As Section Supervisor at one of our several Gift Shops, you will provide the highest level of quality customer service while maximizing sales to contribute to the Society's goals of financial sustainability and extraordinary guest experience. You will also supervise the daily operations of a number of merchandise locations to maximize sales and provide a high level of customer service.

The pay rate for this position is $12.25 per hour.

Section Supervisors may be assigned to work in gift shops, tents, souvenir stands, photo booths, and carts. Section Supervisors may also be required to temporarily assist at other Guest Services locations as directed, such as food service or admissions areas.

The Chicago Zoological Society has had an international reputation for taking a cutting-edge role in animal care and conservation of
the natural world. Since opening in 1934, Chicago Zoological Society's Brookfield Zoo has been a heartfelt destination for many Chicagoans. The merchandise destinations located in Brookfield Zoo support our mission while providing an opportunity for our guests to preserve a memory of their visit. As a conservation organization, shopping at Coast Gift Shop offers an eclectic assortment of treasures for guests and carries the Zoo's largest selection of Fair Trade and eco-friendly products. Proceeds from merchandise sales help to feed and care for our animals! Stuffed Animal Kingdom Gift Shop is popular for a wide variety of fun,
furry animals such as an important symbol of conservation, the Okapi. Wildlife Trading Post offers a scenic world tour of unique handcrafted gifts from jewelry, scarves, decorative items, animal masks, toys, crafts, stuffed animals, books, and more! Our guests are sure to find that special item to remember their special visit to Brookfield Zoo.

The primary duties and responsibilities for this position include:

• Supervise and assist location employees in customer service and selling merchandise. Assure employee standards of performance and service are maintained. Assist customers in sales in a friendly, efficient, and professional manner and knowledgeable about services and products. Handle customer and employee concerns on the initial level and notify manager.
• Responsible for the location's daily operations and maintenance, including opening and closing the location in a timely and efficient manner, clearing registers, verifying accurate cash counts and handling location's daily sales records. Authorize customer returns, credits and exchanges, and employee over rings and no sales.
• Responsible for continually monitoring and adjusting gift and souvenir stock levels, including writing and verifying gift transfers and souvenir orders. Supervise receiving, pricing and moving of merchandise out to display areas. Maintain and update displays as needed. Responsible and accountable for the accurate and timely completion of inventories and recounts.
• Responsible for continually monitoring and adjusting daily staff levels and maintaining an acceptable cost of labor percentage. Assign break periods.
• Initiate, plan and assign both daily and long-term projects, including creative displays, cleaning schedules and sales contests.
  Provide assistance to managers in writing and administering seasonal staff evaluations. Participate in and help develop training for employees. Notify and provide manager with feedback and suggestions on all areas listed above.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Position Requirements and Specifications
This is a temporary / seasonal position.

The requirements for this position include the following:

• One year relevant retail experience required.


• Must be able to quickly learn how to use a cash register accurately and efficiently.


• Accurate basic math skills required.


• Strong customer service skills, ability to effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.


• Ability to interact with others in a friendly, courteous and helpful fashion required.


• Strong communication, interpersonal and organizational skills required.


• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.


• Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.

The desirable qualifications include:

• High School graduate or (GED) equivalent preferred.


• Previous supervisory experience preferred.


• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Additional Information: This seasonal position requires a high level of customer service. Incumbent must be able to work non-standard hours including evenings, holidays, and weekends. Incumbent must learn Society policies and departmental procedures and standards. Section Supervisors may be assigned to work in gift shops, tents, souvenir stands, photo booths, and carts. Section Supervisors may also be required to temporarily assist at other Guest Services locations as directed, such as food service or admissions areas.

Additional Information
The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.