Play & Party Host (Experience Attendant)

Whimsy & Wonder Play Cafe; Ankeny (IA); On-site; USD 18,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Whimsy & Wonder Play Cafe in Ankeny, IA is opening its doors and seeks an energetic, patient part-time team member to interact with families and help manage play spaces.

You will help with party hosting, maintain cleanliness, assist at the front desk, and support cafe service during peak times. Weekend shifts are required, with occasional additional hours.

Qualifications

• Younger candidates must be at least 16 years old.
• Mandatory federal and state background checks prior to hire.
• CPR / First Aid certification required or willing to complete upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Play Floor Safety & Supervision: monitor play floor and enforce rules.
• Sanitizing & Tidying: disinfect toys and high-touch areas.
• Birthday Party Hosting: set up rooms, welcome families, serve snacks, keep on schedule.
• Front Desk Check-In: greet families, verify waivers, check guests in.
• Cafe Backup: assist with drinks and quick bites during busy moments.

Skills

Energetic

Patient

Education

CPR / First Aid certification

Job description

Pre-Opening Phase & Schedule Expectations

• Pre-Opening Month (Onboarding & Setup Phase): Part-time/reduced hours for space setup, toy organization, sanitation protocols, and party walkthroughs.
• Post-Opening Schedule (Regular Operations):
• Type: Part-Time (15–30 hours per week).
• Schedule Expectations: Weekend availability is required (most parties and peak play hours happen on Saturdays and Sundays).

Compensation

• Pay Rate: $13.00 – $16.00 per hour (starting rate based on skill level and experience) + party tips/gratuities.

Ideal Candidate

You are energetic, patient, and love interacting with young kids and parents. You have a sharp eye for keeping spaces clean and organized, enjoy hosting celebrations, and bring great energy to every shift.

Mandatory Prerequisites & Background Requirements

• Age Requirement: Must be at least 16 years of age.
• Mandatory Background Check: Passing federal and state background checks is strictly required prior to hire.
• Certifications: CPR / First Aid certification (or willingness to complete upon hire).

Key Responsibilities

• Play Floor Safety & Supervision: Actively monitor the play floor to ensure safe play and enforce rules (socks-only policy, age guidelines).
• Sanitizing & Tidying: Regularly disinfect toys and high-touch areas with child-safe cleaners, keeping the play floor neat and organized.
• Birthday Party Hosting: Set up party rooms, welcome families, assist with serving snacks/cake, keep parties on schedule, and clean up after events.
• Front Desk Check-In: Greet families, verify waivers, and check guests in on the POS system.
• Cafe Backup: Cross-train to help run drinks and quick bites to tables and clear cafe seating during busy moments.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move actively for 4–8 hours per shift.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 35 lbs (party bins, toy crates, folding tables).

Shift Examples (subject to change):

Operational Hours - 8am - 6pm (Friday through Monday, more open days will be added)

Opening Shift: 7am - 3pm

Closing Shift: 11am - 7pm

Shorter shifts will be available and assigned as needed.