Guest Services Explorer (Part-time weekends) at The Living Planet Aquarium – Draper, Utah

Position: Guest Service Host (Explorer)

Host Reports To: Guest Services Manager

Compensation: $13.50 per hour

Why Utah?

Utah is home to five national parks, world-class skiing and snowboarding, hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, and stunning deserts, mountains, and lakes, all within easy driving distance. Outdoor adventure is part of everyday life. The Salt Lake Valley consistently ranks high for safety, clean communities, short commute times, and family-friendly amenities. Draper offers a balance of suburban comfort and urban access, with downtown Salt Lake City just 15 minutes away. Enjoy all four seasons without extremes—sunny summers, colorful falls, snowy winters, and mild springs, perfect for both outdoor recreation and city living. Utah’s communities are known for being engaged, supportive, and service-oriented, making it easy for newcomers to feel at home.

About Loveland Living Planet Aquarium:

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium (LLPA) is a mission-driven institution dedicated to inspiring people to explore, discover, and learn about Earth’s diverse ecosystems. Founded in 1997, the Aquarium provides impactful educational experiences for guests of all ages and backgrounds.

Since opening its Draper, Utah facility in 2014, LLPA has welcomed more than 10 million visitors and delivered over 650,000 educational experiences to students. Home to over 4,000 animals representing 650 species, the Aquarium features immersive habitats from around the world, including coral reefs, kelp forests, the deep ocean, Antarctic waters, tropical rainforests, Asian cloud forests, and Utah’s freshwater ecosystems.

Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 2019, LLPA is in an exciting phase of growth. With the Sam and Aline Skaggs Science Learning Center currently under construction, the Aquarium will soon become the largest in the Mountain West and the fifth largest aquarium in the continental United States, offering expanded opportunities for education, research, and professional impact.

Position Summary:

Guest Service Hosts (Explorers) are the face of Loveland Living Planet Aquarium and play a vital role in creating a welcoming, memorable, and positive guest experience from arrival to departure. Explorers enthusiastically greet guests, provide accurate information, assist with ticketing and memberships, and ensure smooth entry into the Aquarium.

In addition to front entrance responsibilities, Explorers rotate through key guest engagement areas including Tuki’s Island Play and Party Center, EECO Voyager, and private evening events. In each location, Explorers are responsible for maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment by performing routine janitorial duties such as cleaning high-touch surfaces, monitoring and restocking supplies, addressing spills or debris promptly, and conducting regular cleanliness checks. By combining attentive guest service with proactive facility care, Explorers help ensure every space reflects the Aquarium’s commitment to safety, comfort, and an exceptional guest experience.

Critical Skills/Competencies:

· Demonstrates exceptional hospitality, courtesy, and professionalism in every guest interaction

· Strong oral communication skills with the ability to remain cheerful and composed in busy, high-volume environments

· Passion for delivering outstanding guest experiences and exceeding service expectations

· Ability to anticipate guest needs and resolve concerns with empathy and positivity

· Commitment to ongoing Aquarium knowledge and continuous improvement in customer service skills

· Comfortable receiving and applying feedback to improve performance and service delivery

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

· Create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere by greeting every guest with warmth and enthusiasm

· Deliver exceptional internal and external guest service in alignment with Aquarium standards

· Provide accurate, engaging information about Aquarium exhibits, mission, programs, pricing, and events

· Anticipate guest needs, proactively offer assistance, and provide clear directions throughout the facility

· Handle guest concerns or questions professionally, calmly, and with a solutions-oriented approach

· Support a clean, safe, and enjoyable environment for all guests

· Utilize the Galaxy admission system to issue tickets, process memberships, and check event availability accurately

· Promote and recommend memberships, animal encounters, animal adoptions, and special experiences in a helpful, guest-focused manner

· Process cash and electronic payments accurately and efficiently

· Balance registers and maintain accurate accounting records of transactions, coupons, donations, and promotional materials

· Verify vouchers and related documentation with attention to detail

· Maintain a professional appearance in uniform and clear communication when using radios

· Operate computers, phones, and office equipment effectively while maintaining strong guest engagement

· Remain efficient and accurate during peak attendance and high-pressure situations

· Assist with crowd management during busy periods to ensure guest safety and comfort

· Monitor work areas for cleanliness and safety; promptly address spills or debris and report concerns to supervisors

· Perform routine cleanliness checks in public areas including bathrooms, theater, parking lots, galleries, and play center

· Participate in field trip check-in, attraction operations, and special events as assigned

· Other duties as assigned

Scope of Position:

· Works varied shifts based on departmental and guest needs

· Plays a critical role in shaping first impressions and overall guest satisfaction

· Supports Aquarium-wide efforts to deliver an exceptional and mission-driven guest experience

Physical Demands of the Job:

· Regular walking, standing for extended periods, bending, and stooping

· Ability to lift up to 50 pounds

· Maintain assigned stations for extended periods

· Rapid and repetitive hand movements, including accurate cash handling

· Ability to work at a computer for extended periods

· Clear speech and effective hearing for guest communication

Special Working Conditions:

· Frequent interaction with diverse guests, volunteers, and staff

· Fast-paced, noisy environments with large crowds

· Exposure to both cool and warm indoor environments

Benefits & Perks

· Comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees including:

· Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus optional FSA/HSA accounts

· Paid time off & 12 paid holidays per year

· Paid bereavement leave and paid new child leave (birth, adoption, or placement)

· Employer-paid short-term disability; optional long-term disability coverage

· Convenient onsite childcare (employees pay approximately 20% of the cost)

· 401(k) with match up to 4% - fully vested from day 1 of contribution

· Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

· Free Aquarium membership

· Discounts on tickets, gift shop, and café purchases

· Free and discounted animal encounters

· Pet insurance and discounts

· Footwear discounts

· Entertainment, travel, and retail savings through Tickets at Work

While this job description attempts to describe the essential functions of the position, it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. It does not restrict management’s right to assign or reassign duties or responsibilities to this job at any time. The overall work environment while performing this job includes exposure to weather conditions and the noise level is usually moderate. The employee is expected to adhere to all policies and to act as a role model in the adherence to the policies.