Santa Photo Photographer Lead Job Description
Overview:
The Cincinnati Zoo is seeking enthusiastic and creative individuals to capture festive photos of our visitors with Mr. and Mrs. Claus during our annual holiday event, Festival of Lights. As the official Santa Photo photographer, you will be responsible for taking high-quality photos of guests, especially families and children, with Santa Claus in a magical holiday setting.
Job Duties:
As a Santa Photo Photographer Lead, you will lead and guide our Santa Photo team members while they help our guests turn their festive zoo memories into fun, lasting photographic imagery. This role will lead staff each day at our Santa Photo location. This position will focus on the operation of the location while ensuring each team member assigned to the location is properly trained. We’re looking to you to provide INSPIRED guest service while giving guests the opportunity to bring home a wonderful reminder of one of the most cheerful times of the year. You will:
- Successfully lead a team of photographers providing an INSPIRED and exceptional experience for each family while working in a face paced environment.
- Help train and coach photographers to provide the best possible experience for our visitors.
- Operate the Santa Photo location efficiently while ensuring photographers receive required breaks.
- Ensures safety of all staff and visitors by following proper procedures and safe workplace practices.
- Assists team with escalated visitor issues to an effective resolution.
- Capture professional, high-quality photographs of visitors with Santa Claus in a fast-paced, holiday-themed environment.
- Engage with guests in a friendly and professional manner to create a welcoming atmosphere and INSPIRED experience.
- Set up and maintain camera equipment, lighting, and backdrop to ensure optimal photo quality.
- Work efficiently to manage a steady flow of visitors while maintaining high photo standards.
- Ensure all photos are properly linked, organized, and processed for potential printing or digital distribution. Print and prepare various photo packages. Problem solve and troubleshoot where needed.
- Ensure smooth operations and manage guest standby and reservation queues.
- Reports issues and concerns in a timely manner and assists with proactive problem-solving.
- Processing accurate photo package purchases via a point-of-sale station.
- Understand and effectively use our digital photo software, CaptureLife.
Qualifications:
- 16 years of age or older. (Minors will be required to provide a work permit when applicable.)
- Constantly work outdoors in all climates & weather conditions with prolonged stationary positions/traversing at all locations.
- Move, transport or position 35llbs unassisted.
- Ability to work well in a fast-paced, high-volume setting.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to self-motivate, take initiative, & perform work autonomously as well as with a team.
- Must be punctual, reliable, and flexible with scheduling (availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays).
- Passion for creating memorable guest experiences, especially with families and children.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working in a seasonal, event, or customer-service-oriented environment.
- Background in digital photography and file management.
- Ability to troubleshoot basic technical issues with photography equipment.
CZBG is dedicated to fostering employee success. While we strive to accommodate individual needs, it's important to note that we may not be able to fulfill all requests. However, we are committed to working collaboratively with each team member to discover optimal solutions tailored to their needs.
Availability:
- Seasonal/non-benefitted.
- Variable hours can be between 15-40/week, not to exceed an annual average of 30 hours/week.
- At least 3 days per week, with a requirement of 1 weekend day (Saturday-Sunday)
- Students: If you currently attending classes, we will accept an availability for 2 days a week, with the expectation that it will increase to 3 days once classes are finished.
- Hours: Shifts range throughout the day from an 8am start time until an 11:00pm end time.
- 5-8 hour shifts.
Benefits:
- Pay rate is $15.75/hour
- Flexible Scheduling (college & retiree friendly!)
- Complimentary Zoo tickets and Zoo-wide discounts
- Incentive programs and employee engagement opportunities
- Fun and engaging work environment with a positive team culture
- Free Metro Bus Pass provided for duration of employment
- Personal & professional development opportunities
Characteristics of a Good Santa Photo Photographer:
- Seeks out opportunities to create efficiencies and reduce waste in different work areas, while creating seamless processes & making quick, and effective decisions.
- Friendly and empathetic, enjoys getting to know people from all backgrounds.
- Expresses positivity and energy to guests entering/exiting the Zoo.
- Willing to adapt and learn.
- A passion for spreading holiday cheer and creating magical memories for our visitors at the Cincinnati Zoo’s Festival of Lights!
Through on-the-job training & employee engagement opportunities, you will:
- Gain experience, enhance your resume, & build transferrable talents.
- Hone-in on skillsets across all career fields & areas of interest.
- Develop your interpersonal skills through teamwork, initiating guest interactions, answering questions, & addressing concerns.
- Enhance critical thinking & communication abilities by helping with wayfinding & offering suggestions for each guest’s optimal visit.
- Build logistical masterminding by brainstorming & devising plans along with accuracy/attention to detail while cash handling at locations.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so please apply soon!
We strive to be an organization that is diverse & reflects the fullness of society. With a strongly held value for an organizational culture characterized by inclusion & belonging, we are committed to equity in all we do. We are especially interested in candidates who can contribute to our organization’s diversity & who want to walk alongside us in our commitment to inclusion & equity.
