Be part of
something bigger.

Help create meaningful guest experiences while building real skills across hospitality services — from culinary to admissions, retail, and operations.

A woman strolls along a path in a zoo, surrounded by greenery and animal exhibits

Why Work at SSA Group

Work that shows up
in real moments.

At SSA, your work shows up in real moments — whether you’re helping a family start their day, creating a great meal, or making a visit feel welcoming and memorable. You build skills that grow with you, with opportunities to explore different teams and roles. The work matters because the experiences you help create are connected to places people truly care about.

  • Build a career with room to grow, explore, and move across teams
  • Develop skills that stay with you wherever your career takes you
  • Create experiences guests remember long after they leave
  • Join a team that feels supportive, connected, and collaborative
  • Bring warmth, care, and hospitality into every guest interaction

Our Core Values

What we stand for.

Two hands holding a heart

Built by Family, for Families

We show up for each other, support growth, and create a sense of belonging — because people come first, always.

Two hands shaking

It Started with a Handshake

We do what we say we’ll do, building trust through follow-through, accountability, and strong relationships.

A lit lightbulb

Curiosity to Advance

We ask questions, challenge the status quo, and look for better ways to improve how we work and serve.

A four-leaf clover

Fun and a Little Luck

We bring energy to work, celebrating wins, staying resilient through challenges, and not taking ourselves too seriously.

Types of Roles

Find where you fit.

Opportunities span every corner of the guest experience — and every path has room to grow.

A briefcase

Operations

General management, site leadership, and day-to-day hospitality delivery.

A chef's hat

Culinary

Chefs, kitchen teams, and food service innovation.

A shopping bag

Retail

Retail operations, in-store guest experience, visual merchandising, buying, and warehouse.

An admission ticket

Admissions

Guest services, ticketing, and gate operations.

A calendar with a tick

Events

Catering, sales, and event execution.

An office building

HQ

Marketing, accounting, people, technology, and support functions.

Benefits

Taking care of our team.

Because the people who create great guest experiences deserve to be well cared for too. We invest in your health, your family, and your day-to-day so you can bring your best to every shift.

  • Health Coverage
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Time Off
  • 401(k) with 15% Match
  • EAP
  • Flexible Schedules
  • Fun and Unique Workplaces
  • Meal and Retail Discounts
  • Employee Resource Groups
  • Discounted Tickets to Partner Locations
  • On-Demand Pay
  • Bereavement Pay
  • Short- and Long-Term Disability Coverage

*Benefits may vary based upon full-time status and/or state guidance.

Two SSA team members laughing together during a shift

SSA Group Careers

Current openings.

Showing 8 of 417 openings

For career inquiries, please email peopledepartment@thessagroup.com.

Employee Stories

Careers that grew with us.

Emmanuel started with SSA Group as a Line Cook while attending culinary school and built a career that extended far beyond the kitchen. Through mentorship, leadership opportunities, and SSA’s Apprenticeship Program, he gained experience in finance, team development, guest service, and business operations. Today, he values the opportunity to support others’ growth while continuing to learn and take on new challenges.

Emmanuel Liando, General Manager at Honolulu Zoo Emmanuel Liando General Manager, Honolulu Zoo

Tonya began her SSA journey as an Administrative Supervisor after transitioning from healthcare leadership. By embracing new challenges, learning from teams across the organization, and growing through mentorship, she progressed through multiple leadership roles to become a General Manager. She values the relationships she’s built along the way and enjoys staying connected to the animals and experiences that make each day unique.

Tonya Reeves, General Manager at Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens Tonya Reeves General Manager, Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens

While pursuing his education, Dat joined SSA and discovered a long-term career path. With guidance from mentors and hands-on experience, he’s been able to grow both professionally and personally. For him, SSA is a place where people invest in the future.

Dat Pham, Technical Support at SSA Group Dat Pham Technical Support (IT)

Benjamin joined SSA in 2014 as Director of Catering & Event Sales at the National Western Stock Show & Complex. Through leadership development programs, mentorship, and peer connections, he expanded his skills and advanced into broader operational leadership. He values the opportunity to contribute ideas, help shape the future of the business, and work alongside leaders who invest in their teams’ success.

