Job Details

*Note: This is a temporary position, anticipated to end on September 30, 2025.*

Pay Rate: To maintain internal equity, we have identified the pay rate for this position at the Oakland Zoo as $22.84 per hour. An offer at this pay rate will be our best and final compensation offer.

Position Summary

The Security Officer is an essential member of the Oakland Zoo team, providing both security and excellent customer service to our staff and guests. They uphold the mission and values of The Zoo and adhere to policies and procedures set forth by The Zoo to support everyone in having the most positive and enjoyable experience possible.

Essential Job Duties

• Extends professional courtesy and assistance to the public and other employees while preventing, identifying, and reporting illegalities and policy violations.
• Initiates and writes Accident/Incident/Hazard Reports and various other documentation required to protect Zoo assets and liability.
• Conducts vehicle and foot patrols relative to opening and locking gates, Robbery Prevention, Public Safety, and Building Security.
• Sets and responds to alarms and opens/closes rides, picnic, and party areas.
• Assists with Internal Investigations.
• Conducts Employee Personal Property Checks, Food Stand Walkthroughs, and Break Room / Warehouse Checks.
• Performs Revenue Escorts.
• Staffs the Main gate, controls parking and manages traffic flow.
• Monitors and reports Zoo and Employee vehicle excessive speed violations and improper or careless use of Zoo Equipment.
• Performs other related duties as required and assigned.

Who you are:

• At least 18 years old
• Have a current State of California Security Guard Card or be willing to get one with the assistance of the Oakland Zoo.
• Able to problem solve and effectively read, write, and take directions in English.
• Experienced working with the public.
• Comply with a Dress Code that includes properly wearing a prescribed uniform and being neatly groomed.
• Possess a current California Driver's License and maintain a good D.M.V. Driving Record (that satisfies the Zoo's Insurance Carrier).
• Reliable, dependable, honest, courteous, and professional while ensuring confidentiality when necessary.
• Available to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays
• Able to bend and twist, lift 25 lbs, stand, kneel, sit, walk, bend, stoop and speak regularly and for 8-hour shifts

Bonus if you have:

• Previous security experience

Knowledge/Skills/Qualities - May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position.

• Dependability - demonstrates trustworthiness and reliability, including while working with little or no direct supervision
• Communication - communicates respectfully and effectively with stakeholders across identities, both verbally and in writing
• Inclusive Culture - fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued.
• Passion - wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo's mission and PRIDE values at all times.
• Wildlife Aware - understands mission to support the conservation and welfare of animals at The Zoo, locally and globally. This is demonstrated by a willingness/passion to reflect this mission in all actions and to continue to learn how to take action for wildlife.
• Sustainability - oriented toward the mission and values of the Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and department.

Who We Are

Oakland Zoo (managed by The Conservation Society of California) is an award-winning facility stretching 100 acres and overlooking the city of Oakland atop the hills of beautiful Knowland Park. Our mission is to deepen connections with animals, save wildlife, and inspire champions for the natural world. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Zoo is part of the largest conservation organization in the nation. Our employees take PRIDE in our values of being Positive, Respectful, Inquisitive, Driven and Effective members of a team who places the care of our animals, stewardship of the natural environment, and the experience of our guests at the forefront of all that we do.

Oakland Zoo's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access

We believe that all people should have safe access to the Zoo and culturally relevant and responsive experiences with our staff, programs, and curriculum. Oakland Zoo is also striving to create an equitable and inclusive internal culture where all staff members feel represented and valued for their identities and lived experiences. We examine how power, bias, race, and other aspects of identity impact our organization. We work to build a culture of continuous learning and improvement toward a vision of equity and belonging for all staff. We are looking for team members who can actively join us in this process. We are committed to reflecting the diverse community in which we exist and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ identifying folks, and women to apply.

The Conservation Society of California is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, QAOV status, or other characteristics protected by law. The Conservation Society of California also promotes respect for all people and will not tolerate harassment based on any of these characteristics.

Oakland Zoo participates in E-Verify to verify work authorization.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.