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)

Ability to work successfully in a shared workspace, with shared equipment and constant interruptions

Working knowledge of and ability to use effectively our scheduling software

Excellent customer service including:

Excellent conflict management skills

Ability to have a positive and upbeat attitude

Ability to think quickly and in a constructive manner under pressure

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

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