Zoo Guest Services Lead

Dundee Township Park District 42 131; Carpentersville (IL); On-site; USD 18,000 - 24,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free zoo memberships

Free/discounted district programs

Access to Credit Union

Job summary

Dundee Township Park District is seeking a Zoo Guest Services Lead to oversee daily front-of-house operations at Randall Oaks Zoo. This part-time role suits a motivated leader who excels at guest service and team supervision.

You will work 20 hours weekly, Monday–Friday 8:30 AM–12:30 PM, with occasional weekends and events. Benefits include zoo memberships and access to district programs. Bilingual English/Spanish encouraged.

Qualifications

• Three years of hospitality, guest services, or related experience preferred.
• Leadership or supervisory experience is highly valued.
• Strong organizational and customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the guest experience across the Zoo and front-of-house operations.
• Open and prepare front-of-house each day and manage daily activities.
• Handle cash, credit card and other transactions accurately.
• Maintain inventory for gift shop and concessions.
• Lead and supervise seasonal cashiers.
• Complete inspections and operational records in a timely manner.
• Monitor grounds, signage, walkways, and safety equipment.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service

Organization

Communication

Cash handling

Bilingual English/Spanish

POS systems

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Lead the Guest Experience at Randall Oaks Zoo!

Are you passionate about customer service, leadership, and creating memorable experiences for guests? The Dundee Township Park District is seeking a Zoo Guest Services Lead to help oversee daily front-of-house operations at Randall Oaks Zoo. This role is perfect for an organized, energetic individual who enjoys working with people, leading a team, and contributing to a fun and welcoming environment for visitors of all ages.

What You'll Do

• Provide exceptional customer service and oversee the overall guest experience throughout the Zoo.
• Open and prepare front-of-house operations each day.
• Handle cash, credit card, and other financial transactions accurately and responsibly.
• Maintain inventory for the gift shop and concession areas.
• Lead, support, and supervise a team of seasonal cashiers.
• Complete inspections, reports, and operational records in a timely manner.
• Monitor zoo grounds, signage, walkways, parking areas, and safety equipment.
• Assist with custodial, maintenance, and safety-related tasks as needed.
• Serve as the on-site incident commander during zoo operating hours when necessary.
• Represent the Dundee Township Park District with professionalism, positivity, and excellent customer service.

Who You Are

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business, Hospitality, or a related field preferred.
• Three years of progressively responsible experience in hospitality, guest services, recreation, tourism, or a similar field preferred.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience is highly desired.
• Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills.
• Comfortable handling cash and managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and willing to learn recreation and point-of-sale software systems.
• Able to remain calm and make sound decisions during emergencies or high-stress situations.
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills are strongly preferred.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and perform moderate physical activity.

Schedule

• Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
• Approximately 20 hours per week
• Occasional weekends, holidays, and special events as needed

In Exchange for Your Time and Talent, We Offer:

• Free memberships to our Randall Oaks Zoo
• Free/discounted District programs, merchandise, and concessions
• Access to Credit Union

Ready to Join Us?

If you enjoy working with people, leading a team, and helping create an exceptional experience for our Zoo guests, we'd love to hear from you.