SUMMARY
The Rides and Park Quality Specialist is a dual-role position that involves both operating rides and maintaining the cleanliness and overall appearance of the zoo. Park Quality responsibilities include restroom upkeep, trash collection, and setup/takedown for group sales and special events. Depending on operational needs, you may be assigned to ride operations on some days and park quality tasks on others, as determined by your manager.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Always provide excellent customer service to guests and staff.
- Completes daily cleaning and basic maintenance checks on all rides and attractions prior to Zoo opening. Reports any problems that would lead to unsafe operations to supervisors.
- Documents and maintains all daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance and operation checklists for the rides.
- Operates the ride/attraction while observing riders and ride to ensure safe operation.
- Acquires ride tickets from guests and/or checks wristbands. Records rider numbers daily.
- Assists riders on and off ride/attraction as needed, to include wheelchairs if applicable.
- Acknowledges guest questions regarding basic zoo information and daily event schedules and answers appropriately. Seeks answer if unknown.
- Daily cleans and refreshes Zoo grounds to include parking lot, picnic area and restrooms. Demonstrates proper use of all cleaning chemicals and equipment.
- Pulls and picks-up trash daily.
- Conducts daily morning preparation of Zoo grounds for opening.
- Sets up, as well as takes down props, tables, etc., for various Zoo special events to include outside company rentals, all Zoo fund raising events, weddings, etc.
- Other duties as assigned.
SAFETY ANALYSIS
The Rides and Park Quality Specialist position is impacted by hazardous exposures common to retail operations as well as public safety in an outdoor environment. Some of the following exposures will occur daily:
- The proper use and understanding of cleaning agents and personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Thorough understanding of guest safety protocols, particularly with young children.
- Operation of various equipment, some of which require the use of hearing protection.
- Operation of vehicles.
The Rides and Park Quality Specialist position, as with any employee of the zoo, is required to be familiar with the Zoos overall safety policies as outlined in the employee handbook as well as being responsible for reporting any injury immediately to the first aid department. Specific training and procedures will be provided, designed to maintain the safety of people as the highest priority of the zoo followed by the safety of the animal collection. The use and understanding of a variety of personal safety equipment is mandatory.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee should expect:
- Use of hands, fingers, tools or controls.
- Frequently required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, bend, crawl, crouch and talk or hear. Occasionally may be required to climb.
- Routinely lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
- Exposure to wet surfaces.
- Depending on assignment, exposure to the elements can be expected.
POSITION TYPE AND HOURS OF WORK
- Full-time, non-exempt (hourly).
- Weekdays and weekends required.
- Evening hours during special events.
- Holidays.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
The Birmingham Zoo recognizes that skills and knowledge come from both formal and informal experiences including education, paid work, volunteer service, and life experience. Those who meet the majority of the requirements for a position are encouraged to apply.
- High School Degree preferred.
- Must have a current, valid driver’s license with no prior traffic violations within the last three years. A pre-employment Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) check will be conducted, and an annual MVR review is required.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Birmingham Zoo is committed to being a place where everyone feels welcome, whether as a guest, team member, or part of our broader community. Our core values— Passion, Excellence, Teamwork, Stewardship, and Inclusion— shape a work environment where respect, collaboration, and learning are valued. We encourage candidates with unique perspectives and experiences to apply.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Birmingham Zoo is 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 status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
If selected, a background check and drug test will be conducted prior to beginning employment.
Birmingham Zoo Inc. is a not-for-profit entity. The rate of pay for this position is $14.25/hour.
Skills Required
- High School Degree preferred
- Current valid driver's license with no prior traffic violations in the last three years
What We Do
The Birmingham Zoo is a prominent attraction in Alabama, home to approximately 950 animals across 230 species. It offers various activities, including behind-the-scenes encounters and educational programs, aiming to inspire passion for conservation and provide community involvement opportunities.
