Employment

Temporary Hourly Position: Holiday Season Guest Services Representative

Reports to: Guest Services Management 

Coordinates with: Director of Guest Services, Guest Services Manager, Banquet Manager

Summary of Responsibilities:

This position is a Holiday Seasonal temporary position, with the potential of seasonal part-time employment for the 2020 season. Position begins as early as November 3 and ends as late as January 11th. Most shifts will be scheduled from 4:00PM-9:30PM Thursday-Sunday, Nov. 3-Dec. 15; Monday-Sunday, Dec. 16-Jan. 5. Additional daytime shifts may be required per availability and business needs. The Zoo is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Wild Lights is open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

*Position is primarily for assistance with our holiday light event, Wild Lights, which has both outdoor and indoor positions. Candidates must be comfortable working outdoors during winter nights.*

This individual should be highly motivated, responsible, and personable and should have a proactive attitude. Guest Service Representatives are expected to have an outgoing personality, the ability to problem-solve, and must show an interest in our mission. GS Reps are key members of the Elmwood Park Zoo staff and operate as the “face” of the zoo. The Elmwood Park Zoo Guest Services department operates in a variety of facets, and Reps are expected to be trained and knowledgeable in these areas. Reps have the opportunity to work at a number of locations, either indoors or outdoors, throughout the Zoo. Guest Service Representatives 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, and inventory. Reps are expected keep their areas neat and organized.  Guest Service Representatives 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 prepared 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

• Ensure guests are properly greeted when they arrive and at other locations in the zoo
• Communicate effectively with both adults and children in both group and individual settings
• Respond to guests needs and anticipate their unstated ones
• Ability to be trained in all aspects of the Guest Services Department such as cashier, admission window sales, answering phones, guest/member check-in, Nature Shop sales, and other special events.
• Operate assigned cash register, while accurately and efficiently delivering an error-free record of the transaction and a balanced drawer at the end of every shift. 
• Keep the register area neat and orderly, including any merchandise presented at check-out, presenting a professional and clean counter to customers 

• Responsible for responding to customer inquiries in regards to admission rates, hours of operations, memberships, special events, attractions, etc. 
• Informs managers of comments, complaints, or concerns.
• Contribute to the basic daily neatness and organization of the department and other areas. 
• Assist Guest Services team with restocking and inventory in Nature Shop which includes verifying & stocking merchandise when delivered for Nature Shop in accordance with SOP.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned by the Director of Guest Services Management

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 weekends, some nights and some holidays. Normal shifts are 9:00AM – 5:30PM with variable night shifts.
• 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: $8.00-$12.00 per hour depending on experience and qualifications

Temporary Hourly Position:  Holiday Season Bartender 

Reports to: Guest Services Management 

Coordinates with: Director of Guest Services, Guest Services Manager, Banquet Manager

Summary of Responsibilities:

This position is a Holiday Seasonal temporary position, with the potential of seasonal part-time employment for the 2020 season. Position begins as early as November 3 and ends as late as January 11th. Most shifts will be scheduled from 4:00PM-9:30PM Thursday-Sunday, Nov. 3-Dec. 15; Monday-Sunday, Dec. 16-Jan. 5. Additional daytime shifts may be required per availability and business needs. The Zoo is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Wild Lights is open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

*Position is primarily for assistance with our holiday light event, Wild Lights, which has both outdoor and indoor positions. Candidates must be comfortable working outdoors during winter nights.*

Elmwood Park Zoo is looking for a high-energy bartender to provide an excellent guest experience. The successful candidate will be able to mix and match ingredients in order to create classic and innovative drinks in accordance with customers’ needs and expectations. This role is seasonal and requires full availability for any shift, including some nights and some holidays. 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 Guest Services Department and Zoo. Bartenders 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 register), cash handling, stocking, managing inventory and light cleaning, as well as serving a variety of beverages to customers on a daily basis. Bartenders also have the opportunity to help guests daily by answering questions, providing information and assisting with special requests. 

EPZ Team Member Responsibilities:

• 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 including zoo fundraisers
• Follow and adhere to all policies and procedures and safety protocols for the department and the Zoo. 
• Use proper radio etiquette, call numbers and adhere to proper dress attire at all time

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for basic daily maintenance, cleanliness and organization of the entire bar area/s
• Maintain bottles and glasses in an attractive and functional manner
• Check customers’ identification and confirm it meets legal federal drinking age
• Restock and manage bar inventory and supplies
• Prepare and serve alcohol and non-alcohol beverages and snacks
• Mix ingredients to prepare cocktails
• Anticipate your guests’ needs and preferences. Make recommendations and be alert of guests’ signals  
• Stay guest focused and nurture an excellent guest experience
• Record and process orders into register accurately and immediately. Balance register at open and close
• Comply with all food and beverage regulations
• Informs Managers or Lead of day’s profits, comments, complaints, or concerns
• Performs other duties as may be assigned by the Director of Guest Services, Manager or Assistant Managers
• Educate guests on oneself on the bar menu and the options offered, with particular respect to the zoo’s exclusive offerings, the zoo brews

Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age
• Proven working experience as a bartender
• Excellent knowledge in mixing, garnishing and serving drinks
• Computer literacy
• Positive attitude and excellent communication and organizational skills
• Previous Cashier experience (knowledge of point of sale a plus)
• Must have exceptional hygiene and grooming habits
• Prolonged standing for two to three hours at a time or longer.  Continuously reach, bend, lift

