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.