Train Operator - Part Time

Do you love storytelling, riding trains, and creating memorable guest experiences? The Santa Barbara Zoo is seeking Train Conductors to operate our iconic C.P. Huntington train while sharing engaging narratives about the Zoo’s animals, exhibits, and conservation efforts. Join us in delivering safe, entertaining rides that inspire wonder and connection to wildlife!

Note: Applicant must be minimum 18 years of age

Position Status: Part-Time, Regular, Hourly, Non-Exempt

Schedule: Up to 25 hours per week. Includes weekends, holidays, and special events

Compensation: $17.90/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 Train Conductor Lead, Events & Guest Services Manager, and Director of Events & Guest Services, the Train Conductor facilitates a positive guest experience by providing excellent service and customer satisfaction, a safe environment, and a train ride to all passengers and guests visiting the Zoo.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Reports to the assigned area at the scheduled time

Sells tickets and collects fees from guests

Operates and drives C.P. Huntington narrow gauge train

Observes and guides guests boarding train to ensure they are safely seated without being overcrowded

Narrates points of interest during the train ride.

Monitors activities to ensure adherence to rules and safety procedures to protect the environment and maintain order, and manage unruly patrons

Performs routine maintenance of miniature train(s) and railroad right-of-way

Maintains the train by keeping it clean and polished at all times

Maintains appearance of landscaping around miniature train by cleaning the grounds and trimming plants

Maintains area in and around the train station to ensure it is clean and litter-free

Ensures that all daily inspection forms are in order, filled accurately in a timely fashion, and filed away in the appropriate folder/binder

Reports any and all mechanical problems to the Maintenance Coordinator and Train Leads promptly

Provides reads of banks after shifts, verifies totals, and reports any discrepancies

Ensures that inspections and light maintenance are completed on time and are scheduled regularly

Reports to the Director of Events & Guest Services or Train Leads about any challenges with staff, equipment, guests, or facility

Assists with maintaining the train barn and train work stations organized, clear of hazards, and welcoming. Organizes, updates, and files documents pertaining to the trains and train staff

Provides reports to train mechanic or Director of Events & Guest Services, as needed

Assists with any railroad maintenance and repairs

Adheres to all Guest Services and Cash Handling procedures as outlined in policies & procedures

Adheres to Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual

Applies and exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible

SECONDARY DUTIES:

Guest Relations:

Greets every guest with a smile

Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo

Answers phone calls, voice mails, and e-mails promptly

Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions

Associates with guests to assist and share information

Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures

Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code

Takes responsibility for staying informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings

Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement, the Zoo’s Core Values, and the Employee Pledge

Applies and exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible

Other guest services duties as assigned by the Director of Events & Guest Services, Events & Guest Service Manager, or Train Lead

Other miscellaneous duties as required

POSITION CRITERIA:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform 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 essential functions.

Education & Experience:

At least 18 years of age

Customer service and cash handling experience preferred

Must have a general working knowledge of Microsoft Office

Experience driving License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:

Valid California driver’s license and a good driving record

Willing and able to certify in First Aid, CPR/AED

Must pass a DOJ LiveScan background check successfully Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

Ability to operate C.P. Huntington narrow gauge train throughout shift in a safe manner

Basic knowledge of hand tools and mechanical understanding preferred

Ability to follow verbal and written directions

Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and our guests

Simple arithmetical calculations without the use of a calculator

Effective oral and written communication skills

Possess an outgoing and friendly personality, with a natural ability to collaborate

Self-motivated and able to work without direct supervision

Capacity to perform several job duties at once, and multi-task successfully

Ability to problem-solve and prioritize

Ability to make sound decisions quickly in stressful situations

Ability to exercise safe working habits

Accurate cash handling such as making change and counting banks

Availability and ability to work weekdays, weekends, holidays, and some evenings for events Physical Demands & Work Environment:

Ability to meet the physical requirements necessary to ride the train

Ability to operate trains safely at all times

Requires the ability to access all areas of the department

Must be able to participate in operational practices and emergency responses including the ability to lift 50 lbs., climb stairs or ladders, and manipulate basic tools of the job

Ability to handle emergencies in a calm and professional manner

Must be able to stand/walk for two continuous hours

Must have the ability to sit and twist at the waist repeatedly when driving the train

Must have good vision and hearing, with a strong awareness of surroundings

Involves working indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions

Supportive and open employment culture Tools Used:

C.P. Huntington narrow gauge train (gasoline-powered)

Various hand tools such as screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers

Hand-operated gasoline pump

Various landscaping hand tools such as racks, pruning shears, and shovels

Cash register POS system

Two-way-radio

Fork Lift

Office equipment, including laptop/computer

BENEFITS & PERKS:

Great team, beautiful grounds, amazing animal collection, sunshine & ocean view almost year-round!

Free parking, free guest passes, unlimited free tea/coffee every morning, 20% discounts on food services and retail purchases

Access to the Collabornation learning platform, professional development, and lunch & learn opportunities

*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*

Please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.

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This job description is representative of the expectations of the position described. Additional duties, reporting relationships, and/or position criteria may be assigned as deemed necessary by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative. No changes to this job description shall be made without written permission by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative.

The Zoo reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description does not constitute a contract for employment and does not guarantee employment for any specified period of time. The job description does not in any way alter the at-will employment relationship.

At this time, the Zoo does not sponsor employment or internship visas.