Visitor Experience Ambassador - Attractions (Festival of Lights 2026)

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden•Cincinnati, OH

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is hiring a seasonal Visitor Experience Ambassador for Attractions during Festival of Lights 2026. As a member of the Visitor Experience Department, the ambassador helps create a safe, welcoming, and memorable experience for guests by providing friendly service, operating attractions, and assisting visitors with rentals, registration, and wayfinding. The role involves working outdoors in all climates and weather conditions, and requires flexibility to work variable schedules, including weekends and evening shifts. Orientations will be held on a rolling basis. This is a seasonal, non-benefitted position with variable hours of 15–40 per week, not to exceed 1,500 hours annually. Employees must generally be 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 when classes end. Shifts range from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; evening shifts may run from 2:45 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Shifts typically last eight hours. Pay starts at $14 per hour, with opportunities for performance-based increases.

Requirements

Must be 16 years of age or older; minors must provide a work permit when applicable.
Able to work outdoors constantly in all climates and weather conditions, in prolonged stationary positions or with frequent movement.
Able to move, transport, or position 35 pounds unassisted.
Able to communicate effectively with the public and other zoo departments in a positive, friendly manner.
Must be trainable in cash handling and maintain the proper skill level.
Must demonstrate dependable attendance and flexibility with assigned work schedules.
Must be able to complete the job requirements with or without reasonable accommodation.
Must generally be available at least three days per week, including one weekend day, and at least five hours per available day; students may initially provide availability for two days per week until classes end.
Must be available to work variable shifts within the stated operating hours.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience with Point-of-Sale stations and functions is a plus but is not required.
A passion for wildlife and connecting people with nature.
Friendly, empathetic, and outgoing approach; enthusiasm for creating a welcoming atmosphere and initiating guest interactions.
Willingness to adapt and learn on the job.

Responsibilities

Assist guests with rentals and wayfinding at the Welcome Center.
Operate registration and rides for the Safari Train and Carousel.
Communicate and enforce safety rules for the Safari Train and Carousel.
Operate registration for giraffe feedings.
Provide guests with wayfinding assistance and personalized recommendations.
Communicate with the public and other zoo departments in a positive, friendly manner.
Handle cash after training and maintain the required skill level.
Maintain dependable attendance and flexibility with assigned work schedules.