Status: Seasonal Part-Time Employee, non-exempt, 28-35 hrs./week

Reports to: Visitor Services Specialist

Direct Reports:(0) None

In-direct Reports: (10-15) ZooLights Seasonal Staff

Dates of Employment:November 6th through 1st week of January

Hours: 

● Friday - Monday evenings, some Thursday evenings mid-late December as needed, with adjustments possible based on weather/need

● 3:00pm - 10:00pm

● Start date November 6th, and training the week of November 6th 

Salary and Benefits

● $24 to $26/hr. dependent on experience 

● Sick time accrual

● 2 ZooLights Tickets

● TriMet Hop Card or Parking Pass

Washington Park is one of Portland, Oregon’s oldest parks and, at 410 acres, is home to the Hoyt Arboretum, Portland Japanese Garden, World Forestry Center, Oregon Zoo, and the International Rose Test Garden. In addition to the cultural institutions, the Park includes the Oregon Holocaust Memorial and Vietnam Veterans of Oregon Memorial, as well as playgrounds, an archery range, tennis courts, group picnic sites, over 15 miles of trails connected to Forest Park, and a TriMet light rail MAX station. More than 3 million visitors enjoy the Park each year, making it one of Oregon’s top tourist destinations. 

Explore Washington Park (EWP) is a non-profit dedicated to providing access and visitor services to Washington Park. The Park's purpose is to connect people with the culture, diversity and wonder of nature. We are guided by the following principles: 

EWP’s Programs include a free shuttle, traffic management and offsite parking services, visitor information services, Park marketing and communication, and park planning. The organization is primarily funded through Washington Park’s parking meter revenue. The board of directors includes director-level representation from the Oregon Zoo, Portland Parks & Recreation, World Forestry Center, Hoyt Arboretum Friends, Portland Japanese Garden, TriMet, Travel Portland, and the two adjoining neighborhood associations. 

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to building a diverse team that represents a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. For more information about the organization please visit explorewashingtonpark.org.

The Visitor Services Lead is an onsite position, responsible for assisting in the operation of parking and visitor services for EWP during Oregon Zoo ZooLights (Nov 17-January 8th). ZooLights occur after dark, in the evening hours, outside, and 7-days a week. The Visitor Services Lead will be in the field during those hours 3-5 days per week, depending on operational need, and will be guaranteed 4 hours minimum on all scheduled shifts. The position will act as lead for offsite parking operations for ZooLights field teams in conjunction with the Visitor Services Specialist, or in the absence of the Visitor Services Specialist. 

The seasonal role requires work on some weekdays and on weekends, as well as potential to work on some holidays. 

The position will provide direct operational care to offsite parking operations, traffic management operations, and visitor services operations, as well as report progress and required changes to resources and staff placement in real-time, as well as after-the-fact, to the Visitor Services Specialist. 

Offsite Parking Services

● In conjunction with the full-time Visitor Services Specialist (or solo in the absence of the Visitor Service Specialist), make the decision to activate offsite parking when appropriate. 

● Facilitate the set-up and take down of offsite parking, including setting electronic sign messaging, and other traffic control messaging and objects.

● Provide in-person support for field staff operating parking and park visitor services. 

● Perform field staff duties for operations as needed.

Traffic Management Operations

● Facilitate positioning of staff and signage in the onsite lots, providing details to the Visitor Services Specialist (or addressing oneself in the absence of the Visitor Services Specialist) to address gaps in coverage. 

● Provide in-person support for field staff. 

● Act as a field staff for operations as needed.

Visitor Services Operations

● Provide support and feedback for the field team, supporting EWP goal of exemplary customer service. 

● Report problems, questions and other details to the Visitor Services Specialist as needed. 

Other Duties

● Assist the full-time Visitor Services Specialist in upkeep, and inventory of traffic-control items, and visitor service items, as needed.

● Identify opportunities to improve and expand services.

● Maintain good relationships with park stakeholders, including Portland Parks & Recreation, Oregon Zoo, Hoyt Arboretum, Portland Japanese Garden and the World Forestry Center. 

● Respond to visitor concerns that occur in person, via phone, and via email/internet. 

● Along with the full time Visitor Services Specialist, facilitate the EWP lost and found; respond to visitor lost and found queries. 

● Maintain and report on a number of data logs for the organization, including lost and found, visitor concerns log, offsite rides, survey and customer counts, and others as assigned. 

● Fill visitor maps at a number of locations in the Park as well as deliver to some offsite partners. 

● Other duties as assigned. 

● Ability to work weekends, holidays, and nights. 

● 2 years of experience providing exceptional visitor service.

● Strong communication skills.

● Ability to drive an EWP vehicle and valid driver’s license.

● Ability to work outside in a variety of conditions.

● Positively represent EWP and other institutions.

● Bilingual preferred.

● Ability to work independently.

● Service focused.

● Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to think on your feet.

● Self-motivator and able to work independently.

● Diplomatic and able to consider many viewpoints when making a decision.

● Process-oriented.

● Commitment to increasing equitable access to Washington Park.

● Appreciation and commitment to protecting the natural world.

● Flexible in a constantly changing work environment.

Please send an application to admin@explorewashingtonpark.org with “Visitor Services Lead - ZooLights” in the subject line.

Application packets must include the following to be considered: resume, references, and brief answers to the following supplemental questions: 

1. What is your experience with Customer Service?

2. What is your experience with leadership and leading a diverse team?

3. What is your experience working outdoors/in the elements? 

Applications must be submitted by October 20th 2023, by 11:59 p.m. PST.