Gift Shop & Visitor Experience Associate at Utica Zoological Society – Utica, New York

Reports To: Director of Administrative Operations

Department: Revenue Center

Salary: $16.00

Job Status: Part-time

Union Status: Union

Position Scope: The Utica Zoo is seeking to hire an enthusiastic and outgoing individual to join our team. The Visitor Experience & Gift Shop Associate is responsible for the daily operation of the gift shops, admissions, and Jumpin’ Joeys’ Bounce Pillow, along with assisting with events and visitor experience as needed. As a front-line employee that interacts directly with the public, successful applicants must be able to present a positive image of the zoo and its mission. Must be 18 years of age or older.

The Visitor Experience & Gift Shop associate is a member of the Utica Zoo’s revenue center team reporting to the Director of Administrative Operations. Part-time, hourly (non-exempt), less than 30 hours per week. This position is required to work weekends, weekdays, holidays, and some evenings during special events. Position is part of a union.

Essential Functions:

· GIFT SHOP:

o Serve the public by providing courteous and efficient service

o Accurate accounting of all monies and transactions

o Tagging and displaying of merchandise

o Ensure accurate receiving, sales, organization, and count of inventory

o Assist with membership fulfillment process

o Assist with annual reciprocal list management and processing.

o Assist with monthly community donations

o Keeping the Visitor Center & gift shop clean, neat, attractive, and in compliance with all regulations.

o Maintenance of cash registers, cash control, and daily register checkouts.

· EVENTS & RENTALS:

o Assist with admission tracking for events and rentals

o Support the event staff with the overall service of the event.

o Assist with event set up, breakdown and waste pickup.

o Assist with restroom clean up before, during and after the event.

· VISITOR EXPERIENCE:

o Constantly exhibit a visitor experience attitude, by conducting yourself at the highest level of integrity and empathy, communicate with visitors, and answer questions in a courteous manner

o Ensure zoo is ready for visitors daily.

o Assist with visitor issues/comments as best as possible, escalate to a supervisor when unable to assist

o Ensure Visitor Center accessibility and safety for all visitors

o Respond promptly and with exceptional customer service to phone calls and emails

o Process rentals of strollers and Scooter Pals & ensure rentals are clean and charged for visitor use

o Oversee Jumpin’ Joeys’ Bounce Pillow use and safety

o Assist facilities staff to maintain restroom cleanliness and trash removal

o Conduct surveys with incoming/outgoing visitors at admissions or high traffic areas.

o Assemble and manage Membership promotion/signup and Retail table’s setup in front gate or in high traffic areas.

o Light yardwork of visitor pathways and garden assistance.

· Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

· Good math, writing, telephone and speaking skills.

· Ability to operate a cash register and typical office equipment

· Good interpersonal skills to work well with others

· Ability to work on Windows-based software

· Good organizational skills and the ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule

· The ability to handle emergencies and situations with efficiency, tact and courtesy.

· Reliable and honest.

· Must have consistent & reliable transportation

· Must be 18 years of age or older

Physical Requirements:

· Ability to lift up to 50lbs and participate in the physical activities required by the position.

· Be able to sit, stand, be outside or walk for extended periods.

· Ability to sit and type at a computer screen for long periods of time.