Benjamin Garcia, General Manager at San Antonio Zoo Benjamin Garcia General Manager, San Antonio Zoo

Marlina started at SSA as a retail associate and built a 30+ year career through mentorship and continuous learning. She’s grown into a leadership role while staying connected to the people and culture that supported her along the way. For her, SSA is more than a job — it’s a place where growth is earned and supported.

Marlina Schleuger, Accounts Payable Manager at SSA Group Marlina Schleuger Accounts Payable Manager

Aaron began as a food associate and has spent over a decade growing within SSA. Along the way, he’s found purpose in his work — knowing his contributions matter and being part of something bigger. The support and mentorship he’s received helped turn a job into a meaningful career.

Aaron Harris, Inventory and Purchasing Specialist at SSA Group Aaron Harris Inventory & Purchasing Specialist

Kasey began her SSA journey as a food and beverage cashier while still in high school, selling snow cones and popcorn near a Meerkat exhibit. By supporting teams in multiple departments, she gained experience throughout the business and discovered a long-term career path with SSA. With encouragement from mentors and leaders who invested in her growth, she advanced into leadership and today serves as General Manager of the Nashville Zoo. She values the lifelong friendships, support, and unique experiences that have shaped her career and made SSA feel like home.

Kasey Kitchen, General Manager at Nashville Zoo Kasey Kitchen General Manager, Nashville Zoo

“At SSA, I’ve found more than a job — I’ve discovered a true sense of purpose. Every day, I feel like I’m part of something bigger than myself. This company has given me the opportunity to grow, not just professionally, but as a person. Here, my work matters, my voice is heard, and I’m making a real difference.”

Dat Pham Technical Support (IT)

“When I joined SSA as a Line Cook while attending culinary school, I never imagined I would one day become a General Manager. What made that journey possible was a company that believed in developing people, creating opportunities, and investing in future leaders. From Utah’s Hogle Zoo to the Houston Zoo and ultimately the Honolulu Zoo, SSA has challenged me, supported me, and helped me build a career that has exceeded my expectations.”

Emmanuel Liando General Manager, Honolulu Zoo

“Growth happens when you stay curious, embrace new opportunities, and invest in the people around you. The relationships I’ve built throughout my journey with SSA have been the most rewarding part of my career.”

Tonya Reeves General Manager, Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens

“When you meet the team and hear the 452 Hospitality meaning, you know that you have found your home. Visits with Sean McNicholas become personal, welcoming, and encouraging. Joining the SSA family is not only a career choice, but a lifelong journey with some of the most successful leaders in our industry.”

Kasey Kitchen General Manager, Nashville Zoo

“When you work for SSA you’re not just told what to do and how to do it. You’re given an opportunity to have a voice in the direction and vision of everything we set out to accomplish. And furthermore, you’re provided with a road map to ensure you are successful.”

Benjamin Garcia General Manager, San Antonio Zoo

“What started as a part-time summer job at SSA turned into a lifelong career. I’m grateful for the growth opportunities and supportive culture. From bussing tables at 14 to becoming the Accounts Payables Manager, my 30-year journey was made possible by amazing mentors. SSA offers endless learning opportunities for the eager and willing!”

Marlina Schleuger Accounts Payable Manager

“For 35 years, SSA has been more than a job; it’s been my second home. I’ve grown alongside the company, wearing many hats along the way. SSA believed in me, offering me chances to learn and reinvent myself.”

Mike Marcely VP of Purchasing & Inventory

“SSA became more than just a job for me. While pursuing my education, I discovered a career path here, nurtured by countless mentors who invested in my growth. Their guidance transformed my journey from a job to a fulfilling career.”

Aaron Harris Inventory and Purchasing Specialist
Guests seated at long tables during an evening event under an open-air pavilion

Ready to build a career that matters?