Attractions Operators ($12.00/hr), Air Hike Guides ($13.00/hr)
Apply Now - Operator/Cashier positions
Apply Now - Airhike 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, 7 days a week
Must be available weekends and holidays
Bilingual is a plus
30 - 40 hours per week ($13.00/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 for communicating a message
Must be 17 years old or older
28-32 hours per week ($12.00/hr)

Educator 1s (Guest Engagement Educators)

“All Positions” Expectations
Ability and willingness to use biofacts for 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 ($13.00/hr)

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 for communicating 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 ($14.00/hr)

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 for communicating 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 ($15.00/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.

Apply Today with SSA!

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 NC 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.