Costume Character - Mascot (Part-Time - Occasional)

ZooTampa at Lowry Park; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 19,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Program

Discounted gym membership

Free zoo membership and access to MOSI

Free or discounted admission to manyFL

Discounts on food, beverage, and merch

Job summary

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is seeking performers to bring our mascot characters to life for daily operations, seasonal events, fundraisers, and outreach. You will perform in costume, engage guests, and represent the Zoo with enthusiasm and safety.

The role emphasizes comfort in extended costume wear, adaptability to different events, and interacting with diverse audiences while upholding AZA standards and zoo policies.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Experience in non-verbal performance.
• Be personable and animated with a fun, outgoing personality.
• Must be able to carry the weight of a full costume character for up to 1-hour at a time while performing role.
• Ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences, responding to sensitive inquiries or complaints with professionalism and tact.
• Demonstrates a high level of discretion when handling confidential information related to ZooTampa events and development efforts.

Responsibilities

• Perform up to five 30-minute sets per day while wearing a costume that may weigh up to 50 lbs.
• Represent ZooTampa as a Mascot for daily operations, off-site outreach opportunities, and seasonal events, including Creatures of the Night, Christmas in the Wild, fundraising events, and other events assigned.
• Ensure costumes are well-maintained, clean, and presentable for ZooTampa guests, reporting any issues or necessary repairs as needed.
• Prioritizes the safety of employees and guests during Mascot sets by proactively identifying and mitigating potential risks.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Non-verbal performance

Engaging personality

Job description

Become the Heart of ZooTampa's Immersive Adventures!

Are you ready to bring our costume characters to life and create exceptional, personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways? We're seeking enthusiastic performers to make our characters as iconic and memorable as our amazing animals. Join us in inspiring every guest to protect and preserve wildlife!

• Do you have experience in non-verbal performance and love engaging with diverse audiences?
• Are you able to perform in costume for extended periods, ensuring every guest interaction is unforgettable?

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Event Productions management, represent ZooTampa as a costume character (Mascot) for surprise and delight encounters, multiple seasonal events, fundraisers, and outreach opportunities.

Who We Are

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1.2 million visitors annually. We have grown to what now encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic wildlife habitats in a lush, tropical garden setting with wide-ranging activities. The Zoo, accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), offers popular educational programming, fun recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters and engaging seasonal events for which it has won awards as one of the country’s most family-friendly zoos.

Our mission

Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.

Our vision

Our vision is that everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.

Join us and become a part of creating unforgettable natural connections!

Your day to day

Essential Functions (including but not limited to):

• Perform up to five 30-minute sets per day while wearing a costume that may weigh up to 50 lbs.
• Represent ZooTampa as a Mascot for daily operations, off-site outreach opportunities, and seasonal events, including Creatures of the Night, Christmas in the Wild, fundraising events, and other events assigned.
• Ensure costumes are well-maintained, clean, and presentable for ZooTampa guests, reporting any issues or necessary repairs as needed.
• Prioritizes the safety of employees and guests during Mascot sets by proactively identifying and mitigating potential risks.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Experience in non-verbal performance.
• Be personable and animated with a fun, outgoing personality.
• Must be able to carry the weight of a full costume character for up to 1-hour at a time while performing role.
• Ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences, responding to sensitive inquiries or complaints with professionalism and tact.
• Demonstrates a high level of discretion when handling confidential information related to ZooTampa events and development efforts.

Other Requirements:

• Conducts all activities in alignment with AZA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards, and standards that ensure animal welfare.
• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions typical to west central Florida (i.e., heat, rain, or cold).
• Ability to use radio, telephone, and computer to communicate and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Must be able to work varied and long shifts including holidays and weekends.
• Must be able to work in a variety of physical positions, including sitting, bending, standing, walking, and driving.
• Must be able to lift over 50 pounds.

Our Perks at ZooTampa

• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounted gym membership
• Free membership to the Zoo, MOSI, Glazer Children's Museum, and the Florida Aquarium
• Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida
• Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandiseAnd so much more!

Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug-Free Workplace