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Retail Ambassador - Part Time

Santa Barbara Zoo
Santa Barbara, United Statespart_timeVerifiedPosted 1 Apr 2026
💰 $33,800/yr

About the role

Does providing excellent customer service energize you? Do you have some successful experience performing daily retail operations? Does this kind of environment excite you and are you a natural in engaging staff and guests alike?  If yes, we'd like to speak with you!

This is a great opportunity for first time job seekers-and anyone energized by providing excellent customer service!

Note: Applicants must be minimum 14 years of age. Work permits are required for 17 and under, unless graduated from high school.
Position Status: Part-Time, Regular, Hourly, Non-Exempt Schedule: Up to of 25 hours per work week, includes weekends, holidays and school breaks Compensation: $16.90 per hour

Open Positions:
  • Any day, Monday-Sunday, between 8:30 - 6:00, 4-5.5 hrs./shift.  Must be available to work at least one weekend day, holidays, and school breaks.


    *You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*

 SUMMARY:Under direct supervision of Director of Retail Operations (DRO), and Retail Shift Lead (RSL), the Retail Ambassador (RA) assists in executing the daily retail operations throughout the Zoo. This includes, and is not limited to, providing exemplary guest service in the retail shops, remote retail locations, and retail driven attractions. The RA exemplifies the highest standards to ensure the quality of the guest experience and the continued development of the institution’s Retail Operations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Guest Experience and Sales
  • Greets every guest within 10 feet with a warm smile, and every guest within 5 feet with a friendly “hello”
  • Engages with guests to share information, identify their needs, and make their experience a more personal one, providing a high level of customer service and satisfaction
  • Recommend, select and help locate merchandise based on guest needs
  • Responds to all guest inquiries, comments and criticisms in a timely manner
  • Describes merchandise and explains use, operation, and care of merchandise to guests
  • Rings up sales using POS/Registers, Maintains records related to sales
  • Cleans work areas, shelves and counters. Straightens items, restocks. Prepares merchandise for purchase or rental
  • Arranges and displays merchandise to promote sales
  • Rents of strollers, wagons and wheelchairs, ensuring cleanliness and maintenance
  • Answers phone calls promptly and professionally
Operational Duties
  • Performs opening and closing procedures including signing out/dropping off banks, signing out radios, and reporting any major problems or violations to supervisor immediately
  • Opens and/or closes retail stores, when scheduled to do so by supervisor
  • Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met, not only in retail stores, but Zoo-wide by picking up trash while out in the Zoo and while walking in from the parking lot


POSITION CRITERIA:To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education, Experience, Skills and Knowledge:
  • Applicants must be minimum 14 years of age (Work permit required for 17 and under, unless graduated from high school)
  • No minimum education required
  • Customer service and cash handling experience preferred
  • Outgoing and friendly personality a must
  • Self-motivated and able to work without constant supervision
Physical Requirements:This position requires the handling of merchandise, supplies and materials. It will be physically demanding.Your physical functions will include:
  • Ability to physically access all areas of the Zoo
  • Ability to stand for at least two (2) continuous hours at a time
  • Ability to lift/carry 30 lbs. or push/pull 70 lbs., climb stairs or ladders, and manipulate basic tools of the job. Ability to move large quantities of merchandise with carts, dollies, hand trucks, and other moving equipment
  • Ability to bend, twist, reach, push, pull and perform repetitive motions


BENEFITS & PERKS: 
  • Great team, beautiful grounds, amazing anima

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Company

Santa Barbara Zoo

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