Front Desk & Operations Associate

Location: San Mateo, CA (In-Person)

Pay: $22–$26 per hour, plus tips and performance bonuses

Schedule: Tuesday to Thursday, 9:45 AM – 6:15 PM (additional weekday and weekend hours may be available)

About Safari Run

Safari Run is a family-focused indoor play and fitness center where children learn, play, celebrate, and build confidence in a safe, clean, and energetic environment.

We're looking for someone who enjoys working with children and families, takes pride in providing exceptional customer service, and is excited about growing into a leadership role within our business.

This position starts as a Front Desk & Operations Associate but is designed for someone who wants to develop into a key member of our leadership team.

About the Role

You'll be the first friendly face families see when they arrive while also learning how Safari Run operates behind the scenes.

Working closely with our Operations Manager, you'll gradually take on increasing operational responsibilities and develop the skills needed to oversee the facility and lead the team when required.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build a long-term career in children's recreation, education, family entertainment, or business operations.

What You'll Do

Guest Experience

• Welcome families for open play, birthday parties, camps, and events.
• Check guests in using our POS system.
• Answer phone calls, emails, and customer enquiries.
• Provide information about memberships, camps, parties, and programs.
• Deliver exceptional customer service and resolve routine customer concerns.

Daily Operations

• Help ensure the facility is clean, safe, organized, and ready for guests.
• Support birthday parties, camps, and daily operations.
• Assist with opening and closing procedures.
• Restock supplies, snacks, and merchandise.
• Help maintain inventory and organize deliveries.
• Assist with occasional Costco runs and supply pickups.

Leadership Development

As you gain experience, you'll begin learning how to:

• Support and lead shifts.
• Help train new team members.
• Handle customer escalations.
• Coordinate daily operations.
• Make operational decisions when the Operations Manager is unavailable.
• Help maintain high operational standards across the business.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone with leadership potential who genuinely enjoys working with children and families.

Ideal backgrounds include:

• Childcare
• Preschool or daycare
• Elementary education
• Children's sports or gymnastics
• Recreation centers
• Summer camps
• Family entertainment
• Hospitality
• Customer service

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience working with children, families, hospitality, recreation, education, or customer service.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Friendly, calm, and professional under pressure.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
• Comfortable using computers, email, scheduling software, and POS systems.
• Able to stand for extended periods and lift up to 25 lbs.
• Reliable, proactive, and eager to learn.

Growth Opportunity

This role is intended to develop into a leadership position. Over time, you'll receive training in operations, customer service leadership, staff coordination, and business operations to help oversee Safari Run when the Operations Manager is away. If you're someone who enjoys taking ownership, solving problems, supporting a team, and growing professionally, we'd love to hear from you.

Why Join Safari Run?

• Positive, family-oriented workplace.
• Leadership development and mentoring.
• Opportunity to grow into an operational leadership role.
• Consistent weekday schedule with additional hours available.
• Employee discounts, tips, and performance bonuses.
• Work that makes a positive impact on children and families every day.