Employment

Department: Marketing

Position: Mascot/Character Performer – Seasonal

Reports To: Marketing Manager

Summary of Responsibilities:

This individual should be highly motivated, responsible, and personable and should have a proactive attitude and show leadership skills. This individual will be responsible for adhering to the policies and procedures of the Zoo. For this specific character position, applicants should have prior acting or performing experience. Staff members expected to have an outgoing personality and the ability to problem-solve. Performers have the opportunity to work at a number of locations, either indoors or outdoors, for the Elmwood Park Zoo and Treetop Adventures. Performers mustexhibit a positive, friendly, helpful attitude with guests and coworkers to maintain a quality zoo experience and never break character while in front of the public.

EPZ Team Member Responsibilities: 

• Assist the Zoo in fostering an appreciation of wildlife and their habitat that will inspire active participation in conservation.
• Assist in creating a safe, clean and efficient working environment throughout the Zoo. Be available as per business needs.
• Adhere to Zoo confidentiality standards as outlined in the Zoo’s Employee Handbook regarding all information regarding customers, animals, business operations, employees, volunteers, and any/all sensitive information.
• Interact cordially and communicate clearly with the public.

Mascot Responsibilities:

• Perform as one of Elmwood Park Zoo’s costumed characters throughout the year and represent the zoo through upbeat and energetic performances, interacting with guests of all ages throughout/outside the zoo.
• Stay in character throughout performance times and follow mascot and costume policies and guidelines.
• Be available as per business needs, including nights and holidays for events at zoo and in surrounding area, at events such as festivals, sporting games, carnivals, etc.
• Set up, break down, and transport promotional event equipment as required
• Maintain Bubby costume
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

• Fit into Bubby’s costume. Approximately 5’8” – 5’11” in height, and 15 inches chest width.
• You must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for this position.
• You must also have a driver’s license and an automobile to perform as mascot at different locations as needed by the zoo.
• Prolonged standing for two to three hours at a time or longer.
• Ability to withstand frequent appearances in outdoor weather conditions in full costume throughout various seasons.
• This role is Part-Time and requires full availability for any shift, including nights and holidays.
• Strong communication skills are a must.
• Carrying or lifting items weighing up to 50 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications:

• High School Diploma. 4-year Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Communication,
  Performing Arts, or some related field preferred
• Strong organizational skills
• Self-sufficient
• Previous work experience in outdoor promotions/marketing/and or customer
  service

Education:High School Diploma or equivalent is required

Identification:A valid Driver’s license/State ID and second form of valid identification is required. Ability to pass background and child abuse clearances

Reports to: Treetop Director/Managers
Coordinates with: Treetop Director, Zip Line Manager; All zoo departments

Summary of Responsibilities:
This individual should be highly motivated, responsible, and personable and should have a proactive attitude and show leadership skills. Guides are expected to have an outgoing personality, ability to problem-solve, and must follow protocol in the health and well-being of our animals. Guides are key members of the Elmwood Park Zoo staff and operate as the “face” of the zoo. The Elmwood Park Zoo Treetop Adventures department operates in a variety of facets, and guides are expected to be trained and knowledgeable in all areas. Adventure guides have the opportunity to work at a number of locations, either indoors or outdoors, throughout the Elmwood Park Zoo. Guides must exhibit a positive, friendly, helpful attitude with guests and coworkers to maintain a quality zoo experience. Responsibilities include operating & balancing a point-of-sale system (POS register), stocking, inventory and light cleaning. Adventure guides also have the opportunity to help guests daily by answering questions, providing information and assisting with special requests. Other responsibilities include assisting with event setups and execution, as well as providing tours and assisting on small programs, such as birthday parties.

