facilities technician

attendant

camp counselor

horticultural technician

seasonal associate

Sacramento Zoo

Working at the zoo is excellent for a first high school job. There's little to no expectations so you get to see what it is you do and don't like about the work environment. A typical day would consist of working the rides whether it be the rock wall, train, and carousel. You also can work as a cashier and sell tickets etc. The hardest part about working at the zoo was not the job itself, but the management and favoritism that came along with it. It was very clear who supervisors were fond of and they were not worried about hiding it. More often than not, personal problems and events that occurred outside the zoo were brought into the work environment. Personally, I not only found it unprofessional and tough to get through a 5-8 hour work day, but it was also nearly impossible to send in a complaint due to the backlash you would receive from the supervisors. However, what I did enjoy were the positive attitudes of some coworkers, as well as, the interaction with new and regular customers on a daily basis.

Working at the Sacramento Zoo was a tremendous experience. It truly reveals an aspect of construction that is rarely seen. Working with animals, staff, and public safety in mind could be quite challenging. Working with public was tricky in the aspect of maintaining a sense of non disclosure. It was very important to watch what information was said and how it was said as not to cause any confusion in the eye of the public. Staff were passionate about their jobs and the animals they were responsible for. Working with keepers often required a trusting relationship. Working with management, as expected, required an understanding of politics and bureaucracy. The job required a great deal of communication between departments and staff. As a whole, the Sacramento Zoo could be a very enjoyable employer with the right employee.

A typical day at work was filled with kids flocking to your table to make arts and crafts while learning about the different animals. I learned about animals and their behaviors, as well as how children loved to make arts and crafts while learning about the animals. The management is fairly relaxed with a stern fist guiding the teens through the day. The culture was also relaxing and had a calm vibe to it. The hardest part of the job was moving multiple placement settings for the work space to  and from a large cabin at the beginning and end of the shift on a weekly basis. The most enjoyable part was seeing the children's smiling faces when they saw your table, running up to ask if they could make the project.

What is the best part of working at the company?
You get to see the Animals every day and get to know alot of new people every day

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Trying to get the line of customers to move up and having them ready to pay for what they are purchasing at the Zoofari Market

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Fun Exciting you get to see all kinds of different animals every day at the Sacramento Zoo

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
I start my day off with a little cup of coffee and from there I am always ready to go and ready to roll

Working at a zoo is almost universally impressive to most people (to kids you're a super hero). The guest experience positions are engaging to someone interested in zoos, animals, and communication. All positions require safety training. Many include education opportunities and you get to spend your day surrounded by animals (safely). Management has some personality clashes, but is generally effective and is on top of breaks, hours, and safety.

There was always something new and exciting every day when working at the zoo. Encountering the animals on a personal level was awe-inspiring. My co-workers were friendly and could clearly give instructions, but they were always professional. The most enjoyable part of the job was helping the Zoo Keepers themselves. I could increase the progress rate at which they finished their daily tasks. I learned that the most fulfilling jobs are those which allow me to care for someone or something other than myself.

At the Sacramento Zoo Gift Shop, I greeted customers, stocked shelves, dusted bookshelves, and did exit sales at the Zoo's exit gate. I have learned how to help customer find directions to an area or exhibit of the zoo by looking at the map that was on display. The gift shop had great and friendly management. The workplace culture was modest and easy. The hardest part of the job is doing exit sales outside under the hot summer heat. The most enjoyable part of the job is interacting and socializing with others. Overall, I have had a great experience working at the Zoo Gift Shop.

The job itself is fine. People are friendly, and it feels fulfilling to work with the intention to raise money and awareness for animal conservation. However, wage gaps are pretty significant and people in entry level positions end up with too few hours to support themselves. 
Management is also unprofessional and tend to be short sided. You may be scheduled for 4 days but will get called off for 2 of them due to 'low attendance", so you have no income security, but you also aren't allowed to ask for 2 days and work other jobs. 

A typical day at work was grabbing necessary supplies for arts and crafts to make with patrons to teach them about the zoo, its inhabitants, and their behaviors in different environments. I learned a lot about animals and how to present myself in front of customers. The hardest part would be carrying the table used for most activities to and from the entrance inside the zoo. The most enjoyable was seeing the smiles and hearing the energetic voices of the patrons when they would come near our table.

I volunteered here on my own because it was something I always dreamed of. The Zookeepers here are the rudest most conceited people I have ever met. I drove an hour each way everyday to help them and they acted like they were doing me a favor. They destroyed my childhood dream of being a zookeeper. I now know why they go through volunteers so fast. I would never ever recommend working there unless you literally have no other choice.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Facilities technician 5 salaries reported	$29.00 per hour
Attendant 3 salaries reported	$17.75 per hour
Camp counselor 1 salary reported	$19.50 per hour
Horticultural technician 3 salaries reported	$20.00 per hour
Seasonal associate 1 salary reported	$17.50 per hour

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