Strolling through Brookfield Zoo and gazing at the vast collection of animals may also inspire a stroll through one of several gift shop destinations. Stuffed Animal Kingdom Gift Shop is popular for a wide variety of fun, furry animals, many of which resemble favorites our guests come to see on their visit to the Zoo. It may be a traditional favorite like a tiger or bear, an important symbol of conservation such as the Okapi, or an unexpected blue hippo or pink penguin.

As a Merchandise Associate at Stuffed Animal Kingdom Gift Shop, you will assist our many guests and greet them with a welcoming smile as customer service is a number one priority at Brookfield Zoo. Along with that enthusiastic and friendly greeting, your helpful assistance to guests while they browse and shop for their favorite stuffed animal will enhance their guest experience. Your friendly demeanor and vast knowledge about the stuffed animal collection will contribute positively to merchandise sales. In addition, you will be operating the cash register to accurately ring up sales; balancing the cash drawer at the end of each work day; participating in daily operations by cleaning, stocking, pricing, displaying merchandise and taking accurate inventories. All of these activities are extremely important in maintaining a high-quality experience for our more than 2 million guests each year. Merchandise Associates may be assigned to work in gift shops, tents, souvenir stands, photo booths, and carts. Employer - M/F/V/D.

Position Requirements and Specifications
As Brookfield Zoo is open 365 days a year, this position highly prefers flexible availability to work any 5 days out of any 7 days each week with work shifts that are usually from 4 to 8 hours in length generally during the hours that Brookfield Zoo is open. From Memorial Day - Labor Day the Zoo is open 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily (Sundays until 7:30 p.m.). After Labor Day until Memorial Day the weekend & weekday hours vary from 9:30/10:00 a.m. - 5:00/6:00 p.m. During special events, the Zoo may be open until 9:00/10:00 p.m. You must be at least 16 years of age for this position. This is a temporary (seasonal) position. Starting wage: $8.25 per hour.

The requirements for this position include:

• High School graduate or (GED) equivalent preferred.
  
  
• Accurate basic math skills required.
  
  
• Ability to communicate well with the public required.
  
  
• Must project a willingness to learn and perform new skills and tasks.
  
  
• Demonstrated strong customer service skills to provide the highest level of quality customer service, representing the Chicago Zoological Society in a professional manner.
  
  
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines with the ability to handle multiple tasks.
  
  
• Incumbent must have the ability to work non-standard hours including evenings, holidays, and weekends.
  
  
• Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience. Multilingual ability and Spanish fluency a plus.

Additional Information
This requisition is to actively recruit for positions that are anticipated to have start dates between March 2014 and May 2014. Candidates at minimum need to be available to work Saturdays & Sundays starting immediately in March/April/May. Weekday availability between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. strongly desired.

Additional requisitions will be posted shortly for other gift shop opportunities. Please continue to visit our CZS Career Center for these future opportunities.

The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer - Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled.