Guest Services Associate (Part-Time) Zoo

Guest Services Associate

The Guest Services Associate is responsible for a variety of guest related activities. Duties may include assisting and greeting guests; counting guests; collecting and remitting cash; safe and efficient operation of rides; setting-up displays, loading, unloading and stocking merchandise; selling merchandise in gift shops; food service and catering preparation, displaying and selling food to guests; assisting in setting up and breaking down of zoo events and rentals. Other duties will include maintaining assigned work station in an aesthetically pleasing and businesslike manner, which could include ticket office, gift shop, cafes and surrounding areas. There is constant direct exposure to the public. Scheduled work hours and assigned areas may vary to meet the needs of Zoo guests. Must be flexible to work some evenings, and early morning hours, weekends and some holidays are required. Limited exposure to some adverse temperature conditions with extended periods of sitting and standing in a small workspace.

Requirements and Job Specifications

Education Required: H.S. diploma or equivalent. License(s) Required: Valid LA driver's license. Years Relevant Work Experience: 1 year retail experience or customer service experience in a related field. Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. Preferred: 3 or more years related experience Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

• Experience in retail sales, food service or catering; cash register operation / point-of-sale operation preferred
• Basic math and computer skills.
• Basic cash handling knowledge with the ability to compile daily cash verifications
• Demonstrated ability to communicate positively & effectively with public both orally and written
• Ability to work in a fast pace environment and sometimes stressful situations
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required
• Ability to follow instructions and adhere to standard operating procedures including but not limited to safety protocols
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with all Zoo team members and contacts regarding company business

Functions and Duties

Essential Functions and Duties:

• Provide excellent customer service to all Zoo visitors in a friendly, efficient and professional manner at all times; including but not limited to: welcoming visitors with appropriate greetings, answering visitor questions, handling cash transactions, and resolving guest-related issues efficiently.
• Constantly strives to further the mission of the organization by avidly supporting BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo.
• Be familiar with current zoo activities, exhibits, programs and services to assist customers.
• Opens, closes and maintains a cleanliness of work and sales areas, including front gate area; indoors and outdoors.
• Flexible in working various guest services locations and cross training in other areas
• Implements sustainable practices and makes suggestions for improvements in daily tasks whenever possible.
• Adheres to local, state and federal health and safety regulations
• Adheres to the employee uniform and employee policies and procedures
• Establish and maintain a positive attitude and working relationship with all staff.

Financial:

• Operates POS system, counts and remits receipts, and provides fiscal accounting as required.
• Maintain proper cash handling by following BREC financial procedures.
• Participate in inventory activities.
• Collecting money and recording counts at Zoo vending operations.
• Completes reports as needed.

Ticket Sales and Rides:

• Selling tickets for admission and ride and closes/balances the register.
• Operate Zoo Train and Tram along the designated path of the Zoo, delivering a standard guided tour.
• Responsible for safe boarding and disembarking of guests on ride.
• Responsible for the daily maintenance and fueling of the train/tram.
• Collecting Friends of the Zoo membership applications when FOZ staff is not present.

Gift Shop:

• Assist with merchandise display set-up.
• Loading, unloading and stocking merchandise.
• Ensures the gift shop is stocked with supplies that are needed to efficiently serve guests.
• Responsible for continuing monitoring and adjusting merchandise levels.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Food Service and Catering:

• Prepares and serves food service items while adhering to health and safety regulations.
• Assists in inventory of merchandise.
• Loading, unloading and stocking merchandise.
• Hosting Zooper Birthday Parities including set up and cleanup of party room. May include presenting animal encounters.
• Cleaning and sanitizing indoor and outdoor work areas throughout the day.
• Assisting with set up and cleanup of facility rentals.

Supplemental Information

Hours Worked: (Part-time) up to 29 hours per week maximum, days and hours vary Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. If you do not complete each section of this application (i.e. work experience, education, or etc.) to demonstrate that you meet the eligibility and minimum qualification requirements described in this announcement, your application will be deemed incomplete and you will be ineligible for further consideration for this vacancy. An offer of employment is contingent on passing a pre-employment criminal background check, Motor Vehicle Records check, drug screen and physical. If you have any questions or concerns, please email View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Benefits

2026 PART-TIME EMPLOYEE BENEFITS The following benefit components have been approved by the BREC Commission as part of the valuable supplemental compensation package for part time employees. However, the Commission has the right at any time to amend, modify or change components; benefit provisions; eligibility requirements; and contributory rates. Each benefit is also subject to change by the authority of each governing body. DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN: BREC has adopted a deferred compensation plan through Nationwide Retirement Solutions. BREC provides 4% contribution match for part-time employees. Upon request, a Nationwide Retirement Solutions representative can meet individually with each participant to review eligibility, participation, and investment opportunities. For assistance in setting up or making adjustments to your account call View phone number on click.appcast.io. SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS: BREC offers voluntary benefits through Colonial Life. Available options include short-term disability, critical illness (including cancer), dental and vision coverage, and whole life insurance. CREDIT UNION: Part-time employees are eligible to participate in the Baton Rouge City Parish Employee's Federal Credit Union. One may choose to participate in a variety of banking services including checking, savings, Christmas Clubs, direct payroll deposit, major credit cards or personal loans. Eligibility and rates are determined by the credit union governing board. EAP: Lucet Behavioral Health administers BREC's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) The EAP helps employees, and their family members resolve personal or work-related problems EMPLOYEE/FACILITY PRIVILEGE: BREC employees who actively participate in BREC programs gain a better knowledge and understanding of facility needs. This generates understanding and cooperation in interdepartmental needs. Some restrictions may apply. PAID TIME OFF: Part-time employees who work a minimum of 29 hours per week and at least 1,000 hours will be eligible to accrue Paid Time Off (PTO) hours. The purpose of the "Paid Time Off" benefit is to allow part time employees greater flexibility to take time off for vacation, sick and/or personal time. The maximum accrual is 40 hours per fiscal year. Once employees reach the cap, the employee will not accumulate any more PTO until some of the time in the account is utilized. After the balance goes below the maximum, the employee will begin accruing PTO again. Except for illness, employees are required to obtain supervisor approval in advance for the time off. PSLF: BREC is a qualifying employer for public service loan forgiveness. Employees who have Federal Direct Loans and have made 120 payments on the Federal Direct Loans (after Oct. 1, 2007) may be eligible for the remaining loan balance to be forgiven.

BREC Recreation And Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge