Guest Services Associate - Seasonal - South Carolina Aquarium

COME JOIN OUR TEAM

Located along the pristine harbor in the heart of historic Charleston, the South Carolina Aquarium has been inspiring visitors for over twenty years. From our over 5,000 animals to our award-winning education team, from the Sea Turtle Care Centerâ„¢ to our conservation programs protecting local species, visitors are struck with awe and inspiration as they journey through all our exhibits, representing the mountains to the sea of South Carolina.

About the South Carolina Aquarium

We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums with a mission to inspire conservation of the natural world by exhibiting and caring for animals, by excelling in education and research and by providing an exceptional visitor experience. We invite you to join the #1 visitor attraction located in one of the Top Cities in the World (Conde Nast, 2021).

At the South Carolina Aquarium, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. Our culture is built on having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices working together to increase our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission. It brings us together in ways that help us stand out. We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

Job Summary:

Guest Services Associates work in a team-oriented environment to provide an exceptional visitor experience for all guests. Associates work in multiple stations at the Aquarium including ticket sales and scanning, information desk, golf cart and other guest experiences.

This seasonal position will primarily work during Aquarium Aglow, a seasonal event at the Aquarium that runs from 5:00pm - 9:30pm on select nights in November and December 2024. Exact shift times may vary each night. Weekends are required. Full availability between December 12 and December 31 is required. Guaranteed days off on November 28, December 24 and December 25.

Essential Functions:

• Support a variety of posts and positions, thoroughly answer guest inquiries and enthusiastically handle special guest requests and problems.
• Utilize point of sale system to accurately collect payment for admission tickets and scan tickets. Provide information to guests about the Aquarium, our exhibits, animals and conservation practices.
• Greet guests with enthusiasm and provide direction through the admissions process.
• May be required to validate guest drinking age by checking photo identification.
• Graciously direct and facilitate traffic through the aquarium, efficiently handling crowds and the logistics associated with their control.
• Maintain the safety, cleanliness and organization of all work and break areas, both in view of the general public and behind the scenes.
• Drive SCA golf cart for safe transportation of our guests in the designated perimeter. Current driver's license required.
• Assist in strike breakdown at the end of event daily.
• Adhere to all procedures involving cash transactions, and maintain security of cash handling process.
• Adhere to the South Carolina Aquarium Policies & Procedures.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the team structure of the organization by remaining responsive to the needs of the management and supervisors, filling in when and where needed as directed.
• Develop familiarity with all Aquarium exhibits, services and events, as well as those of other facilities in the community.
• Assist visitors in the event of an emergency.
• Maintain all safety and security procedures, ensuring a positive environment for all who enter the aquarium, staff, volunteer and guest alike.
• Required to move satellite sales carts and crowd control barriers as necessary.
• Other Duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Experience of employment in hospitality, tourism, retail or customer service environment, preferably in high-volume, face-to-face position.
• Must be available weekends and holidays during evening hours. Guaranteed days off on 11/28, 12/24 & 12/25.
• Will possess strong interpersonal skills and enjoy working with people with different backgrounds.
• Must work in a team-oriented environment while maintaining flexibility and adaptability, especially under pressure.
• Must be able to work in all areas including ticket booths, indoor and outdoor stations, entrance and exit ramps and inside the aquarium lobby and exhibit areas.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Willingness to learn about Aquarium animals and programs.
• Knowledge of the Charleston community.
• Ability to lift boxes, tables, and chairs weighing less than 25 lbs., which contain brochures, ticket stock, receipt paper and office supplies.
• Reliable transportation for each shift is a must

Education and Experience Required:

• Must be at least 18 years of age and have a High School Diploma or GED.

Physical Requirements:

• Often requires walking, standing, bending, stooping, crouching, sitting, pushing and pulling, computer and phone tasks.

Working Conditions:

• Often requires working outdoors, contact with public, rotating shifts, working weekends and required to carry a two-way radio. Please note that portions of Aquarium Aglow utilize flashing lights and may not be suitable for those with photosensitive epilepsy. Some areas of the Aquarium may have low lighting, and outdoor areas may have damp flooring.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not construed to be an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel classified.

The Aquarium is an "at-will" employer, and as such, employment with the Aquarium is not for a fixed term, or definite period and may be terminated at the will of either party, with or without cause, and without prior notice.

The South Carolina Aquarium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.