Zoolights Visitor Services Cashier: Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Parks Tacoma is a well-established park district that prides itself on enriching the community by providing inviting and inclusive outdoor recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Operating as the oldest independent park district in Washington, Parks Tacoma manages a variety of facilities and natural spaces throughout the Tacoma area to foster a healthy, vibrant community. One of its crown jewels is the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, a premier zoological park located within the expansive 700-acre Point Defiance Park. This 29-acre zoo and aquarium features a diverse collection of animals and aquatic species, attracting over 800,000 visitors annually. It holds national accreditation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), ensuring exceptional standards in animal care, conservation efforts, veterinary services, and educational programming. Visitors enjoy breathtaking views of iconic landmarks, including Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains, and Puget Sound, while engaging with the zoo's extensive exhibits and activities. The Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is renowned as the only combined zoo and aquarium in the Pacific Northwest, making it a unique destination for family outings and educational experiences. Among its many offerings is the annual ZOOLIGHTS event, a celebrated holiday tradition that transforms the zoo into a dazzling winter wonderland illuminated by over a million lights. Running annually from late November through early January, ZOOLIGHTS draws crowds eager to explore the festive environment and interact with staff who provide guidance and enhance the visitor experience. The role of Visitor Services Cashier at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, operated by Parks Tacoma, offers a dynamic and engaging part-time opportunity with hourly pay starting at $16.66. This position involves the critical task of supporting the daily operational functions of designated cashier locations within the zoo. Responsibilities include processing transactions, providing guests with information, and maintaining a welcoming, clean, and efficient environment. The role works under the supervision of the Visitor Services Supervisor and requires a commitment to professionalism, team collaboration, and adherence to safety standards. Employees in this position are entrusted to perform with minimal supervision while effectively communicating with colleagues and visitors to ensure a seamless and positive guest experience. The position demands excellent customer service skills, the ability to handle financial transactions accurately, and the capacity to respond appropriately to visitor inquiries and concerns. Physical demands include operating point of sale terminals, managing equipment rentals such as strollers and wheelchairs, operating the zoo carousel as needed, and maintaining the admissions area. Candidates must be prepared to work in varied weather conditions, including outdoors for extended periods, and occasionally assist in emergency medical situations. This part-time role offers up to 29 hours per week, with flexibility for weekends and holidays, matching the peak visitor times at the zoo. The environment is fast-paced and interactive, perfect for individuals who thrive in service-focused roles and enjoy being part of a team committed to community enrichment and conservation education. Prospective candidates should expect to engage directly with the public, contribute positively to the guest experience, and handle monetary transactions efficiently. The Visitor Services Cashier role is a vital part of the zoo’s front-line team, helping to ensure every visitor leaves with memorable, positive impressions. Parks Tacoma is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within its workforce. The organization welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds and abides by all federal and state employment laws. Candidates must be U.S. citizens or authorized to work in the U.S. and will be subject to a national background check. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities is available upon request during the hiring process. This position is at-will, providing flexibility and growth opportunities within a respected community institution dedicated to conservation, education, and public engagement.

• must be able to work weekends and holidays as needed
• must be customer service oriented with a positive and cheerful attitude
• must be able to communicate professionally and effectively with the general public and fellow staff
• previous point of sales (POS) experience desirable but not required