Gift Shop Associate Seasonal

Description

Enjoy a fun, energetic work environment surrounded by wildlife at the Virginia Zoo! We are seeking enthusiastic, part‑time Seasonal Gift Shop Associates who enjoy engaging with guests—especially families and children—and providing exceptional customer service.

Gift Shop Associates serve as friendly ambassadors of the Zoo, greeting and interacting with all guests to create a welcoming experience. This role assists visitors with selecting and purchasing merchandise by demonstrating and explaining products, suggesting options tailored to guests’ needs, and supporting purchase decisions. Associates also answer questions about the Zoo and gift shop offerings to ensure guests have an informative and enjoyable visit.

Responsibilities include retrieving merchandise from the sales floor, stockroom, or other inventory areas to keep displays clean, organized, and well stocked. Associates must proficiently operate the point‑of‑sale system, accurately processing sales, returns, and exchanges. Team members rotate daily between the main Gift Shop, the outdoor Stroller Shack, and the outdoor Kiosk.

This is a non‑exempt, part‑time seasonal position requiring daytime availability, with occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Greet and interact with guests.
• Demonstrate and explain merchandise, selecting and suggesting options suitable for the guest’s needs. Assist with purchase decisions.
• Answer guests’ questions about the zoo and the gift shop merchandise.
• Retrieve merchandise from the sales floor, stockroom, or other inventory locations to keep the sales floor well stocked and maintained.
• Proficiently operate the point of sale system, including making sales, returns, and exchanges.
• Provide an outstanding customer service experience to all guests.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Excellent verbal communication and active listening skills.
• Excellent sales and customer service skills.
• Good time management and problem‑solving skills.
• Willingness to learn about the merchandise sold.
• Ability to anticipate customers’ needs.
• Ability to learn & operate the store’s point‑of‑sale system.

• Ability to stand, move, and walk for up to 8 hours a day.
• Ability to lift and move boxes up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work outdoors and in the heat.

• Positive, fun atmosphere.
• Flexible working schedule.
• Free Zoo membership.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Discounts in the gift shop and restaurants.

At Virginia Zoological Society, we believe that diversity fuels creativity and innovation. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, genetic information, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, non‑job related physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status.

The Virginia Zoo is a drug‑free workplace.