• Occasionally lifts up to 35 pounds

Education:

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required. 
• Relevant training Certificate (RAMP Certified)
• Knowledge of a second language will be considered a plus

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

Wages: $10.00-$12.00 per hour depending on experience and qualifications

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
• 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

Position:   Custodian 

Reports to: Custodial Manager

Coordinates with:  All Departments 

Summary of Responsibilities:

This individual must be a highly motivated individual responsible for the day to day maintenance of the Zoo grounds and buildings and must be an on hand team player. Assists with various infrastructure projects and works closely with Horticulture and Grounds Director and contracted service companies. Communicates well and works well in a vision driven organization. Must be logical and be able to solve difficult problems with effective solutions; can see hidden problems and address them appropriately. This high energy individual enjoys challenging tasks and fast paced environment.

EPZ Team Member Responsibilities:

• 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. 
• Use proper radio etiquette, call numbers and adhere to proper dress attire at all time

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for maintaining zoo grounds and keeping all zoo facilities clean and in safe condition on a daily operational basis
• Must assist with storm cleanup (i.e. snow removal, leaf removal, etc.)
• May be assigned other duties by manager or directors (i.e. painting, scraping, small odds jobs such as light bulb changing)
• Assisting with pest control and removal and reporting needs to managers and directors
• Assist in the preventive maintenance for all equipment, and utilities of the Zoo and all the offices and service areas.
• Excellent maintenance and custodial practices in all areas of the Zoo including offices and service areas ensuring cleanliness, orderliness and functional condition of the building, grounds and all other facilities.
• Be aware of supplies, spare parts and other consumable items for the use of the department needs are to be reordered or reported to supervisor for reordering.
• Submits ideas to improve efficiency to achieve Departments goals and objectives.
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment.
• Comply with all safety and operational standards established by the Government and the AZA.
• Responsible for doing daily inspections of areas of responsibility and prioritizing the necessary custodial maintenance, taking into consideration that safety is first.
• Completes tasks listed on maintenance request forms in a timely and professional manner to ensure the best possible operation and appearance of the Zoo. 
• Performs other duties as may be assigned from time to time by Department Directors and Custodial Manager
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules and maintenance manuals.
• To treat with confidentiality all information entrusted or known by you regarding guests, animals, business, employees, volunteers, incidents and any other sensitive information. 
• Communicate effectively with both adults and children in both group and individual settings. Greet guests and exercise professionalism at all times.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

Ability to assist with various facilities on various projects. Ability to foresee and apply safety precautions applicable to the work. Frequently lift and carry up to 100lbs. The willingness to accept weekend, some holiday, and occasional after-hour assignments including coverage for Wild Lights, evening rentals and other events as may be assigned. Ability to complete assigned routine work orders.  

Education: High school diploma/ equivalent is required 

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

Work Experience: Custodial 

This position will require occasional on-call for emergency clean-ups and repairs within the facility or for external emergency natural disasters that require the immediate man power.

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.

Position: Face Painter
Reports to: Guest Services Managers
Coordinates with: All Guest Services Management

Summary of Responsibilities:
The Elmwood Park Zoo is hiring a seasonal part-time face painter for the 2019 season. 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 Elmwood Park zoo. The face painter is expected to have an outgoing personality, the ability to problem-solve, and must show an interest in our mission. The face painter will have the opportunity to work at a number of locations, both indoors or outdoors, throughout the Elmwood Park Zoo. The face painter should have friendly, helpful attitude with guests and coworkers to maintain a quality zoo experience. The face painter must be able to use a radio to understand and relay appropriate updates and information.

EPZ Team Member Responsibilities:

1. Assist the Zoo in fostering an appreciation of wildlife and their habitat that will inspire active participation in conservation.
2. Assist management in ensuring safety, cleanliness, and efficiency in all areas of the operation of the zoo.
3. Be available as per business needs.
4. Adhere to proper dress attire at all times.
5. Being prepared to work in various outdoor conditions
6.  Follow and adhere to all policies and procedures for their specific department and the zoo at all times.
7. 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:

1. Expected to produce quality, artistic face paints to the public on a daily basis as part of the Zoo Guest Services team.
2. Aid the Guest Services department in identifying and create new face paint designs and opportunities to offer to guests.
3.  Communicate effectively with both adults and children in both group and individual settings while face painting.
4. Consistent attendance is a job requirement.
5. Ensure safety standards are followed while applying face paint to guests.
6. Perform inventory related stock functions as needed including maintaining proper face painting supply levels; ordering face paint supplies as needed and completing and submitting purchase orders for ordered items.
7. Adhere to company policies and procedures.
8. Maintain a clean and organized sales environment, as well as face paint supplies.
9. Responsible for responding to customer inquiries in regards to admission rates, hours of operations, special events, etc.
10. Informs managers of comments, complaints, or concerns.
11. Responsible for basic daily maintenance, cleanliness and organization of department areas.
12. Performs other duties as may be assigned.

Basic Qualifications

1. You must be at least 16 years old to be considered for this position.
2. Experience with face painting is highly preferred.
3. Must have the ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.
4. Must be able to lift a minimum of 30 lbs.
5. Must be able to work outside in a variety of weather conditions.
6. This role is part-time and requires full availability for any shift and a minimum four days per week; including weekends, some nights, and some holidays.

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-$12.00 per hour depending on experience and qualifications