Guest Relations Associate (Customer Service/Hospitality)

Application Deadline: This position will remain open until July 7, 2025 , or until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. We reserve the right to close the posting early if a well-qualified candidate pool has been established. Early submission is encouraged.

Are you passionate about providing exceptional customer service in an outdoor setting ? If you thrive in a hospitality role where you can make a difference, we want you to be the welcoming face of our Zoo! This part-time role is (between 24-29.5 hours per week ) ideal for anyone who loves working with people and wants to make a local impact through exceptional guest service.

We are seeking enthusiastic, friendly , and customer service-oriented individuals . As a Guest Relations Associate , you will contribute to the publics experience from the moment they call, visit our website, or step through our gates . Whether facilitating ticket purchases, welcoming local schools, and answering guests' questions about accessibility, you will be instrumental in ensuring that every visitor feels valued and eager to return to the Zoo.

This position requires the ability to work outdoors in Florida's changing weather, a people-first attitude , strong communication skills , and a genuine love for animals and the community . This isnt just a jobits a chance to be part of a mission-driven team, "Connecting our communities to wildlife and wild places."

What Youll Do

• Greet and assist guests at Zoo entry points, including turnstiles, ticketing, and rental areas.
• Share accurate, up-to-date information on daily experiences, event schedules, and Zoo promotions.
• Assisting with stroller rentals, digital scavenger hunts, train crossing safety, and more.
• Operate our Galaxy point-of-sale (POS) system to process admissions, returns, and special orders.
• Deliver outstanding customer service and resolve concerns with professionalism.
• Support opening/closing duties and help maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming front gate experience.

What You Bring...

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• A proactive, guest-first mindset and ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• At least six (6) months of customer service experience (retail, food service, military family events, volunteer work, etc.).
• Ability to stand, walk, and talk for extended periods (up to 5 hours at a time)
• Comfort to work outdoors in Florida weather
• Ability to stand, walk, and talk for extended periods (up to 5 hours at a time).
• Flexible availability, including one weekend per week (e.g. Saturday or Sunday).
• Comfortable using computers and willing to learn Zoo-specific systems (e.g., Galaxy POS).
• A natural talent for making people feel welcome and solving problems with a smile

Note: Applications that do not provide sufficient detail to evaluate the relevance and duration of unpaid experience may not move forward in the review process. This information may be included in the resume and/or application fields.

We value all experiencepaid or unpaid and strive to assess each applicants background fairly and thoroughly in alignment with equitable hiring guidelines and our commitment to inclusive practices.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions, especially heat and rain.
• Requires hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills for tasks such as grasping, turning, and manipulating objects of varying size and weight.
• Ability to talk, stand and/or walk for extended periods (up to 5 hours at a time).
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs for short distances (e.g., rental equipment or supplies).
• Ability to walk, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, and reach.
• Requires visual acuity for reading, writing, and observing surroundings, as well as auditory acuity for communication.
• Ability to operate motorized carts safely.

WORK CONDITIONS

• Maintain compliance of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for area according to organization policies and protocols.
• Maintain compliance with policies and protocols that prioritize human and animal safety.

TRAVEL EXPECTATIONS

• Driving: Must maintain a valid drivers license and clear driving record and be over age 18 to operate organizational vehicles.

We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment regulations. EOE/DRUG FREE WORKPLACE