EPZ Team Member Responsibilities:
• To assist the zoo in fostering an appreciation of wildlife and their habitats that will inspire active participation in conservation.
• Assist management in ensuring safety, cleanliness, and efficiency in all areas of the operation of the zoo.
• Be available as per business needs.
• Follow and adhere to all policies and procedures and safety protocols for the department and the zoo.
• Uses proper radio etiquette, call numbers and adhere to proper dress attire at all time

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
• Communicate effectively with both adults and children in both group and individual settings
• Ability to contribute in a team setting
• Learn all aspects of the Treetop Adventures experience and follow through with training.
• Responsible for responding to customer inquiries in regards to admission rates, hours of operations, memberships, birthday parties, group rates, special engagements, etc. relating to Treetop Adventures
• Informs Managers of day’s profits, comments, complaints, or concerns
• Responsible for balancing register at Treetop Adventures Harness House
• Assist management, with restocking/daily cleanliness in Harness House
• Responsible for basic daily maintenance, cleanliness and organization of park area, including all courses, zip lines, harnesses, and other various equipment used
• The ability to answer a multi phone line in accordance to Standard Operating Procedures.
• Ability to use a multi-channel radio to communicate with other staff members and use appropriate procedures according to radio protocol.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned by the Treetop Adventures Managers or Assistant Managers.

Requirements
• Frequently standing for long periods of times
• Must be able to work at heights comfortably

• Traverse through course by climbing, balancing and standing in a tree with a harness
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Ability to be exposed to all season weather conditions
• Full availability for any shift, minimum of (3) days per week including nights and some holidays.
• Strong communication skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel as well as experience on Point of Sales registers
• Education: High School Diploma
• Work Experience: Previous cashier experience and knowledge of Point of Sales register. Previous event planning and execution experience a plus.

Identification: Two forms of valid official identification is required. Ability to pass background and child abuse clearances

Reports to: Director of Treetop Adventures

Coordinates with: Treetop Adventures Management, Director of Guest Services, Guest Services management and staff and other zoo departments and management

Summary of Responsibilities:
This individual should be highly motivated, responsible, and personable and should have a proactive attitude. Ride Operators are expected to have an outgoing personality, the ability to problem-solve, and must show an interest in our mission. Ride Operators are key members of the Elmwood Park Zoo staff and operate as the “face” of the zoo. The Elmwood Park Zoo Ride Operator department operates in a variety of facets, and are expected to be trained and knowledgeable in these areas. Ride operators have the opportunity to work at a number of locations, either indoors or outdoors, throughout the Zoo. Ride Operators must exhibit a positive, friendly, helpful attitude with guests and coworkers to maintain a quality zoo experience. Responsibilities include operating daily inspection of all rides assigned and all seats, tracks, gears, and other pieces of machinery, as well as cosmetic aspects including paint, luster, shine and finish of metal, walkways and access points, straps and seat belts and other safety equipment. Ride operators are expected keep their areas neat and organized. Ride operators must also exhibit the highest standards of safety practices and employ great attention to detail, monitoring the ride and its riders at all times of operation. Ride Operators also have the opportunity to help guests daily by answering questions, providing information and assisting with special requests. Other responsibilities include assisting with small and large event setup, breakdown, and execution, as well as assisting on small programs, such as birthday parties.

EPZ Team Member Responsibilities:
• Assist the zoo in fostering an appreciation of wildlife and their habitat that will inspire active participation in conservation.
• Assist management in ensuring safety, cleanliness, and efficiency in all areas of the operation of the zoo.
• Be available as per business needs.
• Adhere to proper dress attire at all times.
• Being pared to work in various outdoor conditions.
• Follow and adhere to all policies and procedures for their specific department and the zoo at all times.
• Uses proper radio etiquette, ability to use a multi-channel radio to communicate with other staff members and use appropriate procedures according to radio protocol.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities
• Communicate effectively with both adults and children in both group and individual settings
• Ability to be trained in all aspects of the zoo’s rides, including but not limited to the train, carousel and Treetop Adventures
• Responsible for responding to customer inquiries and directing guests to appropriate parties within the zoo for further questions
• Informs managers of comments, complaints, or concerns.

• Responsible for collecting and scanning of tickets at each ride attraction location assigned, counting and verifying tickets counts at end of shift. Ride operator is also responsible for verifying the legitimacy of each ticket as it is collected for proper assignments, expiration dates, etc.
• Contribute to the basic daily neatness and organization of the department and other areas.
• Responsible for maintaining all safety standards and procedures to ensure safe and enjoyable rides and experiences for all guests.
• Responsible for monitoring all guests while on board of any of the rides or attractions the operator is overseeing during their shift; operator must have great sense of focus and maintain strict attention to keep experience safe at all times.
• Assist in Guest Services and Treetop Adventures Department as per business needs
• Performs other duties as may be assigned by the Director of Guest Services, Guest Services Managers, Treetop Adventures Director and Treetop Adventures Managers/Asst. Managers

Basic Qualifications
• This position may require prolonged standing for several at a time.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 30 lbs.
• Must be able to work inside or outside in a variety of weather conditions.
• This role is part-time and requires full availability for any shift and a minimum of three days per week, including some nights and some holidays. Normal shifts are 9:00AM – 5:30PM with variable night shifts.
• Previous ride operating experience is preferred.
• Bilingual is a plus.

