Admissions Attendant (Wildlanterns, Temporary)

About the role

More than 1.3 million people visit Woodland Park Zoo each year. We connect people with wildlife and remind them of what’s at stake in our changing world. Our job is to motivate people to take action and provide them with the tools needed to join us in saving endangered species. Working for the zoo means upholding our mission, “To save wildlife and inspire everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives.” This position fills two different roles: one supports all aspects of guest entry, while the other supports on‑grounds paid experiences such as the Carousel and VR experiences. The role is seasonal, part‑time, with 14 openings, located onsite in the Admissions & Guest Services department.

Responsibilities

• Perform day-to-day operations such as selling general admission, greeting and directing visitors, operating cash registers or point of sale terminals, maintaining a cash drawer, completing daily paperwork, and assisting guests with questions and complaints.
• Provide information to the public in person and on the phone, including but not limited to zoo hours, prices/fees, regulations, programs, exhibits, special events, classes, directions, lost and found items, and the zoo animals.
• Rectify visitor disputes, complaints, and issues or escalate to a lead if appropriate.
• Promote and sell zoo products and experiences.
• Set-up, organize, and arrange any necessary equipment or program items.
• Interact with and assist visitors of all ages.
• Expedite visitor entry and egress, establish queuing lines, and help with crowd control in a customer‑friendly manner.
• Function as a parking attendant as required during peak times.
• Support zoo policies in a professional manner.
• Ensure a safe environment for visitors, staff, and volunteers; monitor key areas and entrances and report safety concerns to supervisor in a timely manner.
• Communicate on-site issues and ideas for improvements regarding customer service, personnel, policy or other related areas; may be asked to participate in continuous improvement exercises for the unit.
• Maintain all assigned workspaces by keeping them clean and organized.
• Perform breaks and assist other Admissions units with related projects.

Qualifications

• One year certificate from an accredited college or technical school; or one to two years of guest/customer service experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong cash handling skills.
• Ability to work a seasonal, non‑standard/flexible schedule, which may include weekends, evenings, holidays, and during special events.
• Must live and work in Washington State to perform this role.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Preferred: Ability to speak a language in addition to English.

Skills

• Welcoming and dependable presence for guests.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Organized, reliable, and detail‑focused.
• Adaptable and team‑oriented.
• Guest‑focused and mission‑driven – enthusiasm for the zoo and its diverse visitors, commitment to excellent service, inclusivity, and upholding the zoo’s mission and core values.

Benef