Job Description

Posting number: GSAZPT2026

Department: Zoo

Job classification: Guest Services Associate (Zoo)

Posting type: Open

Categories: Food Services, Customer Service, Zoo, Hospitality and Tourism

General Summary: 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.

Examples of duties

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

Qualifications

Essential Functions and Duties:

Guest Relations

• 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 HAdmin@brec.org or call (225) 273-6430.