Zoo Events Assistant: Guest Service & Operations

Abilene; Abilene (TX); On-site; USD 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Abilene Zoo seeks an entry-level Customer Service Representative I to support Zoo events (Boo at the Zoo, Christmas Celebration, and Wild Days) and after-hour rentals. Under supervision, the role involves setup, event operations, guest service, cleanup, and related duties to ensure smooth events.

The position requires lifting up to 100 pounds, ability to operate golf carts and small machinery, and flexible shifts based on weather and attendance. Prior customer service is a plus.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain within 90 days of employment.
• Able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and lift up to 100 pounds.
• Require basic math, good guest relations, and safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Set up, serve, buss, takedown, and clean event spaces and equipment.
• Follow timelines, setup details, and menu items for events and rentals.
• Maintain inventory safety and accessibility for future use.
• Provide excellent customer service to rental contacts and guests.
• Operate city vehicles and small machinery as needed.

Skills

Customer service

Event operations

Time management

Safety awareness

Equipment operation

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under direct supervision of the Manager – Zoo Development, to serve as an operations worker for Zoo events (Boo at the Zoo, Christmas Celebration, and Wild Days) and after-hour rentals. This position will support the zoo events in a variety of ways to involve assisting with setup, takedown, event operations, customer service, cleanup, and other related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

This position does not exercise supervision.

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Perform setup, serving, bussing, takedown, and cleanup for events, including, but not limited to, tables, chairs, bounce houses, equipment, tents, and décor items such as hay bales, pumpkins, Christmas lights, and set pieces.

Understand and follow event requirements, including timelines, setup details, and menu items.

Maintain clean, safe, and organized event spaces by keeping inventory neat and litter-free, and ensuring safe storage and accessibility for future use.

Maintain a flexible schedule, as shifts may change based on operational needs such as weather, guest attendance, or departmental needs.

Provide excellent customer service by greeting and assisting rental contacts.

Maintain, inspect, clean, and track inventory of assigned equipment and areas while following established policies and procedures.

Handle customer concerns and resolve issues to ensure guest satisfaction.

Operate a variety of City vehicles and small machinery, including a golf cart, utility vehicles (Gator and Kubota), a scissor lift, and a skid steer loader.

OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES

Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and percentages.

Principles of effective customer service and guest relations.

General cleaning and sanitation practices to maintain safe and hygienic event spaces.

Basic event operations, including setup, breakdown, and event flow to support successful execution of zoo events and rentals.

Safe operation and handling of equipment and vehicles, including golf carts, utility vehicles, and small machinery.

Skill to:

Safely and effectively operate small machinery and equipment.

Manage time efficiently to complete tasks and meet deadlines.

Deliver excellent customer service to enhance the guest experience.

Interact with zoo guests in a courteous, professional, and welcoming manner.

Safely operate motor vehicles and other assigned equipment.

Ability to:

Work in diverse outdoor conditions, including extreme heat and cold.

Work independently with minimal supervision.

Demonstrate a positive attitude and initiative.

Organize, prioritize, and plan work activities to meet deadlines effectively.

Exercise resourcefulness and tact when addressing customer concerns.

Adapt to changing work priorities and operational needs.

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with staff and the public.

Follow and enforce Abilene Zoo policies and procedures.

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.

Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.

Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Experience and Training Guidelines:

For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at the lower levels are required at the higher levels. Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying. Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:

Experience:

This is an entry-level position, but preference may be given to individuals with previous customer service experience.

Education/Training:

A high school diploma, GED, or in the process of obtaining either is required.

License or Certificate:

A valid Texas driver's license, the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.

Special Requirements:

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:

With or without accommodation, the “X” indicates the overall strength demand of the position during a typical workday:

___ Sedentary – lifting of no more than 10 pounds

___ Light – lifting no more than 20 pounds; carrying up to 10 pounds

___ Medium – lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds

_X_ Heavy – lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds

___ Very Heavy – team lifting over 100 pounds; carrying more than 50 pounds

Physical Demand Codes: The following describes whether or not the position is expected to exert the physical demands listed during a typical workday as well as the overall frequency of the task:

Codes for how often:

N = No

E = Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)

M = Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)

I = Infrequent (20 – 10% of the time)

A = Almost Never (<10% of the time)

Code / Task

_E_ Standing

_I_ Sitting

_E_ Walking

_M_ Lifting

_E_ Carrying

_M_ Pushing/Pulling

_M_ Overhead Work

_M_ Fine Dexterity

_I_ Kneeling

_M_ Crouching

_A_ Crawling

_M_ Bending

_M_ Twisting

_M_ Climbing

_M_ Balancing

_E_ Vision

_E_ Hearing

_M_ Talking

___ Other: _____________________