Attractions Associate

Knoxville Zoo; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 12,785 - 18,210; Part time

Job summary

Zoo Knoxville is seeking an Attractions Associate for the Rides and Attractions, Tram areas to provide a dynamic guest experience and uphold safety standards. The role involves standing for long periods, outdoor work, cash handling, and operating Tessitura POS. Training in admissions may occur and some shifts include weekends or holidays.

The position is seasonal, with pay at $11.25 per hour, and reports to the Admissions & Attractions Manager within the Guest Experience department.

Qualifications

• Must demonstrate excellent customer service and communicate clearly.
• Must be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Must be available some nights, weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent guest experience at rides and attractions.
• Respond to guest inquiries in a courteous and professional manner.
• Operate rides safely and maintain daily safety records.
• Monitor ride operations and enforce rules.
• Assist with training and support in admissions when needed.

Skills

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Availability ( nights/weekends/holid

Physical stamina

Tools

Tessitura POS

Job description

Position Type: Guest Experience/Attractions Associate

Date Posted: 1/21/2026

Location: Zoo Knoxville

Job Title: Attractions Associate – Rides and Attractions, Tram

Department: Guest Experience Date Updated: January 15, 2025

Reports To: Admissions & Attractions Manager Status: Seasonal

Supervises: N/A Pay Rate (hourly): $11.25

SUMMARY OF POSITION

Provide a dynamic guest experience in a variety of settings by demonstrating accurate job performance, delivering exceptional customer service, and promoting fun energy, and enthusiasm.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide excellent guest experience. Respond to guest inquiries in a courteous and professional manner.
• Assist in providing a safe and positive work environment for staff and guests.
• Uphold Zoo Knoxville’s core values (Care, Respect, Serve, Integrity, Educate, Fun).
• Follow and enforce all Zoo policies and procedures.
• Assist with training in areas as needed.
• Regularly staff Rides & Attractions area(s) to include carousel, train, Soaring Eagle, splash pad and other areas as needed.
• Handle an accurate cash drawer and give back correct change.
• Operate ride in safe manner, following all safety operations instructions and protocols.
• Follow and demonstrate all safety policies and procedures.
• Provide daily inspections and maintain daily maintenance and safety records for ride.
• Take pride in your area by maintaining appearance and cleanliness of all work areas and other public areas.
• Make sure children meet ride requirements and enforce rules.
• Monitor operations of the rides continuously and notify the appropriate personnel of any problems or unusual conditions.
• Dress appropriately based on Zoo personal appearance and dress code policy.
• Work outdoors, sitting and standing, in all weather conditions and temperatures.
• The ability to stand for extended periods of time, walk, reach with hands and arms, talk, hear, and use hands to reach and handle tickets, and money.
• Learn and retain necessary components of Tessitura-our point of sale system.
• Potential to cross train in admissions as needed.
• May need to perform duties of Admissions Associate as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be at least 18 years old (Some other age requirements depending on attraction).
• Must demonstrate and promote team atmosphere while supporting a friendly and efficient workforce, while working with a diverse group of people.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Must possess strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral).
• Must be dependable, honest and have a positive attitude.
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds.
• Must be able to work outside in varying temperatures and conditions.
• Must be available some nights, weekends, and holidays.

Don’t meet every requirement? At Zoo Knoxville we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles

WORKING CONDITIONS

As an employee of Zoo Knoxville, you must possess English communication skills as well as the ability to communicate using a 2‑way radio, email and telephone. The position hours vary depending on business needs and will require weekend and some holiday shifts. Depending on the specific tasks, this position will be required to work within close proximity of exotic and domestic animals and must be aware that there are dangers inherent in working under those conditions. Zoo Knoxville is committed to maintaining a drug‑free workplace and as such each employee must pass a pre‑employment drug screen.