Guest Services - Admissions

nc; North Carolina; On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Zoo is expanding and seeks a dynamic Guest Services - Admissions team member to provide an exceptional experience for members and guests. You will operate the admissions point-of-sale system, manage entry and exit, and assist with customer inquiries while maintaining a welcoming environment.

Qualifications include prior admissions or guest-services experience, strong communication, and the ability to stand for extended periods in varying weather conditions.

Qualifications

• Experience in admissions or guest-services work.
• Ability to work weekends and holidays.
• Must be at least 16 years old.

Responsibilities

• Greet guests with a friendly attitude.
• Collect fees and scan tickets for admission.
• Operate a cash register and handle cash/credit transactions.
• Support guest services and answer questions.
• Direct guests to entrances and assist with crowd flow.

Skills

Guest services

Cash handling

Communication skills

Customer service

Crowd management

Tools

POS system

Job description

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) takes care of the things that people love about North Carolina. DNCR manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. The Department's vision is to be the leader in using the state's natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational, and economic future of North Carolina. Everyone is welcome. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.

Description of Work

The North Carolina Zoo is expanding, making this an exciting opportunity to join our team. We are seeking a dynamic, efficient, and enthusiastic individual to serve as a Guest Services - Admissions team member.

In this role, the Admissions team member supports the admissions branch by providing an exceptional experience for NC Zoo members and guests. Team members are trained to operate the admissions point‑of‑sale system and manage both entry and exit gates. They also handle purchase transactions, assist with crowd flow, engage in guest relations, and communicate information about Zoo habitats, attractions, services, and policies to the public.

Key Responsibilities

• Greet guests with a smile while maintaining a friendly and approachable attitude toward guests and staff.
• Collect fees and scan tickets for Zoo admission.
• Operate a cash register and remain fully accountable for cash handling, making change, and processing credit card transactions.
• Collect payments and issue change accurately.
• Exercise good judgment and patience when interacting with guests.
• Display a sense of urgency and professionalism at all times.
• Manage crowd control in queuing lines, assist guests with admission questions, and direct them to the appropriate entry gate.
• Staff exit gates to verify paid entry, stamp for re‑entry, and provide guests with a friendly farewell.
• Assist in the Guest Services office by helping walk‑in guests, answering phones, and providing general support.
• Identify items that cannot enter the Zoo and work with guests to determine appropriate solutions.
• Perform light housekeeping duties to ensure workspaces and admissions areas remain clean and safe.
• Assist with additional duties and support other Guest Services areas as needed or assigned.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Recruitment Range: $15.00 per hour

To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit.

Management Preferences

Experience in admissions or guest‑services work, including but not limited to, assisting visitors, explaining zoo programs, and maintaining accurate ticketing or membership records.

Position & Physical Requirements

• Must be at least 16 years of age
• Available to work a flexible work schedule including weekends and holidays.
• Able to work in extreme weather conditions typical of Central NC (heat, rain, or cold) and stand or walk for extended periods of time. The NC Zoo is known as the world's largest Zoo for a reason.
• Able to walk and stand on various surfaces for extended periods, with or without accommodation.
• Possesses sufficient cognitive ability, auditory and visual acuity, and communication skills to perform essential duties and follow general safety practices for animals and guests.
• Willing and able to work varied and extended shifts, including holidays, weekends, and event support as needed.
• Able to plan for, work, and staff special events and exhibits, and remain available for unexpected shift needs.
• Able to work in a variety of physical positions, including sitting, bending, reaching, standing, walking, and lifting or carrying up to 30 lbs.
• Able to navigate paved, rough, or uneven pathways.

Location

4401 Zoo Parkway A