Deadline Date: March 26, 2025

The Position

The Wheaton Park District is seeking an enthusiastic individual to serve as a Guest Services Manager/Assistant to the Cosley Zoo Director. This position is responsible for overseeing and managing all guest services operations including concessions, gift shop, admission, and assisting with additional responsibilities such as facility rentals. This position will hire, train, and evaluate part-time and seasonal staff. Also responsible for a wide variety of day-to-day administrative duties in support of the Cosley Zoo Director.

What will you do?

• Develop a customer-focused guest services team that ensure operations run smoothly.
• Responsible for ordering and stocking gift shop and concessions stand working appropriately within the zoo budget, maintaining clear communication of purchases with the Zoo Director.
• Attend promo shows as needed and maintain good relationships with suppliers.
• Includes conservation, sustainability, and fair-trade themes in displays and items sold as often as possible.
• Follow the food service operations manual in the use of concession equipment.
• Manage concessions inventory.
• Accurately and efficiently process transactions using the point-of-sale system, taking measures to safeguard revenue.
• Manage opening and closing procedures and complete associated paperwork.
• Develop and administer budgets.
• Support the Cosley Zoo Director in his/her tasks at hand, maintaining the utmost confidentiality.
• Maintain records in a fashion to be collected easily.
• Develop an understanding of and confidence in working with the overall park district budget, running reports from time to time in Springbrook software system.
• Create and process purchase orders in a timely manner, as necessary.
• Compose professional and effective written communications through email and/or in letter format.
• Conduct research using internet resources, phone and/or person-to-person interviews.
• Coordinate and develop weekly, monthly and/or daily reports using prescribed formats.
• Assist with the development and preparation of Cosley Zoo Annual Report using written word, photos, and data to prepare charts.
• Purchase office supplies as necessary and maintain working supply of copier supplies.
• Maintain the highest level of safety in the work area through implementation of safety protocols and procedures.

Why should you apply?

Park districts are all about leisure, recreation and conservation. If this interests you, we offer the following:

• Health (HMO or PPO), with very low employee contribution for employee, spouse, and dependents.
• 100% employer paid dental insurance for employee, spouse, and dependents.
• 100% employer paid vision insurance for the employee.
• 100% employer paid life insurance at 1.5 times your annual salary.
• Health insurance incentive up to $4,500 per year.
• FSA and Dependent Care pre-tax via payroll deduction.
• Pension Plan through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, including employer contributions.
• Paid time off including 12 sick days per year, 12 vacation days, 2 personal days (pro-rated first year), 12 ½ holidays.
• Free use of fitness center, two pools, golf, and entrance to Cosley Zoo to employees and family members eligible for insurance coverage.
• Tuition Reimbursement, discounts on merchandise, professional memberships, and other voluntary benefits.

The Qualifications

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in hospitality, management, retail management, or animal science required, or an equivalent combination of skills and experience may be substituted for educational requirements.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible supervisory experience required.
• Minimum of three (3) years of customer service management experience required.
• Experience effectively leading teams and developing staff required.
• Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel.
• Must be familiar with the use of general office equipment including computers, copiers, fax machine, etc.
• Must have great time management, attention to detail, problem solving, analytical, organizational, interpersonal, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be flexible and dependable with the ability to maintain confidentiality and work independently.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays.
• Must have and maintain: a valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record; and CPR/AED certified or obtain within one (1) year of employment; valid proof of current Illinois Food Handler Training Certificate or obtain within 30 days of hire.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must be able to: frequently remain in a stationary position in a small concession area for long periods to time; frequently remain in a stationary position for long periods of time and repetitive use of hands/arms/fingers and eyes while using a computer; frequently move about the facility to access staff, files, etc. Occasionally move items weighing up to 10 lbs. and occasionally up to 25 lbs., and move on uneven ground during special events, and position one’s self to move items for special events, file boxes, supplies, etc. weighing up to 25 lbs. This position must be able to grasp items such as sodas, food items, etc. and have good hand-eye coordination while servicing customers. This position will rarely ascend/descend stairs, position one’s self to reach items overhead and below waist, and move over uneven ground. Position oneself to make minor repairs to office equipment, as necessary from time to time.

Salary Range

Looking to hire within the range of $56,023 - $70,029, DOQ

Minimum - Midpoint - Maximum

$56,023 - $70,029 - $84,035

The Wheaton Park District is an equal opportunity employer. EOE/M/F/D/V