Career Paths

Passport to Your Future

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we are committed to providing a rewarding and engaging work experience for all, whether it be in retail, animal care, architecture, or facilities, just to name a few areas! Our employees work here because they are committed to our mission and vision, and they are treated well. Many opportunities are available to move around, move up, learn, and grow within the organization. Here are a few areas where you may want to start your career with us:

Guest Services

Join our fun and exciting work environment! We provide world-class service in our gift shops, food facilities, and on our Zoo and Safari Park grounds. Our entry-level positions require limited or no experience.

Animals and Plants

Wildlife care specialists and horticulturists provide care for our world-renowned exotic wildlife and plants. Join our team of knowledgeable and skilled professionals.

Science and Research

Researchers generate, share, and apply scientific knowledge vital to the conservation of animals, plants, and habitats. Biodiversity conservation is the theme that unites the work of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance conservation research. Join us as we make a difference for wildlife.

Operations and Facilities

It takes a team of talented and skilled people to operate our world-famous facilities at the Zoo and Safari Park while providing a top-notch experience for our guests. These jobs include construction and maintenance, education, tours, and park management.

Business and Organizational Support

Supporting the entirety of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, our departments include marketing and public relations, human resources, finance, and more.

Where Do We Work?

San Diego Zoo map 
Located in Balboa Park near downtown San Diego, California.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park map 
Located 30 minutes north of the Zoo in San Pasqual Valley near Escondido, California.

San Diego Zoo Beckman Center for Conservation Research map 
Located just south of the Safari Park.

San Diego Zoo Merchandising Warehouse map 
Located in Rancho Bernardo near the Carmel Mountain area.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Mission Valley Offices map 
Located in San Diego's Mission Valley near Friars Road and the 163 freeway.

Other Locations
Off-site facilities such as Hawaii, Nevada, San Clemente Island, and other locations worldwide.

Applicant Requirements

All applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Applications and resumes are only accepted through our online application system.
• Click here to view job openings that are currently accepting applications.
• Applicants must be at least 16 years of age.
• Must have a positive attitude.
• Adhere to our grooming standards (no visible tattoos, no facial piercings, etc.).
• Adhere to our world-class policies, procedures, and customer-service standards.
• All positions require a drug test.
• Some positions require pre-placement testing.

Diversity

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse workforce and providing equal opportunity for all employees and prospective employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, age, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by any federal, state, or local law.

Request for Accommodation for Applicants

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, to support individuals with disabilities to be able to participate in the hiring process.

California Fair Pay Act

PAY TRANSPARENCY NONDISCRIMINATION PROVISION: The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.