Guest Services Associate
Smithsonian Institution
- Washington DC
- $17.95 per hour
- Temporary
- Full-time
Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees
are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust
positions are general y the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side
by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program and may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life
Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave,
Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and
Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health &
Dependent Care).CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
- Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation
- Complete a Probationary Period
- Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
- The position is open to al candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in the
Our Guest Services Team is looking for outgoing and enthusiastic individuals who love animals, enjoy working with children,
and are excited about the opportunity to promote a positive guest experience by creating lasting memories at the
Smithsonian National Zoological Park. Our Staff are passionate, energetic, and professional. Acting as a Zoo ambassador,
you wil exemplify general knowledge of exhibits, wildlife, and amenities while finding creative ways to inspire guests to
support our mission. Reports to the Guest Services Manager.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the fol owing below as other duties
may be assigned. Additional responsibilities include providing information about products, services, attractions,
and exhibits while portraying gracious, friendly, energetic, and helpful behavior when interacting with internal
and external guests.
- Enthusiastical y greets guests. Smiles, makes eye contact, engages, acknowledges, and uses the 10-5 rule
- Anticipates guest needs, provides current information, and a positive experience while maintaining al
utilizing patience.
- Maintains knowledge of current exhibits and Zoo events. Takes initiative to recommend and provide
- Performs basic cleaning duties.
- Sell Zoo Guides, rent strol ers and wheelchairs.
- Consistently provide membership information and encourage visitors to support the Zoo's mission with
- Welcome guests and regulate the flow of people that enter the indoor animal exhibits.
- At times, scan admission tickets at Zoo entrances and serve as the first point of contact for guests entering on foot.
- Keep walkways in the park and parking lots free of trash and debris.
- Keep walkways free of obstructions and conditions that could impact on the safety of park guests.
- Keep visitor convenience equipment, including but not limited benches, picnic tables, café seating, al
- Provide assistance to guests as needed while performing park maintenance and aesthetics duties.
- Keep al food service areas safe, clean, and presentable.
- Adheres to assigned schedule, demonstrating flexibility as needed to support the needs of the business in
- Candidates must be available weekends, holidays, and evenings.
- Candidates must be able to move or lift up to 25 pounds and to stand for long periods of time.
- Candidates selected for interview may be given a retail math skil s test.
- Indoor - air conditioning/ outdoor - variable conditions. The work environment varies by temperature
requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skil , and/or ability required. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.High school diploma or general education diploma (GED), or at least 6 months related experience, or equivalent
combination of education and experience.
- Must be wil ing to actively engage guests with an outgoing and friendly demeanor.
- Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services.
- Previous cash handling and/or sales experience in a fast-paced environment preferred.
- Basic math skil s are required.
- Ability to perform basic sel ing techniques.
- Must be able to work both indoors and outdoors.
- The employee must be able to work in extreme weather conditions, both hot and cold. Must also be able
limited space.
- Must be able to sit, stand or walk for long periods of time with exposure to a variety of weather conditions.
- Experience working with both a diverse work force and visitor groups.
- Must maintain a neat, clean, and conservative appearance in accordance with the Dress Code Policy.
- Ability to maintain required work schedule.
- Must be available to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, holidays and extra hours when
- Possess and maintain a valid United States driver's license (applicable to National Zoological Park only)
requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skil , and/or ability required. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Applicants, who wish to qualify based on education completed outside the United States, must be deemed
equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the
interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and
should be included as part of your application package.Any false statement in your application may result in your application being rejected and may also result in
termination after employment begins.Smithsonian Enterprises is a division of the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum and research
organization. Established in 1846 with a bequest from English Scientist James Smithson, the Institution currently
encompasses 19 museums and gal eries, the National Zoo and 9 research centers. The Smithsonian has facilities in
7 states, the District of Columbia and the Republic of Panama supporting over 6,200 employees.Smithsonian Enterprises encompasses Smithsonian magazine, Museum stores, Restaurants, IMAX theaters and
the Smithsonian Catalog, Consumer products, Educational travel, e-commerce, and commercial media enterprises
in book publishing and the Smithsonian TV Channel.The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through
Knowledge and Discovery."Please forward a resume and cover letter to:Please include the position title in the subject line.
Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume wil be made compared to the qualifications and
experience as it applies to this job. What to expect next: After a review of applicants is complete, qualified
candidates' resumes wil be referred to the hiring manager.Relocation expenses are not paid.
The Smithsonian offers a number of exceptional benefits to its employees including Transit/Commuter Benefits,
Discounts at our Museum Stores, IMAX Theaters and Restaurants, as wel as a fun and unique work environment.YOUR PRIVACY IS PROTECTED
Trust Applicants Demographic Form
Thank you for your interest in the Smithsonian Institution and this Trust Hiring position. The Smithsonian is
requesting your response to this optional equal opportunity survey. The information is used to determine if our
equal opportunity efforts are reaching al segments of the population that is consistent with Federal equal
employment opportunity laws. Your responses wil not be shown to the panel rating the applications, to the
selecting/hiring official, or anyone else who can affect your application in the hiring process. This form wil not be
shared with the hiring official or placed in your official personnel file should you be hired.The aggregate information col ected wil be kept private to the extent permitted by law. No personal y identifiable
information wil be requested on the form and the information col ected wil not be attributable to you.