Guest Experience - Associate

Join the Guest Experience Team at the Great Plains Zoo!

Be part of a dynamic, guest-focused environment where hospitality andfun come together. Our Guest Experience Associates play a key role in creating memorable visits for guests of all ages by providing exceptional customer service, assisting with admissions and guest inquiries, supporting daily zoo operations, and helping ensure every guest enjoys a welcoming and engaging experience throughout their day at the zoo.

Our standard hours of operation are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with occasional extended hours for special events. Team member schedules will generally align with zoo operating hours; however, shifts may vary based on operational needs. Weekend availability is required.

Position Title: Guest Experience Associate


Reports to: Guest Services Manager and Assistant Guest Services Manager.


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.

Responsibilities

• Live out 452 Hospitality by delivering warm, welcoming, and memorable experiences for every guest and client.

• Day-to-day functions of admissions and membership windows.
• Drive ticket packages and membership growth through daily goals.
• Maintain compliance with cash-handling procedures.
• Perform their duties to the best of their abilities and promote an overall best guest experience.
• Perform other tasks deemed necessary.

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
• Uphold and demonstrate a complete understanding of company policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Goal-oriented and flexible to meet the needs of the operation. Demonstrates desire to help the team succeed.
• Driven by cultural attractions and the environment they support.
• People-person that is guest service-oriented.
• Comfortable in a sales role, meeting goals and supporting a driven & informed experience.
• An individual who brings excitement and opportunity to engage with the team and guests.

• Cashier and cash handling experience is a plus.
• Responsibly geared towards presenting a clean and welcome experience for guests through upholding sanitation requirements.

IDEA + Belonging

• Promote an inclusive & supportive approach within the Brand team, with networking continuing at all units

• Focuses on removing barriers and empowering growth and opportunity for team members at all levels
• Leads by example through Sustainability/Conservation efforts; displays knowledge of efforts in business application as well as giving adequate opportunity for teaching to unit staff as necessary
• Engages with SSA/Unit in driving community effort through engagement activities and focus. On opportunities of giving back

Previous Experience

• None Required

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with this job description. The General Manager reserves the right to revise the job description or to require that other or different tasks are performed when circumstances change (i.e. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs or technological developments)


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 1.5x 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.

Join the Guest Experience Team at the Great Plains Zoo!

Be part of a dynamic, guest-focused environment where hospitality andfun come together. Our Guest Experience Associates play a key role in creating memorable visits for guests of all ages by providing exceptional customer service, assisting with admissions and guest inquiries, supporting daily zoo operations, and helping ensure every guest enjoys a welcoming and engaging experience throughout their day at the zoo.

Our standard hours of operation are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with occasional extended hours for special events. Team member schedules will generally align with zoo operating hours; however, shifts may vary based on operational needs. Weekend availability is required.