Guest Services - Admissions

Natural and Cultural Resources; North Carolina; On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Zoo is seeking a dynamic Guest Services – Admissions team member to welcome visitors, scan tickets, and manage entry and exit flows. You will help guests with information about habitats and policies, and assist with walk‑in guests and general inquiries.

Responsibilities include handling payments, operating the POS system, and supporting crowd flow while maintaining a friendly, professional demeanor.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Prior admissions or guest-services experience preferred.
• Ability to stand for long periods and work flexible shifts.

Responsibilities

• Greet guests and maintain a friendly attitude.
• Collect fees and scan tickets for admission.
• Operate cash register and handle cash and card transactions.
• Assist with crowd control and answer guest questions.

Skills

Guest services

Cash handling

Customer relations

Education

High school diploma or GED

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 / Management Preferences

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. Candidates meet the minimum qualifications of this position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. Vacancy specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and/or management preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following are preferred: Management Prefers 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. This position is located at: 4401 Zoo Parkway Asheboro, NC 27205.

Minimum Education and Experience

High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma or an equivalent combination of education and experience. If there are no qualified candidates remaining in the applicant pool who meet the minimum Education and Experience or Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required for the position, the agency may consider for this position a trainee who does not meet the minimum requirements. Salary for a trainee may be set at a lower level than the classification salary range and recruitment range that is listed in the posting with the salary being adjusted up accordingly as the trainee has obtained the necessary additional education and experience to fully meet the minimum qualifications as outlined in the classification specification.

Division Description

The North Carolina Zoological Park exists for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of all our citizens and visitors. The mission of the zoo is to conserve and protect representative examples of natural beauty, endangered and threatened plant and animal species, and ecological features of the continents it represents.

Supplemental and Contact Information

The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) selects applicants for employment based on required education and experience and job‑related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age (40 or older), disability, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation, or political influence. We are an Employment First state, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed in the state government workplace. DNCR supports pay equity for women, establish paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and foster care, and implement fair chance policies. Join a team that welcomes, values, respects and supports all members of our work community.

Veteran’s and National Guard Preference Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, along with the state application. Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing. Applicants who are former member of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.

ADA Accommodations Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DNCR is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DNCR will ensure that persons with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.

Employment Eligibility It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and DNCR that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment. We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System).

CONTACT INFORMATION N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Division of the North Carolina Zoo 4401 Zoo Parkway Asheboro, NC 27205

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted by 11:59:59 PM on the night prior to the closing date.