What are the responsibilities and job description for the Guest Services Associate position at Audubon Institute?
Position Title: Guest Services Associate
Department: Guest Services
Reports To: Guest Services Manager & Director
Location: Audubon Nature Institute
Who We Are
Audubon Nature Institute comprises Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, Audubon
Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival
Center, Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, Woldenberg Riverfront Park,
and Audubon Wilderness Park
At Audubon Nature Institute, we are more than a collection of parks, museums, and conservation
centers—we are a dedicated team with a shared mission to celebrate, protect, and connect people
to the wonders of nature. Our work is guided by our culture code, which is at the heart of everything
we do. We believe in Activating Impact by integrating tangible, real-world outcomes into all our
initiatives, fostering a culture where every action contributes to a positive environmental impact. We
are committed to Empowering Optimism, using positivity to inspire others to act and believe in
their capacity to create meaningful change. We strive to Create Connection by engaging with
people from all walks of life, knowing that the collective strength of a diverse community can
address the most pressing challenges facing our natural world. At Audubon, we embody the spirit of
Le Bon Temps, infusing the joy and vibrant culture of Louisiana into our everyday work, celebrating
our unique heritage while advancing our mission. As Leaders of the Pack, we constantly seek
smarter, innovative solutions, challenging conventions to drive the change we want to see in the
world.
What You’ll Do
In the role of a Guest Services Associate, the primary objective is to ensure every guest has a
memorable experience during their visit. As a Guest Services Associate, one is also responsible for
processing General and Membership Sales. Guest Services Associates who are above 18 years of age
are required to work during Audubon's annual after-hours events, as well as three third-party events
hosted by Dickie Brennan quarterly. In addition, Guest Services Associates will offer aid for Virtual
Reality Gaming, Audubon Insectarium Butterfly Garden, and crowd control assistance.
Day to Day Responsibilities
• Promote Sales: Suggest and promote General Sales, Memberships, Wild Encounters, and
Audubon Attractions during every transaction.
• Track Admissions: Monitor all admissions sales while scanning tickets.
• Guest Management: Greet guests in all areas, manage crowds, and promptly assist with
any questions or concerns.
• Professional Appearance: Maintain a friendly, neat, and professional appearance that
aligns with the Audubon image.
• Communication: Utilize the proper short-wave radio for communication.
• Policy Compliance: Adhere to all departmental and Audubon Nature Institute policies as
outlined in the company and guest services handbook.
• Team Relations: Maintain a professional relationship with fellow employees, vendors,
and third-party partners.
• Guest Assistance: Assist guests entering the facility with strollers or wheelchairs,
following the stroller and wheelchair policy.
• Service Animals: Comply with the service animal policy.
• Ticket Queuing: Maintain the ticket queuing area by setting up stanchions and signage
inside and outside the facility.
• Line Management: Answer questions and upsell tickets while working the line; break the
line whenever necessary.
• Virtual Reality Operations: Virtual reality gaming operators are responsible for providing
a fun and safe VR experience for all guests, selling tickets, and explaining safety
procedures.
• Butterfly Garden Safety: Ensure the safety of butterflies and guests by monitoring
entrance and exit doors at the Butterfly Garden.
• Cool Zoo and All other Attractions - Ensure the safety of our guest by following the rules and
regulations provide by department leaders.
• Cash handling: Professionally handle cash and credit transactions.
• After and Before Event Support: Be available to work at all Audubon After Hours events
that require guest services support.
• Flexible Support: Be open to working at any Guest Services location that requires assistance,
provided you receive at least one week's notice in advance. Additionally, be willing to help with our
birthdays and call center department when needed
Additional/Overall Skills:
• Maintain a positive attitude and a strong sense of accountability, fostering a collaborative team
environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute.
• Thrive in a team environment, using your organizational and technical skills to ensure the
smooth execution of creative projects that resonate with our audience.
• Celebrate the successes of your team and bring enthusiasm to your work, reflecting the joyful
culture that is at the heart of Audubon’s mission.
• Stay adaptable and open to learning new skills, embracing change and innovation as
opportunities to lead and grow.
• The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities
performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned.
What We’re Looking For
Must Haves:
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Strong verbal and interpersonal skills (a people person)
Nice-to-Haves:
• Proficiency in computer literacy
• A minimum of two years of experience as a cashier
• A Valid drivers license
Physical Requirements:
• Prolonged standing, walking, and climbing of stairs or ladders.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry objects up to 50 pounds.
• Frequent bending, crouching, twisting, and reaching.
• Manual dexterity to operate machinery or handle tools.
• Frequent use of vision and hearing to assess surroundings and job tasks.
• May include indoor and outdoor work environments.
• Exposure to varying weather conditions.
• Potential exposure to environmental hazards such as dust, chemicals, or loud noise.