Do you have a passion for celebration events, thrive on customer service with a diverse audience, enjoy working in a collaborative team environment, and is calm under pressure? And a love for animals and the outdoors are also essential!
The Santa Barbara Zoo is seeking a part-time Birthday Party Host to join the Events team.
Note: Applicant must be minimum 16 years of age
Position Status: Part-Time, Regular, Hourly, Non-Exempt
Schedule: Up to 25 hours per week, weekdays, some Saturday and Sundays, as well as some evenings and holidays
Compensation: $16.00 per hour
*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*
SUMMARY:
Under general direction of the Events Manager and Events Associate, the Birthday Party Host responsible for making sure that birthday parties held at the Zoo are a wonderful, enjoyable, and safe experience for all concerned, in order to accomplish our goals of providing a superior visitor experience while successfully coordinating all supporting service.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
- Arrives on time for scheduled shift, properly dressed and ready to begin work
- Maintains a professional appearance and attitude at all times as a representative of the Zoo
- Interfaces with all Zoo departments and any outside vendors to ensure successful, safe events
- Monitors event activities to ensure compliance with applicable policies & procedures, satisfaction of participants, and resolution of any problems that arise
- Proactively promotes the Zoo as a facility for corporate events, birthday parties, weddings, and other private events
- Complete party preparation duties according to the established checklist before each event
SECONDARY DUTIES:
- Prepares electric cart for service and operates cart according to Zoo policies and safety standards
- Inspects and prepares birthday event sites as needed
- Escorts all deliveries and service providers from entrance gate to the event site, and out to the parking lot when they are through
- Ensures proper and timely cleanup of the areas used by the client and service providers
- Inspects property at end of event for damage, lost items, and other discrepancies. Reports any discrepancies to the Events Associate
- Fills out a Host Report at the end of each event that details the event and any problems that arose during the event
- Handles emergency situations in a professional manner and according to Zoo policy and protocol
- Greets every guest with a smile and thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo
- Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, and reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions
- Associates with guests to share information, identify their needs, and make their experience a more personal one, providing a high level of customer service and satisfaction
- Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures
- Maintains a clean, neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code
- Takes responsibility to stay informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending Zoo meetings
- Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement and the Employee Pledge
- Other miscellaneous duties as required
- Adheres to the Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual
- Ensures that Zoo rules, policies, and protocols are being adhered to by all concerned
- Applies and Exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible
POSITION CRITERIA:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and Experience:
- At least 16 years of age
- Experience in customer service, childcare, or event planning preferred
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Strong organizational skills
- Effective oral and written communication skills
- Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and our guests
- Ability to follow oral and written direction
- Ability to manage one's own time and the time of others in an efficient and effective manner
- Ability to adjust actions in relation to others' actions
- Ability to handle stress, and maintain composure: accept criticism and deal calmly and effectively with high stress situations, keeping emotions in check, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations
- Ability to maintain a diligent, friendly, and professional demeanor
- Attention to details
- Team orientated
- Effective oral communication skills
- Ability to follow oral and written direction
- Ability to exercise safe work habits
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
- Requires the ability to access all areas of the facility
- Must be able to climb stairs and stand / walk for up to two continuous hours
- Involves walking out-of-doors in all weather conditions
- Supportive and open employment culture
- Occasionally lifts and carries objects weighing up to 50 lbs
- Requires flexible schedule, including some week-ends and evenings
- Requires the ability to work in a shared open-office environment with frequent interruptions
Tools Used:
- Personal computer and software (Microsoft Word, Access, Outlook, Excel)
- Two-way radio
- Standard office equipment; telephone, copier, printer, facsimilie machine, calculator
- Hand tools
- Electric cart
BENEFITS & PERKS:
- Great team, beautiful grounds, amazing animal collection, sunshine & ocean view almost year-round!
- Free parking M-F, free guest passes, unlimited free tea/coffee every morning, 20% discounts on food services and retail purchases
- Access to the San Diego Zoo Global Academy platform, professional development events, and lunch & learn opportunities
*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*
Please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.
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This job description is representative of the expectations of the position described. Additional duties, reporting relationships, and/or position criteria may be assigned as deemed necessary by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative. No changes to this job description shall be made without written permission by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative.
The Zoo reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description does not constitute a contract for employment, and does not guarantee employment for any specified period of time. The job description does not in any way alter the at-will employment relationship.
At this time, the Zoo does not sponsor employment or internship visas.
Do you love animals and working with people? Join the fun, caring, friendly, and energetic team at the Santa Barbara Zoo in our mission of preservation, conservation, and enhancement of the natural world and its living treasures through education, research, and recreation.
Once you apply, please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.
The Santa Barbara Zoo is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and is a fully accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Known as one of the world’s most beautiful zoos, it is located on 30 acres of lush botanic gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is home to more than 146 animal species living in open, naturalistic habitats. Our wonderful collaborative team includes up to 220 employees and 50 volunteers.
