Seasonal Guest Relations Sales Associate

Detroit Zoo; Royal Oak (MI); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match plan

Medical, prescription, vision and dent

Dental insurance

Short and long term disability plan

Life insurance programs

Paid time off accrual

Detroit Zoo membership and guest

In-park merchandise and food discounts

Event and program discounts

Referral and retention bonuses

Job summary

The Detroit Zoo is seeking a Seasonal Guest Relations Sales Associate to welcome guests, assist with admissions, parking, rides, and events, and help drive ticket revenue. You will work across multiple locations with a focus on delivering engaging, memorable guest experiences.

Ideal candidates are 17+ years old with customer service experience, a friendly, professional demeanor, and basic computer and cash-register skills. This seasonal role offers a robust benefits package and in-park perks.

Qualifications

• Must be 17 years of age or older.
• Previous experience in customer service or other activities involving positive contacts with the public.
• Must have a positive, friendly, and social disposition.
• Be able to interact with the public in a professional and efficient manner.
• Must be comfortable using a computer and a cash register
• Basic math skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Work in multiple locations of the Guest Relations department including admissions, rides and attractions, parking operations and events.
• Carry out all assignments to provide guests engaging, meaningful, and memorable experiences.
• Engage with all guests in a friendly, professional, welcoming manner, and resolve guest complaints when able, involving the Guest Relations Supervisor as needed.
• Direct visitors to various facilities and exhibits, providing information accordingly.
• Responsible for achieving high customer satisfaction scores, revenue generation, and sustaining sales goals outlined by the organization (details in Guest Relations Manual).
• Demonstrate the ability to use proven sales techniques and strategies to contribute to an increase in ticket revenue.
• Collects admission, parking, attractions, membership, and event fees.
• Demonstrate in-depth product knowledge in all sales categories including rides, attractions and membership.
• Actively sell all ticket packages.
• Follows all cash-handling procedures as outlined in the cash-handling manual.
• Always support safe and efficient department operations.
• Respond to emergencies by notifying proper authorities and following emergency response protocols.
• Drive the tractor train.
• Maintain premises in a clean and orderly condition, reporting malfunctioning equipment, wear and tear, damage, and theft.
• Help set up and operate special events.
• Respond to customer needs.
• Comply with all federal, state, local, and organizational policies/procedures.

Skills

Customer service

Friendly demeanor

Public interaction

Cash handling

Basic math

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

The Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) is a nonprofit organization operating the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center. Together, our team makes a significant impact, and every role is essential to move our mission forward. Employees are exposed to an atmosphere like no other. Our unmatched scenery will brighten your day as you make a difference for people, animals and the natural world.

Are you passionate about customer service and igniting positive change? Join our guest relations team! Applicants will be contacted by a hiring manager with details about the available positions and group interview dates.

Position: Seasonal Guest Relations Sales Associate

Location: Detroit Zoo

8450 W. 10 Mile Rd.

Royal Oak, MI

Job Id:756

# of Openings:1

Seasonal Guest Relations Sales Associate

General Description

The Guest Relations Sales Associate is responsible for providing quality customer service to all guests of the Detroit Zoo. Service and service recovery must be provided in a professional, efficient, proactive, and safe manner. All employees must be committed to ensuring our guests have engaging, meaningful, and memorable experiences.

This job description is by no means all-inclusive and may be subject to change during a performance period due to the needs of the Detroit Zoological Society and its leadership. This document will be reviewed on a continual basis and will be modified as needed.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Work in multiple locations of the Guest Relations department including, but not limited to, admissions, rides and attractions, parking operations and events
• Carry out all assignments to provide guests engaging, meaningful, and memorable experiences
• Engage with all guests in a friendly, professional, welcoming manner, and resolve guest complaints when able, involving the Guest Relations Supervisor as needed
• Direct visitors to various facilities and exhibits, providing information accordingly
• Responsible for achieving high customer satisfaction scores, revenue generation, and sustaining sales goals outlined by the organization (details in Guest Relations Manual)
• Demonstrate the ability to use proven sales techniques and strategies to contribute to an increase in ticket revenue
• Collects admission, parking, attractions, membership, and event fees
• Demonstrate in-depth product knowledge in all sales categories including rides, attractions and membership
• Actively sell all ticket packages.
• Follows all cash-handling procedures as outlined in the cash-handling manual
• Always support safe and efficient department operations
• Respond to emergencies by notifying proper authorities and following emergency response protocols
• Drive the tractor train
• Maintain premises in a clean and orderly condition, reporting malfunctioning equipment, wear and tear, damage, and theft.
• Help set up and operate special events.
• Respond to customer needs.
• Comply with all federal, state, local, and organizational policies/procedures.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Must be 17 years of age or older
• Previous experience in customer service or other activities involving positive contacts with the public.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must have a positive, friendly, and social disposition
• Be able to interact with the public in a professional and efficient manner.
• Must be comfortable using a computer and a cash register
• Basic math skills are required

Preferred

• Completion of High School Diploma or GED preferred but not required.
• One year of experience in sales, upselling and cross promoting.

Working Conditions

Work locations are determined by season, event, and volume of visitors. Work is largely performed outdoors. There will be exposure to computer monitors and on occasion some exposure to seasonal weather conditions and elements.

Physical Requirements

This position requires sitting, standing, walking, bending, and stooping for extended periods, the ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds and the use of standard office equipment and the computer.

The individual must have the ability to perform the essential functions of the job satisfactorily with or without accommodations. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

Just as we value and celebrate biodiversity, the DZS celebrates the diversity of our human community. We are committed to ensuring that our programs and facilities are fully accessible to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all.

Service Systems Associates (SSA) – the exclusive service provider for Detroit Zoo concessions, retail, grounds keeping, and custodial positions – is seeking individuals for the following positions:

• Concessions
• Retail Cashier
• Grounds and Janitorial

For information on Service Systems Associates employment opportunities, call the SSA Employment Hotline at [phone] .

The Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center are located in the heart of metro Detroit. With no shortage of cultural, arts and community spaces, a thriving dining and entertainment scene and award-winning school districts close by, you are sure to find your home here.

Perks and Benefits

Working at the DZS has its perks! Not only will you join a passionate team that takes pride in conservation, sustainability, and animal well-being, but you will also enjoy a competitive and robust benefits package.

Full-Time

• 401(k) match plan
• Medical, prescription, vision and dental insurance*
• Short and long term disability plan
• Life insurance programs
• Flexible spending
• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off accrual
• Referral and retention bonuses
• Detroit Zoo membership and guest tickets
• In-park merchandise and food discounts
• Event and program discounts

*eligible after qualifying period

Part-Time

• 401(k) match plan*
• Medical, prescription, vision and dental insurance*
• Short and long term disability plan
• Life insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off accrual
• Referral and retention bonuses
• Detroit Zoo membership and guest
• tickets
• In-park merchandise and food discounts
• Event and program discounts

*eligible after qualifying preliminary period

Seasonal Part-Time

• 401(k) match plan*
• Medical, prescription, vision and dental insurance*
• Employee assistance program
• Referral and retention bonuses
• Detroit Zoo membership and guest tickets
• In-park merchandise and food discounts
• Event and program discounts

*eligible after qualifying preliminary period

FAQs

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The DZS is an equal-opportunity employer, and we are committed to diversity in our workforce.

We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse screening.