Gift Shop & Visitor Experience Associate

Company: Utica Zoological Society
Location: Utica
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Part-time Description Reports To: Director of Administrative Operations Department: Revenue Center Salary: $16.00 Job Status: Part-time Union Status: Union Position Scope: The Utica Zoo is seeking to hire an enthusiastic and outgoing individual to join our team. The Visitor Experience & Gift Shop Associate is responsible for the daily operation of the gift shops, admissions, and Jumpin’ Joeys’ Bounce Pillow, along with assisting with events and visitor experience as needed. As a front-line employee that interacts directly with the public, successful applicants must be able to present a positive image of the zoo and its mission. Must be 18 years of age or older. The Visitor Experience & Gift Shop associate is a member of the Utica Zoo’s revenue center team reporting to the Director of Administrative Operations. Part-time, hourly (non-exempt), less than 30 hours per week. This position is required to work weekends, weekdays, holidays, and some evenings during special events. Position is part of a union. Essential Functions: · GIFT SHOP: o Serve the public by providing courteous and efficient service o Accurate accounting of all monies and transactions o Tagging and displaying of merchandise o Ensure accurate receiving, sales, organization, and count of inventory o Assist with membership fulfillment process o Assist with annual reciprocal list management and processing. o Assist with monthly community donations o Keeping the Visitor Center & gift shop clean, neat, attractive, and in compliance with all regulations. o Maintenance of cash registers, cash control, and daily register checkouts. · EVENTS & RENTALS: o Assist with admission tracking for events and rentals o Support the event staff with the overall service of the event. o Assist with event set up, breakdown and waste pickup. o Assist with restroom clean up before, during and after the event. · VISITOR EXPERIENCE: o Constantly exhibit a visitor experience attitude, by conducting yourself at the highest level of integrity and empathy, communicate with visitors, and answer questions in a courteous manner o Ensure zoo is ready for visitors daily. o Assist with visitor issues/comments as best as possible, escalate to a supervisor when unable to assist o Ensure Visitor Center accessibility and safety for all visitors o Respond promptly and with exceptional customer service to phone calls and emails o Process rentals of strollers and Scooter Pals & ensure rentals are clean and charged for visitor use o Oversee Jumpin’ Joeys’ Bounce Pillow use and safety o Assist facilities staff to maintain restroom cleanliness and trash removal o Conduct surveys with incoming/outgoing visitors at admissions or high traffic areas. o Assemble and manage Membership promotion/signup and Retail table’s setup in front gate or in high traffic areas. o Light yardwork of visitor pathways and garden assistance. · Other duties as assigned. Requirements Requirements: · Good math, writing, telephone and speaking skills. · Ability to operate a cash register and typical office equipment · Good interpersonal skills to work well with others · Ability to work on Windows-based software · Good organizational skills and the ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule · The ability to handle emergencies and situations with efficiency, tact and courtesy. · Reliable and honest. · Must have consistent & reliable transportation · Must be 18 years of age or older Physical Requirements: · Ability to lift up to 50lbs and participate in the physical activities required by the position. · Be able to sit, stand, be outside or walk for extended periods. · Ability to sit and type at a computer screen for long periods of time. Salary Description 16.00/ hour

Keywords: Utica Zoological Society, Troy , Gift Shop & Visitor Experience Associate, Retail - All , Utica, New York