Gift Shop & Visitor Experience Associate

Job Type Part-timeDescriptionReports To: Director of Administrative OperationsDepartment: Revenue CenterSalary: $16.00Job Status: Part-timeUnion Status: UnionPosition Scope: The Utica Zoo is seeking to hire an enthusiastic and outgoing individual to join our team. The Visitor Experience & Gift Shop Associate is responsible for the daily operation of the gift shops, admissions, and Jumpin' Joeys' Bounce Pillow, along with assisting with events and visitor experience as needed. As a front-line employee that interacts directly with the public, successful applicants must be able to present a positive image of the zoo and its mission. Must be 18 years of age or older.The Visitor Experience & Gift Shop associate is a member of the Utica Zoo's revenue center team reporting to the Director of Administrative Operations. Part-time, hourly (non-exempt), less than 30 hours per week. This position is required to work weekends, weekdays, holidays, and some evenings during special events. Position is part of a union.Essential Functions: • GIFT SHOP:o Serve the public by providing courteous and efficient serviceo Accurate accounting of all monies and transactionso Tagging and displaying of merchandiseo Ensure accurate receiving, sales, organization, and count of inventoryo Assist with membership fulfillment processo Assist with annual reciprocal list management and processing. o Assist with monthly community donationso Keeping the Visitor Center & gift shop clean, neat, attractive, and in compliance with all regulations.o Maintenance of cash registers, cash control, and daily register checkouts.• EVENTS & RENTALS:o Assist with admission tracking for events and rentalso Support the event staff with the overall service of the event. o Assist with event set up, breakdown and waste pickup.o Assist with restroom clean up before, during and after the event. • VISITOR EXPERIENCE: o Constantly exhibit a visitor experience attitude, by conducting yourself at the highest level of integrity and empathy, communicate with visitors, and answer questions in a courteous manner o Ensure zoo is ready for visitors daily.o Assist with visitor issues/comments as best as possible, escalate to a supervisor when unable to assisto Ensure Visitor Center accessibility and safety for all visitorso Respond promptly and with exceptional customer service to phone calls and emailso Process rentals of strollers and Scooter Pals & ensure rentals are clean and charged for visitor useo Oversee Jumpin' Joeys' Bounce Pillow use and safetyo Assist facilities staff to maintain restroom cleanliness and trash removal o Conduct surveys with incoming/outgoing visitors at admissions or high traffic areas.o Assemble and manage Membership promotion/signup and Retail table's setup in front gate or in high traffic areas.o Light yardwork of visitor pathways and garden assistance. • Other duties as assigned. RequirementsRequirements:• Good math, writing, telephone and speaking skills. • Ability to operate a cash register and typical office equipment• Good interpersonal skills to work well with others• Ability to work on Windows-based software• Good organizational skills and the ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule• The ability to handle emergencies and situations with efficiency, tact and courtesy.• Reliable and honest.• Must have consistent & reliable transportation• Must be 18 years of age or olderPhysical Requirements: • Ability to lift up to 50lbs and participate in the physical activities required by the position.• Be able to sit, stand, be outside or walk for extended periods.• Ability to sit and type at a computer screen for long periods of time.Salary Description 16.00/ hour

Created: 2026-04-02