Santa Barbara Zoo Reviews

Pros

Great first job to get accustomed to working in the accounting field
Awesome upper management, great training program
Fun chance to see the exhibits and animals without all the other visitors

Cons

Not much advancement opportunity
Part time position only

Pros

Over the past decade the Zoo's management has focused on building a great institution, following many of the principles outlined in Jim Collins' best-selling business book, "Good to Great." The Zoo has made an enormous investment in and commitment to staff development and team-building. The Zoo established the Santa Barbara Zoo Leadership Institute in cooperation with the Professional Development Program at Santa Barbara City College six years ago and continues to offer training to staff at all levels within the organization. In addition, the Conservation Education Department operates the "Zooniversity" which offers year-round training in everything from delivering quality guest services to understanding animal husbandry for all staff and volunteers.

The success of these staff development programs and the value placed on the work environment and employee benefits are clear n the steadily increasing contributions the Zoo makes to the employees' retirement programs (employees are staying longer). Each year the number of employees receiving recognition for five, ten, fifteen, and twenty years of service increases.

Through the generosity of friends in the community, the Zoo has invested over $15 million in capital improvements to exhibits and facilities since 2002. Two of the major exhibits, "Elephant Walk" and "California Trails" have been recognized with awards from the California Association of Contractors and the Santa Barbara Contractors Association. The Zoo is one of only four zoos in the world to have the privilege to exhibit highly endangered California condors.

Cons

The real "downsides" have more to do with the cost of living in Santa Barbara (housing) and the challenges associated with raising capital funds in a small community. The competition for philanthropic dollars in Santa Barbara is ferocious with hundreds of nonprofit organizations vying for a limited pool of donations. Attracting high quality employees from outside the tri-county area that are a good fit to the culture and mission of the Zoo can be difficult.

Advice to Senior Management

Management must remain vigilant and driven to become a great institution. Being satisfied with what has been achieved can soften the commitment to reaching for even greater goals as a conservation organization and a model of nonprofit management and performance.

Pros

Location. Beautiful setting. Lovely views. Good assortment of animals.

Cons

nepotism. poor management. People who work their only follow orders and don't actually care about the animals. If you speak up as an employee and are dissatisfied with how things are done, even in a constructive manner, you are in danger of being fired. Don't ever go to HR or you get fired. People who are not qualified to lead or manage are put in managment posiitons. Overall poor management and lack of communication or support for employees by management. People are not rewarded for their work they are rewarded for being drones.

Advice to Senior Management

Take a careful look at what type of communicaiton and prioroities managment has. It isn;t enough to just be able tolive in Santa Barbara. Peopl who are qualified should be respected even if they disagree with policy. Curb back the favoritism.