Guest Relations Specialist

ODYSEA AQUARIUM; Scottsdale (AZ); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A premier aquarium attraction in Scottsdale, Arizona is looking for a Guest Relations Specialist to enhance guest experiences. You will be responsible for ticket sales, assisting visitors, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. Ideal candidates should possess previous customer service experience, a friendly demeanor, and the ability to work flexible shifts. Join a dynamic team that values guest interaction and provides exceptional service in a vibrant environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of retail or customer service experience.
• Must handle large sums of money accurately.
• Ability to work shifts including weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an ambassador to guests and address their needs.
• Conduct ticket sales and maintain a clean work area.
• Ensure guest safety and compliance with policies.

Skills

Friendly and outgoing approach

Ability to learn Guest Services functions

Teamwork skills

Customer service skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Guest Relations Team serve as ambassadors to all Aquarium visitors. Guest Relations Specialists are responsible for implementing daily requirements relating to guest entrance and exit of the Aquarium, including ticket sales, scanning, general upkeep, annual pass sales, guest traffic flow, 4D Theater operations and other attractions.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• As a member of the Guest Relations team, you will lead by example by being patient, kind, humble, respectful, selfless, forgiving, honest and committed when interacting with one another and guests.
• All Guest Relations Specialists must understand the significance of their role and how they can positively impact visitors. Pro‑active, friendly communication will be expected at all times, as well as anticipating guests’ needs and desires.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude and appearance at all times. Proactively approach, greet, and interact with guests in friendly and courteous manner which support our goals.
• Provide critical visit information, offer assistance and make recommendations to guests regarding exhibits, Animal Ambassador appearances, and additional programs. Listen to guest concerns and work independently to resolve issues in the best interest of the guest and the Aquarium.
• Accurately and efficiently conduct all sales transactions including tickets, annual pass and programs.
• Account for all monies, coupons, passes and vouchers received. Ensure end of day close is within accepted guideline as outlined by the OdySea Aquarium cash variance policy.
• Actively promote and up‑sell add on experiences, annual passes, and partner combination tickets (Butterfly Wonderland, Mirror Maze).
• Maintain the integrity of the assigned work area, ensuring that it is clean, properly functioning and guest ready. Rectify issues directly when possible or alert Guest Relations leadership if assistance is required to make necessary corrections.
• Create a safe and fun experience at ride attractions (3‑D Theater and Carousel) and Behind the Scenes experiences throughout the Aquarium.
• Assist as needed with guest flow, including school groups and crowd points throughout the building.
• Attend all Aquarium training programs and demonstrate an ongoing understanding of exhibits, programs, visitor information and policies/procedures. Master all required responsibilities of the position.
• Work as a member of a team; within the Guest Relations department and the rest of the Aquarium staff. Effectively communicate to peers and leadership information that is relevant to the guest experience.
• Ensure that all safety policies and procedures are followed by both guests and Aquarium team members through constant monitoring of the assigned work area.
• Contribute to a work environment that is satisfying, enjoyable and energetic.
• Conduct building open/closing procedures and accurately record results through the checklist report. Submit report to the appropriate supervisor and communicate all items that require attention.
• Comply with safety and security directives, policies and procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or equivalent and 1 year previous retail, customer service or attraction experience required. Ticketing experience preferred.
• Friendly, outgoing and proactive approach.
• Ability to learn and perform all Guest Services job functions.
• Ability to work as a member of a team.
• Ability to work a variety of shifts including weekends, evenings and holidays.
• Ability to handle and account for large sums of money.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to stand for long periods of time, as well as walk.
• Ability to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, or crawl.
• Required to frequently talk and hear.
• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance and agility of movement which might interfere with ability to work.
• Specific vision requirement for this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Must be able to take directional cues directly or indirectly.
• Ability to work in an environment that may be loud at times.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions, including occasional extreme hot or cold, and wet and/or humid conditions.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Successful completion of a pre‑employment drug testing and background investigation.
• Allergies to plants or animals which may interfere with ability to work must be controlled by medication or protective equipment.
• Must be able to push/pull up to 50 pounds.

Must exemplify core fundamentals of the Employee Promise, which states:

I am empowered to take ownership of any opportunity to exceed expectations.

I anticipate guest needs and pay attention to the details.

I treat all internal and external customers with respect.

I am on stage! (Smile)

I have an attitude of gratitude.

I get it right the first time.

I display actions that are moral and ethical.

I always provide alternative solutions.

I am committed to learning every aspect of our product and services.

I use the 10/5 rule, 10 feet I acknowledge my guest’s presence with a smile and at 5 feet. I greet them with a courteous word.

I use name recognition at every opportunity.

I take personal responsibility for our surroundings.

I am accountable for my tools and resources.

I value the contribution of every team member.

We believe a culture built on inclusion and diversity becomes the driving force for our success. We believe our team members bring varied thoughts and ideas from their personal life experiences and cultural backgrounds, making us innovative and forward‑thinking.