Park Security Representative (Part-time Seasonal)

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1 million visitors annually. We offer a 56-acre naturalistic wildlife habitat in a lush, tropical garden setting, featuring educational programming, recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters, and award-winning seasonal events. Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and care for animals while creating exceptional experiences that connect people with wildlife.

About the role

This is a seasonal part-time position expected to run through the end of December 2026. The Park Security Representative aids the public in emergency and non-emergency situations, protects Zoo property, and enforces ZooTampa’s safety policies and procedures while delivering the highest level of guest service.

Responsibilities

• Interact in a consistently pleasant and helpful manner with employees, guests, vendors, and visitors, demonstrating exceptional customer service.
• Perform patrol duties across all Zoo areas, including parking lots, perimeter, interior areas, and access points.
• Act as a first responder for injured team members or guests, providing first aid, CPR, and/or AED until medical personnel arrives.
• Work closely with Operations staff during emergencies.
• Conduct bag searches and/or metal detection to ensure Guest Policy compliance.
• Patrol parking lots and direct traffic as needed.
• Assist in investigations of accidents/incidents by providing detailed reports.
• Manage guest control, including challenging situations.
• Respond to alarms as dispatched and assist in lost child situations.
• Handle lost and found items appropriately.
• Provide escorts to cash handling personnel as needed.
• Maintain safety awareness for employees and guests at all times.
• Write reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, or unauthorized persons.
• Maintain a log of all activity on duty.
• If working the overnight shift, assist Maintenance and Animal departments with tasks like monitoring pumps, collecting water samples, and maintaining habitat temperatures.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalency required; some college coursework preferred.
• Guest services or guest relations experience required; security experience preferred but not required.
• Must obtain and maintain First Aid/CPR/AED certification.
• Must be personable and enjoy interacting with people, providing exceptional customer service even in stressful situations.
• Comfortable assisting in medical and natural emergency procedures.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions.
• Self-directing with excellent organizational skills, high accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude.
• Strong communication skills and ability to follow specific instructions.
• Able to de-escalate situations in a friendly and calm manner.
• Must work in alignment with AZA standards, relevant laws, safety standards, and animal welfare guidelines.
• Ability to work in extreme west central Florida weather conditions (heat, rain, or cold).
• Proficient in using radio, telephone, and computer for communication and following instructions.
• Willingness to work varied and long shifts, including holidays, weekends, special events, and unexpected shifts.
• Ability to work in various physical positions, including sitting, bending, standing, reaching, and walking.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to drive a golf cart.

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounted gym membership
• Free membership to ZooTampa, MOSI, Glazer Children's Museum, and the Florida Aquarium
• Free or discounted admission to many Florida attractions
• Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise