Does helping others make your day? Do you like the outdoors and working with children and their families? Do you feel comfortable and excited engaging in conversations with guests? Are you interested in helping our conservation efforts?
This is a great opportunity for first time job seekers-and anyone energized by providing excellent customer service!
Note: Applicant must be minimum 16 years of age
Position Status: Part-Time, Regular, Hourly, Non-Exempt
Schedule: Up to 25 hours per work week, including weekends, school breaks and holidays.
Compensation: $16.00 per hour
Open Positions:
- Weekdays between 8:30am - 4:30pm
*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 Director of Operations and the Guest Services Manager, the Guest Services Ambassador facilitates a positive guest experience by providing excellent service to all those visiting the Santa Barbara Zoo.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES include the following:
- Greets every Guest within 10 feet with a warm smile, and every guest within 5 feet with a friendly “hello”
- Answer phone calls promptly and professionally
- Promotes the sale of memberships and processes the paperwork
- Performs duties of ticket sales and customer service at Admissions and Parking
- Performs guest safety for train by closing gates and blocking tracks
- Performs sanitation duties to protect from COVID-19
- Responds to all guest inquiries, comments and criticisms in a timely manner, in accordance with the guest relation’s procedures
- 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
- Performs opening and closing procedures and assures that all necessary tasks are completed
- Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work area clean, picking up trash while out in Zoo, and reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions
- Follows cash handling and point of sale procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual
- Adheres to the Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual
- Other duties as assigned
Understanding/Handling Emergency Situations:
- Responds to emergencies quickly and follows emergency protocols
- Remains calm and creates an atmosphere of calm and control for those dealing with the emergency situation
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.
Requirements:
- Applicants must be minimum 16 years of age (Work permit required for 17 and under, unless graduated from high school)
- Outgoing personality with positive attitude required
- Prior Customer Service and Cash Handling experience a must!
- Applicant must be able to stand/walk for up to two continuous hours and access all areas of the facility
- Must be able to work weekdays, some weekends, holidays, school breaks, and some evenings when events or training are scheduled
- At this time, the Zoo does not sponsor employment or internship visas
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to physically access all areas of the Zoo
- Ability to stand for at least two (2) continuous hours at a time
- Ability to lift/carry 30 lbs. or push/pull 70 lbs., climb stairs or ladders, and manipulate basic tools of the job. Ability to move large quantities of merchandise with carts, dollies, hand trucks, and other moving equipment
- Ability to bend, twist, reach, push, pull and perform repetitive motions
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.
