Switchboard Zoo Worker (Seasonal)

Milwaukee County; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 23,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

Milwaukee County Zoo is seeking a seasonal Switchboard Zoo Worker to serve as the central communications hub, handling a high-volume switchboard, guest information, and payment processing. The role requires proficiency with multi-line phones, POS transactions, and CCTV/gate access systems.

Responsibilities include emergency coordination, radio communications, and maintaining daily cash handling reports. On-site work with varied shifts, through the autumn-winter season, with potential for

Qualifications

• Authorized to work in the United States.
• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 1 year of experience in customer service, dispatch, radio operations, or logistics.
• Basic knowledge of word processing and spreadsheets.
• Basic knowledge of Smartsheet and POS systems.

Responsibilities

• Operate the switchboard and manage hundreds of calls daily, routing messages.
• Provide guests with information and resolve concerns professionally.
• Monitor three radio channels and relay instructions clearly.
• Coordinate emergency calls with the Manager-On-Duty and document events.
• Operate POS and manage refunds, gift cards, admissions, and vending.
• Maintain knowledge of Genetec CCTV and C-Cure 9000 systems.

Skills

Customer service

Dispatch

Radio operator

Logistics

Multiline phones

Computer literacy

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Smartsheet

POS system

Genetec CCTV

C-Cure 9000

Word processing

Spreadsheets

Job description

Switchboard Zoo Worker (Seasonal)

Milwaukee County Zoo

Hourly Pay Range

$16.50 - $23.87

Closing Date

11/23/2026 or upon receipt of the first 50 applications

Job Summary

Serves as the Zoo’s central communications hub—providing professional customer service via phone, computer, and radio (including emergency calls)—with proficiency in multi‑line phones, computer applications, and radio equipment; also processes payments/refunds and supports entry using cameras and electronic gate access controls.

Essential Responsibilities

• Switchboard Operator: Operates an integrated communications system with primary responsibility for the switchboard console, managing the receipt, transmission, screening, and transfer of hundreds of phone calls each day. Coordinates and distributes daily communication messages to Zoo staff.
• Receptionist and Customer Service/Cash Handling: Provides guests with accurate information about Zoo products and services. Works to resolve guest concerns efficiently, courteously, and professionally to ensure a positive experience during their visit. Uses basic problem‑solving skills to determine the appropriate department or staff member to direct calls or customers to for assistance.
• Radio Communications: Monitors and responds to three radio channels, ensuring timely and accurate communication. Receives, prioritizes, and responds promptly to all radio transmissions. Relays instructions and information clearly and efficiently to radio users.
• Emergency Response Coordination: Coordinates all human and animal emergency calls with speed and accuracy. Works closely with the Manager‑On‑Duty (MOD) to dispatch the appropriate emergency personnel and Zoo staff to the scene. Manages, monitors, and documents each emergency in accordance with the Zoo’s established emergency procedures.
• Point of Sale System Knowledge and Abilities: Operates the Point of Sale (POS) station and manages transactions including refunds, gift card sales, admission tickets, and vending. Accurately logs all activities and prepares the daily cash handling report.
• Basic Operation Knowledge of Gates and Closed‑Circuit Television (CCTV): Maintains a basic operational knowledge of the Zoo’s software systems, including Genetec for Closed‑Circuit Television (CCTV) operation and C‑Cure 9000 for gate access control.

Minimum Requirements

• Authorized to work in the United States.
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
• At least one (1) year of experience in Customer service, dispatch, radio operator, logistics.
• Basic knowledge of all related computer and software applications, such as word processing and spreadsheets.
• Basic knowledge of Smartsheet and Point‑of‑Sale (POS) systems.

NOTE

This original application is open to permanent residents of the United States. Appointee must establish residency in the state of Wisconsin within six months of start date and maintain such residency during incumbency. In accordance with Section 11, Rule3 of the Civil Service Rules a non-competitive examination will be held for this position. The non-competitive examination will consist of criteria deemed appropriate by the Director of Human Resources.

APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF FILING APPLICATION