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Gift Shop & Visitor Experience Associate

Utica Zoo
Utica, NY Intern
POSTED ON 3/30/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 4/28/2026
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:
  • Serve the public by providing courteous and efficient service
  • Accurate accounting of all monies and transactions
  • Tagging and displaying of merchandise
  • Ensure accurate receiving, sales, organization, and count of inventory
  • Assist with membership fulfillment process
  • Assist with annual reciprocal list management and processing.
  • Assist with monthly community donations
  • Keeping the Visitor Center & gift shop clean, neat, attractive, and in compliance with all regulations.
  • Maintenance of cash registers, cash control, and daily register checkouts.
  • EVENTS & RENTALS:
  • Assist with admission tracking for events and rentals
  • Support the event staff with the overall service of the event.
  • Assist with event set up, breakdown and waste pickup.
  • Assist with restroom clean up before, during and after the event.
  • VISITOR EXPERIENCE:
  • 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
  • Ensure zoo is ready for visitors daily.
  • Assist with visitor issues/comments as best as possible, escalate to a supervisor when unable to assist
  • Ensure Visitor Center accessibility and safety for all visitors
  • Respond promptly and with exceptional customer service to phone calls and emails
  • Process rentals of strollers and Scooter Pals & ensure rentals are clean and charged for visitor use
  • Oversee Jumpin’ Joeys’ Bounce Pillow use and safety
  • Assist facilities staff to maintain restroom cleanliness and trash removal
  • Conduct surveys with incoming/outgoing visitors at admissions or high traffic areas.
  • Assemble and manage Membership promotion/signup and Retail table’s setup in front gate or in high traffic areas.
  • 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

Salary : $16

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