Guest Experience Mascot - KNOXVILLE ZOO : Job Details

Position Type: Guest Experience/MascotDate Posted: 1/15/2025Location: Zoo KnoxvilleJob Title: Guest Experience Mascot - Seasonal Department: Guest Experience Date Updated: 1/25/2024 Reports to: Assistant Director of Guest Experience Status: Seasonal Supervises: N/A Pay Rate (hourly): $11.25 SUMMARY OF POSITION: Provide a dynamic guest experience for Zoo Knoxville guests in a variety of settings through excellent customer service and diligent, accurate job performance. Perform as various costume characters throughout the zoo. Act as spotters alongside other costumed team members while answering general guest questions. RESPONSIBILITIES: • As a team member, exemplify Zoo Knoxville's core values through interactions with guests and fellow team members. • Provide excellent guest experience while acting as costumed character. Mascots must present an enthusiastic and animated character personality in suit. • Preserve the identity of the mascot without deviating from established character. • Respond to guest inquiries and concerns in a courteous and professional manner while moving about zoo grounds. • Assist in providing a safe and healthy work environment for staff and guests by demonstrating and enforcing all safety protocols. • Follow and enforce all Zoo policies and procedures. • Maintain appearance and cleanliness of all work areas and public spaces. • Must be energetic and engaging with guests for maximum guest experience. • Work well with others, including children and guests of all ages. • Flexibility to work a variety of shifts, including some nights and most weekends. • Responsible for the upkeep and occasional maintenance of costumes and mascot space. • Assist with training new staff in areas as needed. • Assist in other Guest Experience operations as requested.QUALIFICATIONS: • Must demonstrate and promote team atmosphere while supporting a friendly and efficient work force. • Excellent customer service attitude. • Strong interpersonal and communication skills (oral, written and pantomime). • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment. • Must be dependable and honest while demonstrating a positive attitude and strong work ethic. • Ability to stand, walk, and be active for the duration of shift. • Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds. • Ability to work outdoors and in varying climates while in costume. Don't meet every requirement? At Zoo Knoxville we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. WORKING CONDITIONS: As an employee of Zoo Knoxville, you must possess English communication skills as well as the ability to communicate using a 2-way radio, email, and telephone. The position hours vary depending on business needs and will require weekend and some holiday shifts. The individual must be able to tolerate extremes in outdoor temperatures and weather conditions. Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. Must be able to stand for long periods of time on varying surfaces. Depending on the specific tasks, this position will be required to work within close proximity of exotic and domestic animals and must be aware that there are dangers inherent in working under those conditions. Zoo Knoxville is committed to maintaining a drug free workplace and as such, each employee must pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check. Periodic random drug screens are required.