CAREERS

WORK AT THE PHOENIX ZOO

The non-profit Phoenix Zoo is always on the lookout for passionate individuals who are dedicated to the Zoo’s mission: To inspire and motivate people to care for the natural world. The Zoo is also committed to attracting, developing and retaining highly qualified employees. 

As a cultural destination and conservation organization, we offer a variety of career opportunities including positions in animal management, conservation, donor relations, education, facilities, horticulture, guest services, information technology, marketing, accounting, security and more.

CURRENT JOB OPENINGS

Turn your passion for wildlife into a career! Apply today to join the Phoenix Zoo and help inspire conservation, education, and unforgettable guest experiences every day.

1.  To establish a complete pre-employment file, please complete an online application for each position you are interested in. Your application will be retained in active status for one calendar year. If your qualifications meet our needs, we will contact you for further information and a possible interview.

2.  Available positions with the Arizona Center for Nature Conservation are listed on this page.

3.  Review the job description of the position for an understanding of the essential duties and minimum qualifications for each position you are interested in. Only those applicants meeting the minimum qualifications for a position will be considered.

4.  Resumes will not be accepted without an application for a posted position.

If you are a top candidate for a current opening, we will contact you within a few weeks of the position closing. Unfortunately, due to the number of applications and resumes we receive, we are only able to respond to those applicants who best match our current openings.

Please understand that if offered employment, you may as a final condition of employment, be required to successfully complete a background check and a physical examination including a substance test. Additionally, consistent with the ACNC Drug and Alcohol Policy, you understand that you may be requested to submit to a screening for illegal drugs and/or alcohol during your employment, as the Phoenix Zoo is a drug free workplace.

The Arizona Center for Nature Conservation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, mental or physical disability that does not preclude performance of essential job duties, or any other status protected by law.

The ACNC supports and promotes work force diversity and strives to foster a work environment of respect and inclusiveness where the contributions of all workers are valued and recognized.

The ACNC and Phoenix Zoo is an AT WILL employer. If employed, you understand that your employment is entered into voluntarily and you are free to resign at any time, with or without notice. Similarly, the Phoenix Zoo is free to conclude the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice.

 

Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. This employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employees Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

E-Verify Poster (English)
E-Verify (Spanish)
Right to Work (English)
Right to Work (Spanish)
FMLA Poster

 

The Arizona Center for Nature Conservation is committed to maintaining the health and well-being of its employees. We offer a wide range of benefits for qualified employees designed to address the diverse needs of our employees and their families, such as:

Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug Coverage (Domestic Partnership Benefits Available)

Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Long Term Disability Insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Voluntary Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Paid Sick Leave (PSL)

401(k) Plan with Match

Phoenix Zoo Membership

Employee WILD Rewards Program

Service Awards

Employee Cultural Exchange Program

Tuition Reimbursement Program (for qualified courses)

Outside Vendor Discounts

Lancer Catering, Event Network and Photogenic employ individuals at the Phoenix Zoo too!

All employees while working for one of these partners will receive complimentary Zoo membership and discounts on days worked.

You can reach these organizations using the information below to learn about job opportunities, benefit information or if you have any questions.

Lancer Hospitality’s approach focuses on fresh and fun food concepts that reflect culinary trends, ever mindful of our commitment to model sustainable practices. We operate fast-paced, high-volume food service operations at the Zoo. Lancer seeks experienced cashiers, line cooks, prep cooks, and warehouse staff for food service and catering operations at the Zoo. We are looking for high energy part-time AND full-time team members.

Employees receive:

– Full and Part-Time positions available
– A competitive wage based on experience
– 60 day and 120 day Incentive for attendance working scheduled shift
– A Great work environment with friendly staff, customers and management team

Lancer supports the food service within the Phoenix Zoo, and is not affiliated with the zoo itself. Please do not contact the Zoo directly for these positions, you may submit interest and resumes to Michelle Duflo at michelle.duflo@lancercatering.com.

Lancer Hospitality is an EEO, ADA and Veteran Friendly Employer.

Any interest in Retail store positions should be addressed to our Retail Store Partner – Event Network. Please call 602.914.4307 or Event Network online for more information.

Photogenic, Inc. at the Phoenix Zoo is looking for reliable, hardworking and energetic individuals to join our team.  This fall brings new adventures to the Zoo, and you could be a part of it!

We are looking to build a team of solid, outgoing individuals who know the value of outstanding customer service, enjoy being outdoors and want to be a part of a team that helps to create great memories.

Our team members are responsible for:

• Welcoming and directing guests through the line
• Taking quality souvenir photographs for venue guests
• Editing and printing photos
• Inviting guests to view their photos and complete sales of souvenir photographs
• Engaging all guests in a friendly manner

Photography experience is desired but not required. We are happy to teach the right people!

We currently have part-time hours available, with full-time hours available in the fall/winter. Staff hired now would be eligible for increased hours during our season peaks. Our flexible schedules are great for students or anyone who prefers working varying hours. Advancement is available; we are also looking for people who want to grow with us.

If this sounds like you, apply on our website: Photogenicinc.com/careers

Photogenic, Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disabilities or any other protected status.

Lancer Catering, Event Network and Photogenic employees are not employed by the Phoenix Zoo and do not receive the Arizona Center for Nature Conservation benefits package.

Our volunteers are a diverse group of individuals who are passionate about the conservation of animals and their habitats.

They provide experiences that inspire people and motivate them to care for the natural world and educate the public about the importance of conservation.

Interested in becoming a volunteer? Visit this page for more information!

TESTIMONIALS

TYSEN, KEEPER II - PRIMATES

“Back in 2016, I started volunteering at the Phoenix Zoo, which turned into a job in the Education Department a year later. That is when I started the dream that I have dreamt since I was a little kid. Three years later, I was unfortunately furloughed due to COVID-19, then brought back in Guest and Member Services where two weeks later I started my primate keeper position that was only meant to be temporary. Three months later, I became a full-time regular primate keeper and have been there since. From volunteering to working, I have had the opportunity to hold five different positions, due to promotions and transfers to different departments. I have enjoyed and am lucky to have had each of those positions at a place I grew up visiting.”

Ruth, Guest and Member services senior ambassador

“As ambassadors in the Guest and Member Services department at the Phoenix Zoo, we get to work alongside a very diverse, interesting, knowledgeable, and fun group of people while meeting visitors from all over the world. In our role, we help visitors make memories, whether they've come for a simple family trip to the Zoo or someone is celebrating a wedding, Quinceanera, memorial service, bat mitzvah, birthday party, or company party. Making someone's day feel special, helping someone better understand our role or their own role in conservation, and helping people have fun while learning about exotic animals are all part of working at the Phoenix Zoo. Getting to see animals every day is pretty great, too!”

faqs

If you are serious about becoming a keeper then we recommend that you get as much hands-on experience with domestic, preferably exotic, animals as possible. And depending on the job a Bachelor of Science degree in the Life Sciences such as Biology or Wildlife Management may be required.

Volunteer at the Phoenix Zoo, veterinary offices, animal training classes, local human society, local park service, wildlife rehabilitation centers, animal shelters, farms, pet breeders, horse stables, boarding facilities, 4-H clubs, internships and more!

Yes, there are advantages for existing employees applying for open job positions in the Zoo. Be aware that some jobs may require that you stay in the position for a minimum length of time. If you are not an employee, then become a volunteer. As an employee or a volunteer you will have the opportunity to become familiar with the Zoo and network with the appropriate staff. Please keep in mind that competition is very strong for some job titles and the applicant who best meets the educational requirements and has the most appropriate work experience will be offered the job.

Yes, if you are applying for more than one position you need to submit an application and/or resume for each job opening.

No, applications and/or resumes are accepted for current job openings only.

Internships, when available, are posted with our Current Openings.

Yes, click here for more information about volunteering.

Any of the following ways would be acceptable:

Apply online

OR

In person: Please visit our Admissions Booth during operational hours at our front entrance of the Zoo located at 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008

Plan your visit today!

The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest non-profit zoos in the U.S., caring for over 3,000 animals, with nearly 400 species represented, including many threatened/endangered species.

Plan your visit today!

The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest non-profit zoos in the U.S., caring for over 3,000 animals, with nearly 400 species represented, including many threatened/endangered species.