Events Team Member - Casual Part Time

Who We Are:

Philadelphia Zoo works to fulfill our mission as an animal care organization, as a resource to schools and families, and as an ark and advocate for endangered animals around the world.

What makes the Zoo a unique place to work? Whether you are involved with caring for animals, educating our visitors or working in a behind-the-scenes position in administration, maintenance or garden services, all of our positions share our institutional mission, purpose, and core values.

Who We Are Looking For:

Under the supervision of the Events Director, Casual Part Time Event Staff are responsible for the set-up, execution, and breakdown of assigned events at Philadelphia Zoo. Event Staff will interface with numerous internal and external guests, clients and vendors to provide a successful guest experience while maintaining Zoo-wide facility policies and procedures.

Event Staff may also support the Guest Engagement department by providing professional hospitality and assistance before, during, and after the guests’ requests are satisfied. Event Staff may be assigned to assist in guest entry experience, attractions, parking, and online inquiries.

What You Will Do: 

1. The primary purpose of this job position is to provide logistical event support and professional hospitality to all guests and clients while maintaining Philadelphia Zoo facility policies and procedures.

2. Ensure highest guest service standards while supporting key areas of event execution including, but not limited to: registration & hospitality, food & beverage service, audio/visual, entertainment, transportation, and event installation & breakdown.

3. Be attentive to opportunities to be helpful to guests of Philadelphia Zoo, and provide information in a manner that is welcoming and professional.

4. Handle complaints and resolve problems in a manner that is polite, helpful, and accurate. Escalate problems to a Manager if unable to resolve the issue.

5. Interface directly with internal departments, vendors, and onsite partners to achieve flawless execution of predetermined event or guest experience goals.

6. Possess knowledge of all admissions, attractions and parking policies and procedures.

7. Possess knowledge of all Membership categories, benefits and programs.

8. Demonstrate extensive knowledge of the Zoo (directions, locations of amenities, and general animal collection); be able to provide visitors with travel directions to major roadways and other Philadelphia attractions.

9. Performs other duties as assigned by the Events Director or Guest Engagement Manager[WA1] 

What This Role Requires:

1. 1 – 3 years of professional event planning experience or customer service in a hospitality field is required.

2. Cheerful disposition and desire to interact with people.

3. This position will require the ability to work independently, as a self-starter, and as part of a team, receiving and delegating responsibilities.

4. Demonstrated ability to manage a variety of tasks and complete priorities under deadline pressure; detail orientation with a creative vision is required.

5. Demonstrated ability to develop and sustain effective working relationships with peers and subordinates; superior interpersonal ability; ability to work effectively with diverse personalities; tactful; mature; flexible.

6. Valid driver’s license and good driving record required.

Physical and Medical Requirements:

1. Successful completion of a post-offer medical screening, TB and drug test prior to starting.

2. No allergies related to plants or animals, which would interfere with the ability to work.

3. Ability to stand and maintain alertness for long periods of time.

4. Ability to lift and carry 40 pounds a distance of 25 feet.

5. No impairments of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance, or agility of movement (which cannot be corrected with appropriate devices) that would interfere with ability to work

6. Ability to perform physical work outdoors in all weather conditions.

7. Ability to make frequent rounds of all event areas on foot, as well as able to access staff work areas, concessions, and visitor areas located across a 42-acre property and remote parking areas.

Additional Requirements:

1. Successful completion of a post-offer criminal background and driving license check prior to starting.

2. Able to work a flexible schedule. This role will include weekends, holidays, evenings and early mornings.

COVID-19 considerations:
 All employees will be required to have received a completed Covid 19 and booster vaccination (when applicable).

Traits We Are Looking For:

• High EQ
• Effective listener
• Respectful, fair and tactful
• Curious and continuous learned
• Collective under pressure

What We Can Offer You:

• Family membership pass with complimentary tickets – (Warning: You will become a celebrity amongst your friends once they hear you work for America’s 1^st Zoo)