Seasonal Retail Associate

Blank Park Zoo; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 16,531 - 20,664; Part time

Job summary

A local non-profit zoo in Des Moines, Iowa is looking for a Seasonal Retail Associate to operate the Gift Shop and GoGo Plaza. This role requires cash handling, excellent customer service, and effective communication skills. Candidates should be enthusiastic, flexible, and able to work varied hours including weekends and holidays. Experience with cash handling and Point of Sale systems is preferred. Join a dedicated team passionate about inspiring appreciation of the natural world.

Qualifications

• Preferred cash handling experience.
• Preferred Point of Sale system experience.

Responsibilities

• Operate the Gift Shop and GoGo Plaza.
• Handle daily cash transactions.
• Assist guests and ensure a positive experience.

Skills

Customer service skills

Cash handling

Effective communication

Ability to work flexible hours

Positive attitude

Tools

Point of Sale systems

Basic computer skills

Job description

The Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa is a non-profit organization and home to more than 2,800 animals representing nearly 240 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish, and is fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The mission of the Blank Park Zoo is to inspire an appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education, research and recreation.

Position Purpose

The Seasonal Retail Associate will help operate the Gift Shop and the following areas: GoGo Plaza. Additionally, the Associate supports our Zoo Mission, which is to inspire an appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education, research, and recreation.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Daily Cash handling
• Operate assigned area for the entire day
• Ability to communicate effectively with guests, co-workers, and other zoo staff
• Enthusiastic and outgoing personality
• Great customer service and communication skills
• Ability to balance a cash drawer
• Basic computer skills
• Able to work weekends, holidays, special events, and evenings
• Ability to pass background check
• Must be 16 or older
• Flexible – Ability to be flexible with available hours
• Dedication – Must be passionate about the Zoo’s mission and committed to showing guests our message
• Positive – Must be a positive and effective team member
• Communicator – Must be able to communicate politely and effectively with guests and other staff members
• Efficient – Ability to quickly and competently complete tasks
• Some experience with cash handling
• Some experience with computers and Point of Sale systems

While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent is required to work both indoors and outdoors with exposure to seasonal weather conditions for daily operations. This individual may be exposed to computer monitors.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to successfully perform the essential functions.

Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.

Constantly moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.

Constantly remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.

Constantly moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.

Adjusting or moving objects up to 25 pounds in all directions.

Communicating with others to exchange information.

Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

Operating machinery and/or power tools.

Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.

Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.

Driving.

Stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.

Reaching with hands and arms.

Tasting or smelling.

Vision.

Required education and experience

• Preferred cash handling experience
• Preferred Point of Sale system experience

Additional eligibility requirements

• Must be able to maintain work hours that will serve the needs of the Blank Park Zoo
• Must be able to maintain calm and act professionally in all situations such as emergencies and guest interactions.

Licenses/Certifications

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Affirmative Action/EEO statement

Blank Park Zoo is an equal opportunity employer and give employment and promotional consideration without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam era, and any other protected class as required by local, state, or federal law. We seek applicants for employment who are dedicated, hardworking and seek