Newport Aquarium Event Services Host - Part-Time Year Round [S]

All Career • Newport, KY

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Newport Aquarium is hiring Event Services Hosts to support events on an as-needed schedule. The event calendar is published one month in advance, allowing hosts to choose events that fit their schedules. Most events take place in the evenings, and weekly hours are not guaranteed. The role offers flexibility around employees’ schedules. Duties do not include event planning or related work.

Hosts support event operations by setting up and taking down equipment, preparing tables, chairs, and décor, covering and interpreting touch tanks, screening property, and performing event-related house, grounds, and custodial duties. They welcome and assist guests, provide information about the aquarium, help with metal detection and bag checks, and work with other hosts and departments to support clear communication and guest satisfaction. Hosts are expected to follow company values, guest-service standards, policies, procedures, safety protocols, and appearance standards. They also take direction from the Sales Events teams and perform other duties assigned by the Catering and Events Management Team.

The position requires evening availability and may include weekends and holidays. Hosts must be able to work independently, maintain a positive and professional manner, and meet the physical demands of being on their feet for long periods, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, lifting up to 25 pounds, and pushing or pulling up to 50 pounds. Reliable transportation is needed because bus service may not be available after some events, which can end at midnight or later. Employment is contingent on a successful pre-employment background check.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English.
• Must have strong public speaking skills.
• Must have strong customer-service and interpersonal skills and attention to detail.
• Must be self-motivated, disciplined, and reliable, and able to work independently.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule that may include weekends and holidays; evening availability is required.
• Must have reliable transportation; bus service may not be available after some events, which may finish at midnight or later.
• Must be able to remain on their feet for long periods, climb stairs, bend, and stoop.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds and push or pull up to 50 pounds.
• Must successfully complete a pre-employment background check.
• Must have no history of animal- or plant-related allergies that might interfere with the ability to work.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of languages other than English.
• Knowledge of marine life.

Responsibilities

• Follow Herschend Enterprises’ Core Values and Newport Aquarium Guest Service Standards, policies, procedures, and safety protocols.
• Support all aspects of event operations, including setting up and taking down equipment, touch tank coverage and interpretation, property screening, and event-related house, grounds, and custodial duties.
• Maintain a positive attitude and appearance and meet aquarium uniform and appearance standards.
• Approach guests in a friendly manner, provide assistance, and share information about Newport Aquarium.
• Arrive on time and ready to work all scheduled shifts.
• Prioritize safety while working at Newport Aquarium.
• Set up event spaces, including arranging tables, chairs, and décor.
• Communicate effectively with other hosts and Newport Aquarium departments.
• Maintain knowledge of activities, aquatic life, and aquarium special events and promotions to inform guests.
• Facilitate metal detection and bag checks during guest entry.
• Work independently while demonstrating self-motivation, discipline, and reliability.
• Maintain appropriate guest and team-member relations and support guest and team satisfaction.
• Handle comments, concerns, and suggestions from guests and team members regarding policies and procedures.
• Take direction from and work with the Sales Events teams, following Newport Aquarium policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties assigned by the Catering and Events Management Team.

Benefits

• Profit sharing.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Free admission for the employee and dependents at most Herschend Enterprises properties.
• One complimentary general admission ticket per pay period to give to someone else.
• Discounts at Sharky’s Café, Sweet Dreams Candy Company, and the gift shop.
• Discounted tickets and annual passes for friends and family.
• Training and development.
• Grow U offers access to hundreds of education programs, from certifications and college preparation to associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees; most programs are fully funded.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed