Office Assistant - PT (Reid Park Zoo)

Explore a career with Reid Park Zoo ! We are seeking a part-time (25 hours per week)  Office Assistant to join our growing team! 

With a mission centered in conservation, the Zoo is Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participates in over 50 Species Survival Plans for threatened and endangered species. Reid Park Zoo cares for over 200 exotic animal species from around the world, maintains a state-of-the-art elephant program, a cutting-edge veterinary clinic that serves as a teaching hospital for the University of Arizona veterinary program, and is a leader in the Monarch and Songbird Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) programs. With more than 600,000 visits annually, the Zoo is in the midst of an exciting expansion project, Pathway to Asia , that will add four acres to its campus, bringing new species such as red panda, Komodo dragon and Lar gibbons, as well as a breeding facility for critically-endangered Malayan tigers when it opens in 2026.

Reid Park Zoo’s mission is to connect people with animals, inspiring the protection of wild animals and wild places. Be a part of a vibrant, growing organization as Reid Park Zoo continues to support local and global conservation and the highest standards in animal care while providing educational opportunities and family fun.

No phone calls or visits, please. This position is open until filled. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff by creating an inclusive environment . 

Pay Range: $17.65 to $20.30 per hour / DOE 

Benefits: This position is not eligible for health and welfare benefits, vacation or holiday pay. Benefits of this position include paid sick time; retirement plan; zoo membership; employee assistance program, and discounts on concession and gift shop purchases. 

Overview : The Part-Time Office Assistant provides accounting, clerical, and administrative support to the Finance and IT Department. This role assists with financial data entry, document management, purchasing and expense processing, reception coverage, and general office operations. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, dependable, customer-focused, and comfortable working with office and accounting systems.

Reports To: Senior Accountant

General Duties

• Demonstrate and model the core values of the Reid Park Zoological Society (RPZS or the Zoo)
• Perform all duties in accordance with RPZS policies and procedures
• Deliver excellent customer service in all interactions
• Follow all Zoo safety protocols and operational procedures
• Maintain confidentiality of financial and organizational information

Reception

• Answer and screen incoming phone calls during receptionist absences
• Direct calls and messages to appropriate staff
• Provide courteous and professional assistance to visitors and callers

Administrative Functions

• File, organize, and maintain paper and electronic records
• Verify vendor invoice pricing and supporting documentation
• Prepare and process expense and purchasing paperwork in accordance with RPZS policies
• Coordinate internal document routing and signature approvals
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with other departments
• Perform shipping and receiving tasks and ensure timely internal deliveries
• Place supply orders as needed
• Assist with inventory counts and reconciliation
• Support mail distribution and tracking
• Run occasional local errands as needed
• Archive accounting and administrative files after fiscal year-end

Data entry

• Perform financial and administrative data entry accurately and timely
• Assist with audit preparation and documentation gathering
• Support Finance & IT staff with assigned tasks

Minimum Required Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Prior administrative support experience
• A valid, current, unrestricted driver's license
• Complete a pre-hire background check and pre-employment drug screen (we do not test for THC)
• Comply with random drug testing if selected
• Complete all training as required
• Strong customer service skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, email applications, and internet-based applications
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information with discretion
• Effective problem-solving and time-management skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Reliable attendance and flexibility in scheduling when needed

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly
• Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching
• Repetitive hand and wrist movements for computer and clerical tasks

  Preferred Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• Associate degree in Business Administration or related field
• Two or more years of experience in an accounting or finance office
• Experience working in a park, zoo, museum, or other public attraction environment
• Bilingual (any language including ASL) is a plus

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. It is intended to give a reasonable idea of what might be required.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Reid Park Zoological Society to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Human Resources Dept.