Mailroom/Reception - Reception & Mailroom Associate (Seasonal)

This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago ("BZC") by supporting the Institution's goal of providing an exceptional guest experience by providing a high level of customer service as the primary point of contact and information for guests, including professional visitors who have business with BZC employees: tours, event meetings, reservations, etc. Maintains daily access information for guests entering the park for appointments, monitors entrance through the South Gate, and provides authorized access to the Administration Building. Provides additional support for other Guest & Membership Services functions as required.

This is a seasonal non-union hourly position, grade S007-3 with a pay rate of $17.60 per hour. For our Benefits Summary Information, follow this link to our Benefits Table or copy and paste the following in your internet browser www.brookfieldzoo.org/custom.czs/files/06/06337b2c-b3db-45a2-8eb2-f8362486bd0e.pdf (please refer to the non-union, seasonal employee section) and/or refer to the benefit details provided below after the job description information.

Brookfield Zoo is open 363 days a year, the work schedule involves working various shifts, including weekdays, weekends, and holidays. We especially appreciate candidates who can commit to consistent weekday availability throughout the year. To ensure that BZC can provide reliable service and maintain a consistent quality experience for our guests, availability of a minimum of three days per week including one day on the weekend is strongly desired. Shifts typically range from 4 to 8 hours, with work schedules starting as early as 8:00 AM and ending as late as 7:00 PM (and 10:00 PM for special events). Work schedules are based on the needs of the operation. This position requires the ability to transport mail to/from the local post office, therefore a valid driver's license is required. It requires the ability to sit for long periods of time and some light physicality to lift and move boxes/bins of mail and packages. Minimum age of 18 required.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions of the position.

1. *Greets all guests with exceptional hospitality and support all while ensuring superior levels of satisfaction, warmth, and customer service. Work at our South Gate reception provides information about exhibits and attractions and facilitates a smooth entry process for all guests. Ensure a welcoming and organized environment at the South Gate entrance to set a positive tone for the zoo visit. ensuring prompt and courteous handling of inquiries, reservations, and other guest communications. Serves as a point of contact and information for guests, including professional visitors who have business with BZC Employees.
2. *Review and accept Outlook/SharePoint appointments from approved senders for the gate list. Ensure copies of the gate list are provided to South Gate, Reception, Guest Hospitality and Support Coordinator, and the Guest, and Membership Relations Manager every day.
3. *Monitors and responds to internal calls and radio traffic; using the base radio stations. Relay information to staff regarding urgent in-park needs. Make general announcements regarding important closures or changes in daily operations.
4. *Ensures the South Reception area is stocked with necessary equipment and supplies. Performs inventory of supplies to ensure sufficient onsite supply levels are met to prevent any service disruption. Submit supply orders to the manager.
5. *Provide support of park-wide public interaction programming (like Wild Connections animal encounter experiences) to ensure a quality product is delivered to Guests. Responsible for assisting all guest support elements of programs, including ensuring ticketing, sales, and reservations are coordinated among all involved departments and the product is delivered to guests seamlessly. Assist with monitoring and reporting interactive program results related to participant satisfaction.
6. *Provide additional Guest and Membership Services support by working with Membership Databases (Raisers Edge and Galaxy). Aid in service recovery and Membership material pick up for guests when needed. Act as the on-site presence of Guest and Membership Services and a central hub of constituent services.
7. *Aid the Mailroom Operations Supervisor with mail according to procedures outlined by the U.S. Postal Service. Processes package delivery and obtains staff signatures as appropriate. Sorts internal mail for delivery to Brookfield Zoo Chicago departments. Coordinates large mailings with other departments. Ensures departments have the necessary information and supplies to send mailings, packages, etc. Transport mail and packages to and from Brookfield Post Office in a Brookfield Zoo Chicago vehicle safely and responsibly.
8. Other related duties as assigned.

* Denotes Essential Job Function(s)

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Six months of experience in switchboard operation and/or handling a telephone system.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must possess excellent customer service, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Must be highly attentive, courteous, and friendly.
• Attention to detail and accuracy required.
• Ability to maintain confidential and sensitive information required.
• Must possess the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities.
• English fluency at a professional working proficiency.
• Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• Valid driver's license required at time of hire. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois driver's license or obtain one within 90 days of hire. A valid out-of-state driver's license is required for out-of-state residents.

DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED.)
• Prior experience with two-way radio communication system a plus.
• Intermediate or advanced computer skills/experience preferred with Microsoft Word and Excel desired. Experience in Raiser's Edge is a plus.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform.

Incumbents must gain a strong understanding of departmental operations and procedures and an understanding of Brookfield Zoo Chicago's mission, vision, values, and operating philosophies. Incumbents will be required to acquire a strong, basic understanding of the Institution's rules and regulations and general information, including but not limited to attractions, admission fees, and schedules. Must represent Brookfield Zoo Chicago courteously and professionally at all times. This is a seasonal/temporary position that may require rotating days off, varied starting times, weekends and holidays, and /or other schedule changes based on operating needs.

OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: See Occupational Requirements Form.

001291/020425

Seasonal Employees

Mental Health: Support, counseling, and resources for life issues at no cost to you. Eligible employees and their immediate family have access to Perspectives, a dynamic Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) which provides 24/7, confidential care and resources to address work and life stressors.

Retirement Savings: A 401(k) savings plan is available for all employees. Choose either pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax contributions. First of the quarter following one year of service, eligible employees receive matching contributions of 50% of the first 6% you contribute.

Other Benefits & Perks for All Employees (unless otherwise noted)