Education: High School Diploma/Equivalent
License: A valid Driver’s license/State ID and second form of valid identification is required. Ability to pass background and child abuse clearances.

Wages: $7.25-$10.00 per hour depending on experience and qualifications

Attendant Reports to: Food & Beverage Services Manager, Director of Food & Beverage Services
Coordinates with: Director of Food & Beverage Services, Food & Beverage Services Manager, Asst. Manager, Banquet Manager, Tree Top Management, Sales Manager, Special Events Manager

Summary of Responsibilities:
This individual should be highly motivated, responsible, and personable and should have a proactive attitude. Food & Beverage Service Attendants are expected to have an outgoing personality, the ability to problem-solve, and must show an interest in our mission. F&B Attendants are key members of the Elmwood Park Zoo staff and operate as the “face” of the zoo. The Elmwood Park Zoo Food & Beverage Services department operates in a variety of facets, and Attendants are expected to be trained and knowledgeable in these areas. Attendants have the opportunity to work at a number of locations, either indoors or outdoors, throughout the zoo. Food & Beverage Service Attendants must exhibit a positive, friendly, helpful attitude with guests and coworkers to maintain a quality zoo experience. Responsibilities include operating a point-of-sale system (POS cash register), cash handling, stocking, inventory, food prep, cooking, and food expediting. Attendants are expected keep their areas neat and organized and practice safe and clean food service practices at all times. Food & Beverage Service Attendants also have the opportunity to help guests daily by answering questions, providing information and assisting with special requests. Other responsibilities include assisting with small and large event setup, breakdown, and execution, as well as assisting on small programs, such as birthday parties.

EPZ Team Member Responsibilities:
• Assist the zoo in fostering an appreciation of wildlife and their habitat that will inspire active
participation in conservation.
• Assist management in ensuring safety, cleanliness, and efficiency in all areas of the operation of the zoo.
• Be available as per business needs.
• Adhere to proper dress attire at all times.
• Being able to work in various outdoor conditions.
• Follow and adhere to all policies and procedures for their specific department and the zoo at all times.
• Uses proper radio etiquette, ability to use a multi-channel radio to communicate with other staff members and use appropriate procedures according to radio protocol.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities
• Communicate effectively with both adults and children in both group and individual settings
• Ability to be trained in all aspects of the Food & Beverage Services Department including receiving, stocking and counting inventory, receiving orders and processing payments on a Point of Sale System, assisting with and executing food prep and order, expediting food, and assisting with the daily cleaning of all equipment and machines.
• Responsible for answering basic customer questions, including hours of operations, pricing, etc. and directing questions to appropriate parties within the zoo.

• Informs managers of comments, complaints, or concerns.
• Responsible for handling the cash flow at all F&B locations they are assigned to for their shift
• Contribute to the basic daily neatness and organization of the department and other areas and
maintaining the highest level of cleanliness
• Assist Food & Beverage Services team with restocking and inventory in F&B locations which includes verifying & stocking all food items when delivered in accordance with SOP and in coordination with Director of Guest Services, Food & Beverage Services Manager & Guest Services Managers.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned by the Director of Guest Services, F&B Manager, or GS Managers.

Basic Qualifications
• This position may require prolonged standing for two to three hours at a time.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 30 lbs.
• Must be able to work inside or outside in a variety of weather conditions.
• This role is part-time and requires full availability for any shift and a minimum of three days per week, including some nights and some holidays. Normal shifts are 9:00AM – 5:30PM with variable night shifts.
• Bilingual is a plus.
• Previous experience in a kitchen or food services atmosphere is preferred.

Education: High School Diploma/Equivalent
License: A valid Driver’s license/State ID and second form of valid identification is required. Ability to pass background and child abuse clearances.