Job Descriptions

For the following positions, applicants must be at least 16 years old.

Seasonal Receptionist

Wild Experience Guide

Wild Experiences Guides are the first faces visitors see when they enter the Zoo. As such, they are expected to have exemplary Customer Service skill, and be comfortable working with large crowds. Guides operate throughout the Zoo in a number of visitor-facing capacities, including, but not limited to, parking, admissions, tram operations, carousel operations, virtual reality operations, Wild Encounter tours, admission gates cashier, and relaying information to guests throughout the park. Guides are integral to the smooth operation of the Zoo day to day and assist in ensuring all visitors have an enjoyable experience with the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium. Our team members play a vital role in the education of the public about our conservation efforts and mission.

For the following positions, applicants must be at least 18 years old. A valid PA License is preferred.

Seasonal Laborer: Grounds Department

Assists the full-time staff in providing a variety of services to Zoo staff and visitors, including but not limited to trash collection, grass-cutting, raking, restroom cleaning, and delivering feed, grain, and bales of hay. Other responsibilities include maintaining serviceability and cleanliness of resources, keeping storage facility organized, and other duties as assigned. The ability to move heavy items (up to 80 pounds) is required.

Seasonal laborer: special events

Assists with event execution by providing a variety of services such as setting up and breaking down tents, tables and chairs as noted on event floorplans, vendor load-in, installing promotional materials and other duties as needed. Other responsibilities include maintaining serviceability and cleanliness of resources, keeping storage facility organized, assisting with day-of event details, and other duties as assigned. The ability to move heavy items (up to 80 pounds) is required.

Kids Kingdom Attendant

Monitors animal collections, exhibits, and public pathways as assigned to ensure safety of the public and animals. Reports unusual animal behaviors to keepers, curators and lead attendants on duty. Interacts with visitors, sharing basic information about animal collection and the Zoo in general. Cleans and rakes public areas/pathways as necessary.  Monitors playground areas to ensure the safety of visitors. Conducts public programs utilizing and handling live animals and animal artifacts. Contacts appropriate staff concerning lost children, first aid and other situations as necessary, and perform other duties as assigned and directed. Some evening work may be required.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Food and Retail Positions

Positions from Service Systems Associates (SSA), our Food and Retail partners, include banquet servers, birthday hosts, cashiers, cooks, retail and warehouse associates.

For the following positions, applicants must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid PA License.

Seasonal Laborer: Horticulture Department

Assists the full-time staff in the maintenance of the plant collection, hauling debris, raking, watering, planting, weeding and other tasks as assigned. Ability to move heavy items (up to 80 pounds) required.

Zoo Mascot

Represents the Zoo brand by presenting a friendly and animated presence in our animal mascot costumes at events, both at the Zoo and in the community. Must be prepared to wear weighty, warm costumes in all weather conditions for extended periods without feeling claustrophobic. Costume fit requires applicants to be approximately 5’4”-5’10”. Applicants should be physically outgoing and comfortable in crowds. Additional mascot entertainers out-of-costume may serve as attendants who speak for animal characters, pass out promotional items, and answer basic questions about the Zoo. Events may occur on weekdays, weekends, evenings, and holidays. Candidates must have their own vehicles for transportation to and from site locations.

For the following position, applicants must be at least 18 year old and have earned, or currently be pursuing, a college degree in Education or a closely related field. Applicants must also provide current PA Child Abuse History Clearance and FBI Criminal History Background Check.

 Zoo Camp Counselors

Zoo Camp Counselors are responsible for working cooperatively with other Zoo Camp staff to create a fun and engaging experience for our campers. Responsibilities include interacting with campers ages 4-11, preparing daily activities, delivering daily lessons, facilitating games, activities, songs, and crafts, providing information about our animals, assisting with the handling and presenting of a variety of education animals, and supervising campers both in the classroom and throughout the Zoo. Performs other duties as assigned and directed.