Springfield Park District
Recreation Associate-Zoo
Recreation Associate-Zoo
Henson Robinson Zoo
Department: Henson Robinson Zoo
Position Title: Part-Time
Reporting Authority: Zoo Guest Services and Marketing Manager
Classification: Non-Exempt - Non-Union
Salary: $15.00 per hour
What is the Springfield Park District?
The Springfield Park District offers a variety of educational and recreational programs, classes and events for people ranging in age from 6 months to seniors. The Park District partners with several local organizations and clubs to provide athletic programming such as youth baseball/softball, men’s soccer, disk golf leagues, cricket, rugby, pickleball, youth football, bicycling clubs and related clubs/groups. Additionally, the Springfield Park District also maintains intergovernmental/cooperative agreement with various Police Departments, School District and local colleges. We manage 4 Golf Courses, 2 Indoor Ice Rinks, 2 Outdoor Pools, Indoor Pool, 3 Dog Runs, 3 Disc Golf Courses, 2 Baseball Stadiums, 2 Early Childhood Program Facilities: Preschool & Funshop, 2 Historic Pavilions, Special Needs Facility, a Carillon, Botanical Garden, Tennis Complex, Skate Park, Erin’s Pavilion Rental Facility and the Henson Robinson Zoo.
Our Mission: to provide accessible and memorable recreational opportunities that enrich the community and improve the quality of life for generations as well as conserve our natural resources.
Position Summary:
The Recreation Associate is an entry level position. Candidates must demonstrate the skill and competence necessary to assist with a variety of duties from class activities, front-line/guest services, customer service initiatives, point of sale systems and rental services throughout the Springfield Park District, but for this position advertisement is specific to and reports at the Henson Robinson Zoo (HRZ).
Experience in babysitting, nanny positions, child-care facilities, camp counselor, receptionist, retail, food industry, customer service representative and other similar activities involving pre-school age children to seniors is a plus.
This position reports to the Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Drive, Springfield IL 62712 Ph: 217-585-1821 in the Zoo Gift Shop. Associates will operate cash registers, sell concessions, and gift shop goods, assist with rentals and birthday parties, drive the HRZ Train in Season, work Special Events and provide customer service to zoo patrons. The work is performed in and around Zoo facilities and involves regular contact with the public.
Working hours may vary. Candidates must be willing to have flexibility in scheduling and could work weekdays, evenings and/or weekends and hours are based on the facility’s needs. Activity prep and activity time can average each shift 3+ hours and sometimes Recreation Associates may be asked to fill hours at more than one Park District recreational program area or facility per day.
Schedules for the Recreation Associate-Zoo are determined by the Zoo Guest Services and Marketing Manager or designated Program/Facility Supervisors, and to the best of abilities we try to accommodate multiple part-time staff schedules. Candidates – plan to provide which days and times you have availability to be considered for this part-time position.
Specific Responsibilities:
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The Recreation Associate shall work under direct supervision and/or guidance of the Zoo Guest Services and Marketing Manager, Zoo Business Services Admin, or any other designee. Recreation Associate shall not assume full responsibility for a group of children or program participants without supervision or parental guardians present.
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Successful Completion of Park District Orientation, Rectrac Learning Lab & Customer Service Training.
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Operate Point of Sale Systems to include cash handling, cash registers, cash close-out responsibilities, learning RecTrac and online portal Webtrac (Park District Online Registration Software) to assist patrons with admissions, membership passes, activity sign up, rentals, etc.
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Recreation Associates will be responsible for setup and cleanup of snack time, classes, birthday parties, treat set-up, and other activities including but not limited to,
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Working front line registration desks,
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Responsible for good customer service,
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Receptionist duties such as answering phones in a professional manner, transferring calls to other staff, filing, organizing, and other office duties as assigned.
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At times, could be required to assist with recreation program preparation for tasks such as art projects for the Facility Mangers, Program Coordinators or Teachers and cleaning projects, organizing back-room activities for the participants and their parental/guardian chaperone.
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At times, with direct supervision, helping with group activities for pre-school aged children all the way to seniors.
SPECIFIC TO HENSON ROBINSON ZOO:
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Perform specific duties, procedures at the Zoo pertaining to daily Admission, Gift Shop and Concession Sales.
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Helps in displaying, straightening, stocking, and/or inventory Zoo Gift Shop & Concession merchandise.
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Responds to customer inquiries regarding the Henson Robinson Zoo services and products.
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Collects Stroller rentals and sells Zoo memberships.
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Takes customers concession stand orders; prepares food and drink products.
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Will be trained on, drive, and operate zoo train safely in accordance with Zoo policy.
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Aids other area Zoo Staff as assigned and when needed.
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May be asked if willing to be trained to present education animals for parties, rentals, and events.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
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Preferred Candidates will be 16 years of age or older. Qualified candidates age 15 might be considered but must provide parental permission, a Work Permit and have transportation to and from work shifts.
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Must be currently enrolled in High School or possess a High School diploma.
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Willingness to learn educational information and details about the Park District and specific to the Henson Robinson Zoo.
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Must be a team player and be willing to work in groups.
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Must possess emotional maturity and show respect when working with children and adults.
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Sensitivity to patron and/or participants socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds and individual needs and capabilities.
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Must follow the lead and direction of all Managers on Duty and LEAD Rec Associates in your area.
General Requirements:
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Must be able to read and write and have good command of the English language.
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Good oral and written communication.
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Physical capabilities – lifts 50 pounds, squat, bend and move as necessary for the job.
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Must be able to perform basic mathematics.
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Must have basic proficiency of Microsoft Excel and Word.
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Must possess valid Illinois Driver’s License, unless position approved for 15-year old with ID.
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Must present a neat and professional appearance.
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Responsible for following policies and procedures outlined in Springfield Park District employee manual.
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Must live within a 50-mile radius from Bunn Administration building 2500 S 11th Springfield IL 62703 in the State of Illinois or must be willing to move to such a compliant location within the first 6 months of acceptance of a position with the Springfield Park District.
Applications & Resumes should be submitted Online:
To be considered for a position, all applicants should apply online through our Job Opportunity and Tracking Portal. No paper applications or resumes will be accepted. Go to www.springfieldparks.org and click on JOBS to see a full list of job opportunities.
The Springfield Park District is committed to the provisions of Equal Employment Opportunities and Affirmative Action to its applicants regardless of race, color, religion, ancestry, age sex, marital or veterans’ status, national origin, disability or any other legally protected status.
