Data Collector

SALARY & FLSA: $20.76 - $24.96 hour; FLSA non-exempt.

The $21 hourly starting pay is structured to be competitive.

OPENING DATE: 04/28/2025

CLOSING DATE: 05/09/2025 (May close sooner if a sufficient number of applications are received.)

JOB TYPE: Seasonal, Part-time

UNION: Non-Represented

OPENINGS: 3

LOCATION: Onsite

DEPARTMENT: Learning & Innovation

This role is anticipated to start around Mid June 2025 and end September 1, 2025

This role will work an average of 20 hours per week with at least one weekend day per week.

HOW DO YOU ZOO?

More than 1.3 million people visit Woodland Park Zoo each year. We connect people with wildlife and remind them of what’s at stake in our changing world. Our job is to motivate people to take action and provide them with the tools needed to join us in saving endangered species. Working for the zoo means upholding our mission, “To save wildlife and inspire everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives.” Apply today and show us how you zoo.

Who You Are

As our new Data Collector, we know you will be successful in this role because you:

• Are a People Person: Approaching and inviting diverse groups of zoo visitors to participate in visitor research and evaluation activities excites you. You enjoy talking with zoo guests of all backgrounds and ages and are resilient to rejection when guests decline to participate in data collection. As our new data collector, you can represent the zoo in a positive and professional manner while interacting with guests.
• Are Responsible: You can hold yourself accountable for actions and handle change positively. You can work a non‐standard/flexible schedule, which may include weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Good with Data: You can implement data collection strategies with visitors, such as user-testing, paper/pencil surveys, guest observations and interviews, and you are happy to record data using MS Excel or SPSS software.
  
  

Your Primary Responsibilities

• Represent the zoo in a positive and professional manner while interacting with guests.
• Approach and invite diverse groups of zoo visitors to participate in visitor research and evaluation activities.
• Implement data collection strategies with visitors, such as user-testing, paper/pencil surveys, guest observations and interviews.
• Adhere to designated research protocols to collect and record data.
• Perform data entry using MS Excel or SPSS software.
• Prepare and maintain data collection materials and supplies.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced proficiency or fluency in one of the following languages is an asset: Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Somali, Tagalog, Korean, or Amharic.
• Interest in social sciences, evaluation, visitor research, psychology, conservation, or another related field.
• Experience collecting data through surveys, interviews, or observations.
• Previous experience in an informal learning setting or evaluation.
• College level courses in social science, psychology, or evaluation.
  
  

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED); or three (3) or more months related experience; and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to learn and adapt quickly in a constantly changing environment.
• Ability to approach and talk with zoo guests of all backgrounds and ages and be resilient to rejection when guests decline to participate.
• Ability to represent the zoo in a positive and professional manner while interacting with guests.
• Ability to prioritize daily tasks and demonstrate time management skills.
• Ability to listen patiently and attentively, ability to express self clearly and effectively, and ability to adapt communication based on audience and purpose with inclusivity.
• Ability to communicate effectively and comfortably with audiences of different backgrounds and experiences.
• Works effectively independently, with the public, or within diverse teams and environments while treating everyone with respect.
• Ability to hold self personally accountable for actions and take responsibilities.
• Successful applicants must live and work in Washington State to perform this role.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
  
  

Benefits

The Woodland Park Zoo offers temporary staff the following benefits:

• 4 complimentary Zoo tickets per year plus other discounts and perks 
• Accrue 1 hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked
• 403(b) Retirement Plan  
• Free staff parking
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
  
  

SELECTION PROCESS

Application: Please include a resume with your application through our Zoo Careers site at zoo.org/jobs. Please be sure to list or upload copies of all relevant training and certifications on your application. The zoo may review existing application pools to fill this position or use this pool to fill future vacancies. 

This opportunity is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Woodland Park Zoo values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The zoo encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, 2SLGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. Woodland Park Zoo is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in all its services. If you need accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact our recruiting team at careers@zoo.org.

Screening: We will review applications, and final candidates will be invited for virtual or in-person interviews.

Offer: Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process including the completion of a background check.