Guest Experience Event Associate

Job Title: Guest Experience Event Associate

Department: Events
Reports to: Director of Events / Event Coordinator

Location: Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport, CT
Employment Type: Seasonal/Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Guest Experience Events Associate supports the planning and execution of Zoo events, guest programs, and attractions, including special events, birthday parties, and carousel operations. This role delivers high-quality guest service while ensuring a safe, organized, and engaging environment for visitors. Responsibilities include event support, guest interaction, program facilitation, and attraction operations.

Schedule / Hours

• Standard operating hours: Monday-Sunday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• Glow Wild event hours: Thursday-Sunday, 4:30 PM - 10:30 PM(September through December, annually)
• Work schedules are developed and communicated in advance based on employee availability provided at time of hire and may vary based on operational and event needs
• Must be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events, with schedules provided in advance whenever possible

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Event Operations (Glow Wild & General Events)

• Provide excellent guest service, including greeting guests, answering questions, and giving directions
• Assist with guest check-in, crowd flow, and traffic direction
• Monitor guest safety and promptly report incidents or concerns
• Support event setup, breakdown, and on-site logistics
• Assist with coordination of vendors (e.g., caterers, florists, rentals)
• Maintain clean, organized, and welcoming event spaces
• Operate Zoo vehicles (e.g., golf carts) as assigned and in accordance with safety guidelines

Birthday Party Program

• Serve as host for children's birthday parties from start to finish
• Welcome guests, facilitate activities, and maintain event timelines
• Coordinate with Education staff on animal encounter components (if applicable)
• Manage event setup, cleanup, and overall guest experience
• Ensure all materials, belongings, and event needs are addressed prior to guest departure
• Deliver a safe, engaging, and memorable experience for participants

Carousel Operations

• Operate and monitor the carousel in accordance with all safety procedures and training requirements
• Maintain cleanliness and operational readiness of the carousel area
• Perform routine cleaning (e.g., sweeping, wiping surfaces)
• Respond to guest inquiries related to carousel operations and Zoo attractions
• Support event activities associated with carousel use

General Responsibilities

• Comply with all Zoo policies, procedures, and safety standards
• Maintain a professional appearance and conduct at all times
• Support cross-departmental operations as needed
• Accurately record all hours worked in compliance with Connecticut General Statutes §31-13a
• Follow all timekeeping and payroll procedures
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Qualifications and Requirements

Education & Certifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Ability to obtain Carousel Operator Certification (if assigned)

Experience & Skills:

• Prior experience in customer service, hospitality, events, or attractions preferred
• Strong communicationand interpersonal skills; ability toengage withdiverse audiences
• Ability to manage high guest volumes while maintaining safety and service standards
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills in a fast-paced environment
• Reliable, flexible, and adaptable to changing operational needs
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Demonstrates professionalism, sound judgment, and attention to detail

Physical Demands

• Prolonged standing and walking across Zoo grounds, including uneven terrain
• Frequent bending, reaching, and lifting
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25-50 pounds
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions (events held rain or shine)
• Ability to safelyoperateequipment andassistguests andoperateequipment

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Work Environment

• Primarily outdoor work environment with exposure to varying weather conditions
• Frequent interaction with large and diverse guest populations
• May require use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as appropriate
• Requires availability for evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events