VISITOR ENGAGEMENT ASSOCIATE
ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW:
CuriOdyssey is a science playground and zoo, located on the San Francisco Bay Peninsula in San Mateo, CA. As a team member here, you will be able to connect a passion for science and animals with a beautiful natural setting. You have the opportunity to preserve, build upon, and share the wonder of this place. In our daily interaction with visitors, we envision a time when all people honor nature, animals, and science, value unique experiences and appreciate beauty in everyday life. In this position, you have the opportunity to engage with our guests, while working to provide them with an exceptional experience to make a CuriOdyssey visit one to remember.
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POSITION SUMMARY:
The seasonal Visitor Engagement Associate position is at a Science and Wildlife Center located in the Coyote Point Park in San Mateo. We are looking for an enthusiastic, customer service driven individual for our front desk & gift shop that must be able to represent our business professionally while projecting an upbeat demeanor. We also have evening events (wedding, birthdays, corporate events) that you might be asked to work if available. You will work with a team, but sometimes work independently for the duration of the shift with limited supervision.
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ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Perform the daily open and closing procedures consistently; including walking through the animal exhibits; unlocking doors; ensuring that all exhibits are on and functioning properly
- Greet all CuriOdyssey visitors, volunteers, and fellow staff team members with a welcome and a smile
- Be knowledgeable about our products, services, and merchandise and answer customer questions
- Sell admissions, memberships, and merchandise. Ring up transactions correctly using the POS system
- Stock & merchandise throughout the day, if needed. Store products include- eg: books, toys, drinks, snacks, etc.
- Communicate needs to the Manager throughout the day for front desk supplies and gift shop inventory
- Answer phones and in-person inquiries with courtesy and professionalism
- Light housekeeping duties (cleaning exhibits and the front desk at the end of the day; bending and reaching to pick up exhibit items; replacing printer toner and/or drum; etc.)
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MARGINAL DUTIES:
- Printing, cutting, and/or folding necessary items for distribution at the front desk
- Laminating signage
- Assist birthday families with check-in while providing a warm welcome and all needed information about their birthday party
- Assist groups with check-in while providing all necessary information for their group visit and making the group feel welcome
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AUTHORITIES: In addition to the Essential Duties, the following are principal authorities given to the Visitor Engagement Associate:
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REQUIRED SKILLS / ABILITIES:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Positive, friendly demeanor
- Familiarity with Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, or related software
- Money handling skills
- Dependable and reliable
- Ability to multitask and prioritize competing responsibilities
- Merchandising skills a plus
- Demonstrated ability to show sensible & sound thinking when handling a situation
- Ability to communicate in English (multi-language speaker is a PLUS)
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QUALIFICATIONS / EDUCATION / CERTIFICATES / EXPERIENCE:
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Minimum 1 year of customer service experience
- Minimum 6 months cash handling experience
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PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Physical ability and endurance to carry and lift heavy materials, up to 50 pounds
- Frequently move from a sitting to standing position
- Bending, reaching, and twisting may be required
- Frequently sitting
- Frequent typing and reviewing information on a computer screen
- Occasionally climbing stairs
- Occasionally enduring inclement weather
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PSYCHOLOGICAL DEMANDS: The psychological demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Being interrupted frequently
- Regularly multi-tasking
- Regularly working as part of a team
- Occasionally dealing with angry guests/customers
- Regularly having to “think on your feet”
- Occasionally moving from one department to another to support the whole team
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WORK ENVIRONMENT: The characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Noise level is moderate to high
- Work is in a public space
- Temperature varies depending on the season
- Work could be required both indoors and outdoors
- Work speed can vary from sedate to very busy
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COMPENSATION, SCHEDULE & BENEFITS:
- Pay Rate : $21.00/hour
- Status: This is a non-exempt, part-time, seasonal position through September 7, 2026.
- Schedule: The general work schedule is 8 hours per day, days of the week to be determined, between the hours of 9:00am – 5:30pm.
- Benefits: All employees receive mandated benefits in the manner prescribed by law (e.g., Paid Sick Leave, Social Security, workers’ compensation). However, as a part-time, seasonal employee, you are not eligible for any additional paid benefits (e.g., vacation, holidays, personal time, health insurance, etc.).
CuriOdyssey seeks to build a diverse work team and encourages applications from candidates who will add to that diversity. CuriOdyssey is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to age, race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws.
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Pay: $21.00 per hour
Experience:
- Customer service: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
