Visitor Experience Ambassador - Arrival (Festival of Lights 2026)

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden•Cincinnati, OH

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is seeking enthusiastic, outgoing Visitor Experience Ambassadors for the Arrival team. Ambassadors help create safe, enjoyable, and memorable visits for guests by supporting entry, parking, ticketing, and membership services. The role involves welcoming and communicating with visitors from diverse backgrounds, helping with wayfinding and personalized recommendations, and contributing to an exceptional visitor experience. This is a seasonal, non-benefitted position for the 2026 season, which runs from March 1, 2026, through January 3, 2027. The position is intended to begin in late summer, with an estimated start date of August 19, 2026, and continue through the fall and Festival of Lights. Orientations are held on a rolling basis. Hours vary from 15 to 40 per week, with an annual limit of 1,500 hours. Employees must generally be available at least three days per week, including one weekend day, and for at least five hours on each available day. Students may initially provide availability for two days per week, increasing to three days when classes are over. Shifts range from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; evening shifts are between 2:45 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., and shifts typically last eight hours. The role requires working outdoors in all climates and weather conditions, sometimes in prolonged stationary positions or with frequent movement. Ambassadors must be able to move, transport, or position 35 pounds without assistance and work safely around moving vehicles and in high-traffic outdoor environments. The role requires friendly public communication, trainability in cash handling, dependable attendance, and flexibility with assigned schedules. Applicants must be at least 16 years old; minors must provide a work permit when applicable. The job must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Requirements

Must be at least 16 years old; minors must provide a work permit when applicable.
Able to work outdoors in all climates and weather conditions, with prolonged stationary positions or frequent movement.
Able to move, transport, or position 35 pounds without assistance.
Able to communicate positively and in a friendly manner with the public and other zoo departments.
Must be trainable in cash handling and maintain the proper skill level.
Able to work safely around moving vehicles and in high-traffic outdoor environments.
Dependable attendance and flexibility with assigned work schedules.
Must be able to complete the job requirements with or without reasonable accommodation.
Generally available at least three days per week, including one Saturday or Sunday, and at least five hours per available day; students may initially provide availability for two days per week, increasing to three days after classes end.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience with point-of-sale stations and functions is a plus but not required.
Friendly, empathetic attitude and ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds.
Enthusiasm and energy to create a welcoming atmosphere for guests.
Eagerness to initiate friendly interactions with guests.
Willingness to adapt and learn on the job.
Passion for wildlife and connecting people with nature.

Responsibilities

Manage high-volume guest entry at turnstiles while maintaining accuracy, efficiency, and a welcoming demeanor.
Help ensure safe and efficient traffic flow in and out of parking lots.
Help guests select tickets or memberships that best meet their needs.
Assist guests with wayfinding and personalized recommendations.
Communicate positively and in a friendly manner with the public and other zoo departments.
Handle cash after training and maintain the required skill level.
Work safely around moving vehicles and in high-traffic outdoor environments.