Job Description

Does providing excellent customer service energize you? Do you have some successful experience performing daily retail operations? Does this kind of environment excite you and are you a natural in engaging staff and guests alike? If yes, we'd like to speak with you!

This is a great opportunity for first time job seekers-and anyone energized by providing excellent customer service!

Note: Applicants must be minimum 14 years of age. Work permits are required for 17 and under, unless graduated from high school.
Position Status: Part-Time, Regular, Hourly, Non-Exempt Schedule: Up to of 25 hours per work week, includes weekends, holidays and school breaks Compensation: $16.90 per hour

Open Positions:

• Any day, Monday-Sunday, between 8:30 - 6:00, 4-5.5 hrs./shift. Must be available to work at least one weekend day, holidays, and school breaks.
  
  
  *You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*
  
  

Under direct supervision of Director of Retail Operations (DRO), and Retail Shift Lead (RSL), the Retail Ambassador (RA) assists in executing the daily retail operations throughout the Zoo. This includes, and is not limited to, providing exemplary guest service in the retail shops, remote retail locations, and retail driven attractions. The RA exemplifies the highest standards to ensure the quality of the guest experience and the continued development of the institution’s Retail Operations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Guest Experience and Sales

• Greets every guest within 10 feet with a warm smile, and every guest within 5 feet with a friendly “hello”
• Engages with guests to share information, identify their needs, and make their experience a more personal one, providing a high level of customer service and satisfaction
• Recommend, select and help locate merchandise based on guest needs
• Responds to all guest inquiries, comments and criticisms in a timely manner
• Describes merchandise and explains use, operation, and care of merchandise to guests
• Rings up sales using POS/Registers, Maintains records related to sales
• Cleans work areas, shelves and counters. Straightens items, restocks. Prepares merchandise for purchase or rental
• Arranges and displays merchandise to promote sales
• Rents of strollers, wagons and wheelchairs, ensuring cleanliness and maintenance
• Answers phone calls promptly and professionally

Operational Duties

• Performs opening and closing procedures including signing out/dropping off banks, signing out radios, and reporting any major problems or violations to supervisor immediately
• Opens and/or closes retail stores, when scheduled to do so by supervisor
• Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met, not only in retail stores, but Zoo-wide by picking up trash while out in the Zoo and while walking in from the parking lot

POSITION CRITERIATo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education, Experience, Skills and Knowledge:

• Applicants must be minimum 14 years of age (Work permit required for 17 and under, unless graduated from high school)
• No minimum education required
• Customer service and cash handling experience preferred
• Outgoing and friendly personality a must
• Self-motivated and able to work without constant supervision

Physical Requirements:This position requires the handling of merchandise, supplies and materials. It will be physically demanding.Your physical functions will include:

• Ability to physically access all areas of the Zoo
• Ability to stand for at least two (2) continuous hours at a time
• Ability to lift/carry 30 lbs. or push/pull 70 lbs., climb stairs or ladders, and manipulate basic tools of the job. Ability to move large quantities of merchandise with carts, dollies, hand trucks, and other moving equipment
• Ability to bend, twist, reach, push, pull and perform repetitive motions

BENEFITS & PERKS:

• Great team, beautiful grounds, amazing animal collection, sunshine & ocean view almost year-round!
• Free parking, free guest passes, unlimited free tea/coffee every morning, 20% discounts on food services and retail purchases
• Access to the Collabornation learning platform, professional development events, and lunch & learn opportunities

*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*

Please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo

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This job description is representative of the expectations of the position described. Additional duties, reporting relationships, and/or position criteria may be assigned as deemed necessary by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative. No changes to this job description shall be made without written permission by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative. The Zoo reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description does not constitute a contract for employment, and does not guarantee employment for any specified period of time. The job description does not in any way alter the at-will employment relationship.

At this time, the Zoo does not sponsor employment or internship visas.
Compensation: $16.90 per hour

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive
consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex,
national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other
characteristic protected by law.

Do you love animals and working with people? Join the fun, caring, friendly, and energetic team at the Santa Barbara Zoo in our mission of preservation, conservation, and enhancement of the natural world and its living treasures through education, research, and recreation.

Once you apply, please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.
The Santa Barbara Zoo is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and is a fully accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Known as one of the world’s most beautiful zoos, it is located on 30 acres of lush botanic gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is home to more than 146 animal species living in open, naturalistic habitats. Our wonderful collaborative team includes up to 220 employees and 50 volunteers.