Guest Services Associate - On Call

Reid Park Zoological Society is seeking Guest Services Associates to provide gold-standard guest experiences during our event season and at the opening of Pathway to Asia very soon! The Guest Services Associate is responsible for being a flexible part of our Guest Services Team, and could eventually be cross-trained and responsible for working as a Guest Ambassador and for operating the carousel ride, train ride, mobile sales cart and cashier booth. On-call staff enjoy a flexible schedule by signing up for and committing to shifts that are published in advance monthly. 

Exemplary customer service skills, cash and equipment handling experience required. At least one year of cashier experience strongly preferred. Bilingual in Spanish, ASL, or any other language is strongly preferred. This position is open until filled.

With a mission centered in conservation, the Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participates in over 50 Species Survival Plans for threatened and endangered species. Reid Park Zoo cares for over 200 exotic animal species from around the world, maintains a state-of-the-art elephant program, a cutting-edge veterinary clinic that serves as a teaching hospital for the University of Arizona veterinary program, and is a leader in the Monarch and Songbird Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) programs. With more than 600,000 visits annually, the Zoo is in the midst of an exciting expansion project, Pathway to Asia, that will add four acres to its campus, bringing new species such as red panda, Komodo dragon and Lar gibbons, as well as a breeding facility for critically-endangered Malayan tigers when it opens in 2026.

Reid Park Zoo’s mission is to connect people with animals, inspiring the protection of wild animals and wild places. Be a part of a vibrant, growing organization as Reid Park Zoo continues to support local and global conservation and the highest standards in animal care while providing educational opportunities and family fun. 

No phone calls or visits, please.  This position is open until filled.  We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.  We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff by creating an inclusive environment.

Pay Range: $17.65 per hour / flat rate

Benefits: This position is not eligible for health and welfare, vacation or holiday pay. Benefits of this position include paid sick time, retirement plan, zoo membership, employee assistance program, and discounts on concession and gift shop purchases.

No phone calls or visits, please.  We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff by creating an inclusive environment.

The position builds and fosters relationships with Reid Park Zoo members, guests, volunteers, and other supporters to build awareness of the value of Reid Park Zoo to its numerous constituents. The position is responsible for building guest relations and promoting zoo products and services within a park attraction environment. 

Reports To:   Guest Services Supervisor

Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates and models the core values of the Reid Park Zoological Society (RPZS or the Zoo)
• Perform duties in accordance with RPZS policies and procedures
• Provide excellent customer service as a component of all job duties
• Follows Zoo safety protocols and procedures
• Promote a fun and educational experience environment while operating within safety guidelines 
• Provide the highest level of customer service to visitors, including greeting and assisting, responding to inquiries and assisting in resolving concerns
• Provide an environment promoting a fun and educational experience while operating within safety guidelines
• Promote products and services to guests in accordance with the organization's policies
• Sanitize high-touch surfaces
• Sell tickets and other promotional items in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws
• Safe operation of carousel or train, including completion of a daily safety/ maintenance checklist and pre-ride checks, setting up equipment for opening
• Communicate safety requirements and instructions to guests
• Perform zoo opening, including daily cash count for the change fund, and organizing all necessary equipment for the cashier booths opening.
• Handle cash, credit cards and checks accurately
• Operate computer terminal and record transaction information, separately tracking each coupon and promotion
• Issue receipts & tickets
• Promote products and services by informing guests about special promotions and suggesting additional items
• Responsible for booth money during the day and at closing
• Perform final closing including money safe and zoo entrance security
• Organize cashier booth including cleaning and organizing shelves and window displays
• Restock supplies daily as needed
• Balance and clear terminal
• Count all fees received for the day
• Prepare daily bank deposit with supervisor
• Perform duties in accordance with RPZS policies, such as completing expense reports, purchasing and cash handling procedures
• Liaise and connect with other departments
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Required Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• A valid, current, unrestricted driver's license
• Complete pre-hire background check and pre-employment drug screen (we do not test for THC)
• Comply with quarterly random drug testing if selected
• Completes all training as required
• Cash and equipment handling skills
• Able to perform simple arithmetic and accuracy and reasonable speed
• Ability to consistently demonstrate courtesy and respect in all interactions with adults and children of all ages
• Participates in emergency drills
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to maintain positive, constructive relationships across the organization, with a diverse population of staff, guests, vendors and the public
• Assertive, energetic, and enjoy working in a fast-paced, public/guest attraction-focused environment
• Ability to take direction, constructive feedback, and act or change direction as needed
• Regular physical attendance at work
• Reliable and able to work to a schedule
• Must be able to work a flexible work schedule including evenings and weekends

Physical Requirements 

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds often
• Bend, stoop, kneel, and reach frequently
• Stand and walk for long periods of time
• Repetitious motions with hands
• Ability to use hands to control power and hand tools
• Must be able to work outside in either cold or hot weather conditions the majority of the time

Preferred Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• 2 years of cashiering experience
• Additional years of experience in a park or public attraction setting
• Additional years of designated customer service in a hospitality environment
• Degree in relevant field (Zoos, Aquariums, Botanical Gardens, Tourism, Event Management, Hospitality)
• Bilingual (Spanish or ASL)

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Reid Park Zoological Society to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Dept.