Our digital series, Pride In Our People, features the incredible staff at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium through written first-person narratives and/or podcast interviews.

Today, we are featuring Josh from the grounds department.
This is his story…

I am a laborer here at the Zoo. I set up and breakdown events, maintain park cleanliness, transport goods, and help out with the other components at the Zoo as needed! I began as a student in several Zoo programs before beginning to volunteer in the Education Department in 2007.

I got my first true job as a Kids Kingdom Attendant in 2009. I proceeded to work and intern in other sections of the Zoo over the years (Kids Kingdom, Education, Aquarium, Mammals, Commissary Kitchen, and finally Grounds). I have even gotten to spend some time at our other facility, the International Conservation Center, for short periods over the years.

At first, working in the Zoo was just my “fun job” while I worked full-time at other facilities, but then I got to start working full-time preparing animal diets in 2017.

I would have to say my favorite part about working at the Zoo can be split between two facets: being able to help our animals’ welfare and helping our guests appreciate our animals as much as we do at the Zoo.

Thank you for all you do, Josh!