Food Service - Hospitality Associate

Houston Zoo, 1513 Cambridge, Houston, Texas, United States of America Job Description Posted Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 5:00 AM Job Title: Hospitality Associate Location: In Unit Department: Varies (Dependent on Venue) Reports To: Department Director or Manager Employment Type: Hourly Part-Time Who are we: For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused. We bring together admissions, culinary, and retail with innovation and human connection to shape a seamless guest journey. Our focus is on people, innovation, and operational intelligence as a means to create special moments with lasting impact. We call it 452 Hospitality, the foundation of how we serve our partners and their communities. Position Overview: SSA Group is seeking a personable and service-oriented Hospitality Associate to support guest experiences at our venues. As a Hospitality Associate, you will provide warm welcomes, guide guests through their visit, and ensure a positive and memorable experience. Your role is essential in delivering exceptional service while helping maintain the cleanliness and ambiance of the venue. Primary Focus: Provide friendly and efficient service to guests at our food and retail outlets. Offer assistance and information about the venue, its services, and any ongoing promotions. Ensure the venue is clean, welcoming, and well-organized at all times. Collaborate with team members to maintain smooth operations and guest satisfaction. Key Responsibilities: Guest Experience: Greet guests warmly and ensure they feel welcomed as they enter the venue. Provide guests with information about attractions, services, and offerings. Assist guests with inquiries or direct them to the appropriate area or staff member for further assistance. Monitor the cleanliness and orderliness of the venue to create an inviting atmosphere. Operational Support: Help maintain cleanliness and organization in the venue, including food and retail areas. Assist with basic maintenance or report issues to management to ensure smooth operations. Follow up with team members to ensure high standards of hospitality are consistently met. Work closely with other team members to ensure a seamless guest experience. Communicate guest needs or feedback to management to continuously improve service. Be proactive in offering help where needed to improve overall team performance. Qualifications: Experience: A minimum of 1 year in hospitality, customer service, or a similar role. Skills: Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to handle a variety of guest needs in a professional and courteous manner. Attributes: Positive, approachable, and a team player with a focus on creating great guest experiences. Availability: Must be available for flexible scheduling, including weekends, evenings and holidays. Working Conditions: Environment: Fast‑paced venue settings, both indoor and outdoor in all weather conditions. Physical Requirements: Physical ability to perform tasks that may require prolonged standing, sitting and other activities necessary to perform job duties. Must lift up to 25 pounds, with or without assistance. Compensation and Benefits Eligible for overtime pay. On‑Demand Pay Program: Get access to a portion of earned wages before payday. Meal Plan & Employee Discounts at applicable locations. Participation in a 401(k) program with a 15% company match (must be 21 years or older, eligible after one year of employment with 1,000 hours worked, available to enroll during Open Enrollment Periods). Tuition Discount through Partnership College. Up to 8 hours of Bereavement Leave. Holiday pay of 1.5× the regular rate is provided for hours worked on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day . Paid sick leave is provided in accordance with applicable state and local laws. Accrual rates, caps and usage rules vary by location. Locations include: Arizona, California, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, D.C., Colorado: Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year, under the Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA). Maryland: Employees accrue at least 1 hour of paid sick and safe leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year, as required under the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act. Washington: Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked, in accordance with the Seattle Paid Sick and Safe Time. SSA Holdings and its affiliated companies, including SSA Group, A&F Souvenir, Cinchio Solutions and Behavioral Essentials, are equal‑opportunity employers. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our hiring practices and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. A diverse team strengthens our collective impact. All California Residents: By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the SSA Group California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Candidate and Employee Privacy Notice (“Notice”). San Francisco Residents: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Please see the “Fair Chance Ordinance – Know Your Rights” document for more information. By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the “Fair Chance Ordinance – Know Your Rights” document. We accept applications for this position on a rolling basis. Apply anytime at thessagroup.com. Applications are reviewed as received and the position remains open until filled. Houston Zoo, 1513 Cambridge, Houston, Texas, United States of America #J-18808-Ljbffr SSA Group