Retail Associate

Have fun, earn income, have your commuting expenses paid, and work at the amazing Smithsonian National Zoo!

The retail stores within the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington DC are currently seeking outgoing and enthusiastic individuals who love animals, enjoy working with children, and are excited about the opportunity to promote a positive guest experience by creating lasting memories at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park.

A normal day in the zoo as a Retail Associate is filled with connecting with zoo guests, providing exceptional service through relationship building, sharing product information, and presenting a clean, and a safe well-maintained store environment.

To support store and Zoo goals, Retail Associates also process sales on a POS cash register, assist with the movement of guests throughout the park, and are occasionally responsible for attentive operation of the carousel.

Our Associates are passionate, energetic, and professional.

Acting as a Zoo ambassador, you will exemplify general knowledge of exhibits, wildlife, and amenities while finding creative ways to inspire guests to support our mission.

What you bring:
At least 1 year of retail and/or customer service experience
Superior Customer Service Skills
Merchandise Replenishment
Shipping and Receiving
Visual Merchandising
Loss Prevention
Cash Handling
We are looking for upbeat and outgoing personalities, and dependability is a must!

A knowledge of, interest in, or a love for animals a definite plus!

We offer a commuter assistance subsidy to help with metro rail/bus commuting expenses, a competitive wage, an exciting work environment and a convenient, metro-accessible location.

Important stuff:
Candidates must be available Evenings, Weekends, and Holidays – no exceptions.
Retail Associates may be working outside under varying and sometimes extreme weather conditions – both hot and cold, will be standing and walking for long periods of time, and may work in a confined and limited space.
Candidates must be able to lift up to 25 lbs., possess and maintain a valid United States driver’s license, and have the ability to operate a computerized cash register.
Effective November 22, 2021 all Smithsonian Employees must be vaccinated against COVID-19.

See additional information below.
To apply, please forward a resume and cover letter letting us know why you would be a great addition to our team.
Attention: Retail Recruitment

The Smithsonian Institution is an equal opportunity employer, and values and seeks a diverse workforce.

Join us in “Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery.”

Applicants selected for interview may be given a retail math skills test.

Final candidate selection will be subject to the applicant’s successful completion of a pre-appointment background check and subsequent background investigation for a position designated as Low Risk.

Employees are required to participate in Direct Deposit for salary payment and may serve a one-year probationary period.

Due to the high volume of applications received, only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.

This is not a federal service position.

Effective November 22, 2021, Smithsonian Employees must be fully vaccinated for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) with a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized or FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine, or have an approved Reasonable Accommodation granting an exemption from vaccine requirements.

If selected, you will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination by November 22, 2021 or before appointment or onboarding with the Smithsonian Institution, if after November 22.

The Smithsonian Institution will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required exemption from this requirement upon selection.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temporary

Pay: $15.20 per hour

Schedule:
8 hour shift
Holidays
Weekend availability
COVID-19 considerations:
All visitors ages 2 and older are required to wear a mask in all indoor spaces at the Zoo.

Smithsonian employees must be vaccinated against COVID-19 effective November 22, 2021.

Work Location: One location