What are the responsibilities and job description for the Seasonal Retail Lead position at BINDER PARK ZOO?
Looking for a fantastic job that is fun and rewarding? Do you enjoy working with people and helping guests have a great experience? Do you need flexible hours that work with your schedule? If so, we want to meet you!
We are looking for smiling faces to join our team at Binder Park Zoo for the 2026 season. Our mission is to connect people with nature and inspire them to conserve. We are passionate about educating on wildlife conservation and looking for enthusiastic people to be a part of the journey. Nestled in 433 acres of serene landscape, and home to over 70 different species, we are the third largest zoo in Michigan. Join our team where you will have the opportunity to work with friendly people and do something that supports wildlife advocacy. Ever work at a zoo, it’s fun! At Binder Park Zoo you will be a part of a dynamic and collaborative environment where your ideas and contributions are valued. We love what we do working at the zoo, and we think you will too.
What we offer:
Mission Statement: Connect. Inspire. Conserve. Connect people with nature. Inspire them to conserve.
REPORTS TO: Retail Manager
SEASONAL OR NON-SEASONAL: Seasonal, Non-Benefited
FLSA STATUS: Hourly, Non-Exempt
POSITION SUMMARY: Assists the management team in the daily operation of the retail venues including the opening and closing of all retail stands.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:
We are looking for smiling faces to join our team at Binder Park Zoo for the 2026 season. Our mission is to connect people with nature and inspire them to conserve. We are passionate about educating on wildlife conservation and looking for enthusiastic people to be a part of the journey. Nestled in 433 acres of serene landscape, and home to over 70 different species, we are the third largest zoo in Michigan. Join our team where you will have the opportunity to work with friendly people and do something that supports wildlife advocacy. Ever work at a zoo, it’s fun! At Binder Park Zoo you will be a part of a dynamic and collaborative environment where your ideas and contributions are valued. We love what we do working at the zoo, and we think you will too.
What we offer:
- Competitive wages.
- Flexible hours to fit your work/life balance needs.
- Free fountain soda and coffee during your shift.
- 50% off your meals at our restaurants during your shift.
- Comprehensive training to build new skills.
- Free zoo membership.
Mission Statement: Connect. Inspire. Conserve. Connect people with nature. Inspire them to conserve.
REPORTS TO: Retail Manager
SEASONAL OR NON-SEASONAL: Seasonal, Non-Benefited
FLSA STATUS: Hourly, Non-Exempt
POSITION SUMMARY: Assists the management team in the daily operation of the retail venues including the opening and closing of all retail stands.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
- Prior retail management experience.
- Knowledge of retail best practices.
- Outstanding customer service and interpersonal skills.
- Knowledge of point of sale systems (i.e. TAM).
- Ability to motivate retail staff to attain excellence.
- Must be 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license.
- Relate positively with diverse groups of people, including guests, staff, volunteers and vendors.
- Assist with screening, hiring, training, scheduling, and motivating staff as needed.
- Organize retail operations and allocate daily responsibilities to staff based on need and available resources.
- Supervise and guide staff to attain maximum performance.
- Assist in monitoring inventory levels and purchases.
- Ensure that products are correctly and consistently labeled and signed.
- Address the needs of guests in a professional and positive manner.
- Inspect the retail facilities on a regular basis and resolve any issues.
- Assist with planning and overseeing in-store promotional events and displays to achieve projected results.
- Report all important information to the Retail Manager in a timely manner.
- Ensure the department fulfils all legal health and safety guidelines.
- Assist in creating procedures and training manuals for all areas within the department.
- Comply with all Binder Park Zoo policies and procedures.
- Participate and assist in team oriented zoo projects as needed, including all events.
- Other duties as assigned.
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including extended evenings, weekends and holidays.
- Ability to sit, stand, bend, lift and move intermittently.
- Ability to lift 50 lbs. and ability to stand for a period of up to 5 hours.
- Ability to read, speak and write English in order to fulfill job functions in an understandable way.
- Ability to work in all weather conditions.