Job Description
Salary: $17.04 - $21.00 Hourly
Location : Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, WA
Job Type: Part-time, 29 hrs per week or less
Department: Zoological and Environmental Education
Opening Date: 03/25/2025
Job Description Based on our internal equity review process, the anticipated starting wage for this position is $17.04 hourly. Parks Tacoma is a CAPRA and AZA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community. Located in Tacoma, Washington, the park district is comprised of many different facilities that offer residents a variety of recreational opportunities. From waterfront access to local neighborhood parks to large regional facilities and attractions, Parks Tacoma is both a local community asset and regional destination.
OUR CORE VALUES These eight core values will guide future decisions, business and operations, and the manner in which Parks Tacoma treats staff, customers and the community:
•Innovation •Excellence •Equity •Inclusiveness •Sustainability •Accountability •Safety •Fun POINT DEFIANCE ZOO & AQUARIUM is the only combined zoo and aquarium in the Pacific Northwest. The 29-acre zoological park was established in 1905, and attracts over 800,000 visitors a year. It is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), which ensures rigorously high standards of animal welfare, veterinary care, conservation, education and more. The Zoo sits within 700-acre Point Defiance Park, offering spectacular views of Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. Point Defiance Zoo is operated by Parks Tacoma. For more info visit
POSITION INFORMATION In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to:
- Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
- Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
- Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
- Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
- Observe applicable safety requirements, use safety equipment provided, implement appropriate safety practices at all times and report immediately any unsafe working conditions or hazards.
Essential Duties Under the direction of full-time Staff Biologists, this position's essential duties include:
- Assisting with daily maintenance and husbandry of the species in the Asian Forest Sanctuary
- Animal diets/food preparation and feeding
- Exhibit cleaning and general maintenance
- Animal health observations and record keeping
- Informal public demonstrations and education interpretation
- Other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications - Have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent certificate
- College courses in biological sciences desirable
- Previous exotic bird or animal husbandry experience preferred
- Must have excellent customer service and observational skills
- Must be able to communicate effectively and follow written & oral instructions
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays
Additional Information *A resume and cover letter with dates of availability must be included with the required application form* HOURS: - Year-round, part-time position, working up to 29 hours per week.
- Must be available at least 4-5 days per week, including weekends and holidays.
ENVIRONMENT: - Indoor and outdoor environment
- Adverse weather conditions
- Cold water while interacting with mammals
PHYSICAL ABILITIES: - Lifting and carrying heavy objects or animals weighing up to 50 pounds
- Pushing; climbing; walking; kneeling and crouching to work with and feed animals
- Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate specialized equipment and tools.
HAZARDS: - Exposure to potentially dangerous and sick animals
- Exposure to animal fecal
- Chemicals, fumes, odors, poor ventilation and noise
- Contact with upset or unsatisfied visitors
PARKS TACOMA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, disability or any other merit factor. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply. Parks Tacoma employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Parks Tacoma is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource (253) 305-1089 or
Employment is subject to a national background check.
This position is an at-will position with no written or implied contractual agreement.
Enrollment in the the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) through the Washington State Department of Retirement Services (DRS) may be mandatory.
Sick Leave: 1 hour earned for every 40 hours worked.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - SupportLinc provides emotional wellbeing and work-life balance resources to keep you at your best. Administered by CuraLinc Healthcare, the program offers guidance to help you address and resolve everyday issues at no cost to you or your family.
Community Center Fitness Pass - All Parks Tacoma employees get a Staff Pass to use at our community centers.The All Center Pass allows access to all four centers - Center at Norpoint, Eastside Community Center, People's Center and STAR Center.
Note: THIS BENEFIT OVERVIEW IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED HEREIN MAY BE MODIFIED AND/OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE. 01
Please explain, in detail, your specific experience and skill sets as it relates to the job description.
02
Please indicate your dates of availability.
03
Please tell us specifically about your experience presenting programs?
04
Please provide a list of species that you have provided husbandry.
Required Question Metro Parks Tacoma
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Holiday work, Full time, Contract work, Part time, Local area, Immediate start, Outdoor, Flexible hours,