If you thrive on helping customers, love solving problems, and have some supervisory experience, we may have the perfect opportunity for you right here in beautiful Santa Barbara. Join a fun, fast‑paced, highly interactive work environment where you can do what you love while contributing to our mission.
If you’re an avid storyteller who enjoys performing and bringing characters to life, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. Step into a role where your creativity, energy, and personality truly shine.
The Santa Barbara Zoo is seeking a part-time Performing Arts Lead to join our Performing Arts Department.
Position Status: Part Time, Regular, Hourly, Non-Exempt
Schedule: Up to 25 hours per week, including weekdays, holidays, weekends
Compensation: $17.90 per hour
*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*
SUMMARY
Under the general direction of the Director of Events & Guest Services, Events Manager, and the Performing Arts Supervisor, the Performing Arts Lead supports the day-to-day operations of the Zoo's performing arts team. This individual serves in a leadership role by coaching fellow performers, maintaining quality control, and ensuring the seamless delivery of performances aligned with the Zoo's conservation messaging and educational goals. This position requires creativity, professionalism, leadership, and a strong commitment to delivering memorable, engaging, and educational experiences for our guests.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
· Daily Operations
Functions as Stage Manager/Audio Technician when assigned, ensuring performances run on schedule, and all cast members, cues, and technical elements are coordinated effectively
- Oversees and maintains the standard of expectations for daily operations across all Performing Arts locations and roles (Stage, Immersive Spaces, roaming characters, etc.), ensuring consistent quality performances and immersive guest experiences
- Ensures proper care, maintenance, and organization of performance assets, including costumes, puppets, props, and immersive materials
- Monitors email, responding to inquiries as appropriate, and collaborating with other departments and the Performing Arts Supervisor to ensure timely communication
Support to Supervisors and Management
- Assists Performing Arts Supervisors with:
- Script writing and creative content development
- Interviewing candidates as needed
- Assists in the scheduling, training, and coordination of Show Cast members
- Oversees shift start/end times, and meal breaks
- Provides relief coverage to ensure required on-the-clock rest breaks
- Provides training and mentorship for new staff, supporting onboarding, skill development, and confidence in performance roles
- Provides ongoing modeling of performance and guest engagement skills, both onstage and within immersive areas to reinforce best practices
- Maintains inventory of guest and staff materials across Performing Arts locations, ensuring supplies are stocked and organized
Supporting Team Success
- Monitors adherence to dress code and guest interaction standards
- Ensures effective communication of marketing and program information to guests
- Reinforces animal and guest safety procedures and protocols
- Participates in regular performance assessments
- Provide coaching and mentorship to enhance cast performance and guest service
- Tracks and reports:
- Daily performance notes and attendance
- Performance concerns and follow-ups to appropriate supervisors
- Staff absences and related communications via email, text, or phone
- Represents the Zoo positively during media interviews, with prior approval and training from management
Performance and Guest Engagement:
- Performs in rotating roles (Puppeteer, Ranger, Biologist, Conservationist) across Show Cast zones.
- Brings characters to life with enthusiasm, script memorization, choreography, and improvisational skill
- Delivers exceptional guest service, promoting the Zoo’s mission and connecting with diverse audiences
- Demonstrates mastery of all department equipment and materials, including knowledge of operation, storage, maintenance, and safe handling of props, costumes, puppets, microphones, and sound equipment
- Assists in enriching and developing the Performing Arts department through creative contributions such as fabrication, scripting, creature/puppet creation, costume design, and repair work
- Collaborates with Events, Education, Animal Care, Conservation & Science, and Guest Services teams:
- Attends planning meetings and contributes to new programming and storytelling ideas
- Assists in integrating show team efforts into regular operations and special events
- Assists in event set-up, tear-down, and staffing as required
Guest Relations:
- Greets every Guest within 10 feet with a warm smile, and every guest within 6 feet with a friendly “hello”
- Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo
- Associates with guests to assist and share information
- Responds to all guest inquiries, challenges, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures
- Assists with Guest recovery and de-escalation of situations
- Maintains a clean, neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code
- Takes responsibility to stay informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as:
- Reading employee communications
- Attending meetings
- Relaying pertinent information to front-line staff
- Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement, the Employee Pledge, and our Core Values
- Adheres to the Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual
- Applies and exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible
SECONDARY DUTIES:
- Assists with other Guest Services & Front Gate operations as necessary
- Participates in special team assignments as appropriate
- Handles emergency situations in a professional manner and according to Zoo policy and protocol.
- Remains calm and creates an atmosphere of calm and control for those dealing with emergency situations
- Other duties as determined by Management
POSITION CRITERIA:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to execute each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education & Experience:
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred
- Prior experience in a live performance, theater, or arts education required
- Prior paid supervisory experience preferred
License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:
- Willing and able to obtain a First Aid, CPR/AED certification
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Capacity to develop friendly and productive relationships at work with a focus on collaboration, including:
- Effective oral and written communication skills
- Ability to supervise others in a friendly and effective manner
- Ability to handle conflict effectively and constructively
- Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and our guests
- Ability to work on Zoo grounds, as well as attending events in the community off-grounds
- Professional skills including:
- Excellent time management skills (must be prompt and on time)
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- Ability to work successfully in a shared workspace, with shared equipment and constant interruptions
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- Working knowledge of and ability to use effectively our scheduling software
- Excellent customer service including:
- Excellent conflict management skills
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- Ability to have a positive and upbeat attitude
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- Ability to think quickly and in a constructive manner under pressure
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- Ability to maintain a professional appearance and attitude at all times, as a representative of the Zoo
- Ability to exercise safe work habits
- Attention to detail, with a focus on safety
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- Ability to handle emergencies in a calm and professional manner
- Ability to work a flexible schedule that will include some weekends, holidays, seasonal hours, and scheduled events as needed
- Ability to converse in Spanish language is a plus
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
- Must be able to access all areas of the facility
- Must be able to climb stairs and stand/walk for up to two continuous hours.
- Ability to push, pull, lift, and grab
- Ability to bend, twist and reach
- Must be able to stand throughout the entire shift
- Ability to lift 15-30 pounds occasionally, in the course of normal duties
- Involves working out-of-doors in all weather conditions
- Ability to drive cart safely
- Ability to work in a busy shared, open-space work environment
- Ability to participate in Emergency responses
- Supportive and open employment culture
Tools Used:
- Two-way radio
- Hand tools
- iPads, laptops, and other electronic equipment
- Computer and Microsoft Office Suite
- POS system and registers
- Standard office equipment; telephone, printer, copier, facsimile machine, and calculator
- Electric Carts
- Show Props and Costumes
- Sound Equipment
- Sanitation supplies including, but not limited to:
- Disinfecting solution
- Hand sanitizer
- Gloves
Do you love animals and working with people? Join the fun, caring, friendly, and energetic team at the Santa Barbara Zoo in our mission of preservation, conservation, and enhancement of the natural world and its living treasures through education, research, and recreation.
Once you apply, please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.
The Santa Barbara Zoo is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and is a fully accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Known as one of the world’s most beautiful zoos, it is located on 30 acres of lush botanic gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is home to more than 146 animal species living in open, naturalistic habitats. Our wonderful collaborative team includes up to 220 employees and 50 volunteers.
