Guest Services Worker - Winter Seasonal

This is a seasonal position: Winter Season will start October 27, 2026 and run through January 3, 2027. We are currently looking for applicants who can commit to working 20 hours and at least four days per week, with evening and weekend availability. Employees in seasonal positions may not work more than 1200 hours during the fiscal year.

Hello, we’re Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.

Are you a people-person with a positive attitude who enjoys providing outstanding customer service to guests from around the globe? Do you thrive in diverse environments, enjoy engaging with people, and take on a variety of responsibilities with enthusiasm? If so, the Oregon Zoo may be the perfect place for you. Come be a part of our team!

The Oregon Zoo is seeking enthusiastic individuals to join the Guest Services team during our ZooLights season. As a Guest Service Worker, you'll help create memorable experiences for thousands of guests by welcoming visitors, selling and scanning tickets, operating attractions such as the carousel and train, and supporting special events including brew festivals and more.

Success in this role requires balancing warmth and hospitality with professionalism and accountability. Team members must be comfortable communicating expectations, enforcing policies and safety requirements, and responding calmly and respectfully if guests become frustrated or upset.

We are looking for individuals who are outgoing, energetic, reliable, and committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for all guests. This position requires flexibility and evening availability during the ZooLights season.

As a Guest Services Worker you will:

• Serve at various stations across the zoo, including admissions, public and private events, special exhibits, and popular attractions such as the carousel and train.
• Communicate expectations, restrictions, operational updates, and logistical information clearly and confidently to individuals and groups while maintaining positive guest relationships.
• Communicate confidently and clearly, including making announcements and providing group instructions as needed.
• Operate ticket scanning devices, point-of-sale (POS) terminals, credit card terminals, and other related equipment with accuracy and efficiency, selling and validating zoo tickets and services in a timely and professional manner.
• Assist with end-of-day procedures, including shutting down equipment, cleaning work areas, and reporting any operational needs to the lead or manager.
• Maintain a high level of energy and enthusiasm to ensure all guests feel acknowledged, supported, and informed. Answer inquiries regarding ticketing, zoo exhibits, events, amenities, and zoo policies with professionalism, clarity, and confidence, even during challenging interactions.
• Provide outgoing customer service while interacting with guests and staff in a courteous, positive, and engaging manner.
• Maintain a welcoming and inclusive environment while consistently enforcing zoo policies and safety requirements, using sound judgment and escalating concerns when appropriate.
• Respond professionally to guest concerns and challenging situations using empathy, active listening, and de-escalation techniques.

Attributes for success:

• Exceptional Customer Service: Demonstrates a proactive approach to guest satisfaction by anticipating needs, maintaining a courteous and professional demeanor, and creating a welcoming environment for all visitors.
• Confident and Respectful Policy Enforcement: Able to set clear expectations, establish appropriate boundaries, and consistently enforce rules and procedures in a courteous, equitable, and respectful manner. Balances guest service with safety and operational requirements.
• Professional Composure and De-escalation: Demonstrates emotional resilience and professionalism when working with upset, frustrated, or confrontational guests. Uses empathy, active listening, and effective communication to de-escalate situations while maintaining organizational policies and safety standards.
• Quick Learner: Ability to learn and follow Guest Services procedures, policies, and operational protocols with efficiency and attention to detail.
• Dependability: Consistently reliable with a strong commitment to regular and punctual attendance.
• Point-of-Sale Proficiency: Proven ability to process transactions accurately, including operating point-of-sale (POS) systems, handling credit and debit transactions, and performing routine math calculations with precision.
• Team-Oriented Mindset: Builds and maintains positive working relationships, fosters a collaborative team atmosphere, and engages respectfully with colleagues and guests alike.
• Commitment to Inclusion: Values diverse perspectives and demonstrates an openness to learning from others; actively promotes an inclusive and respectful environment.
• Safety Awareness: Prioritizes safety by adhering to all organizational safety policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Adaptability, Resilience, and Sound Judgment: Demonstrates flexibility in a dynamic environment, adjusts to changing priorities, and exercises sound judgment when working independently or as part of a team.

Approximate Recruitment Timeline: 

• Applications close September 13, 2026.
• Interviews September 29 & 30, 2026.
• Reference checks completed after interviews.
• Offers are made on the week of October 12, 2026.
• Orientation October 27, 2026, and required training October 28, 2026.
• Position training commences October 29, 2026. The training period will consist of approximately two weeks of irregular scheduling during daytime operations, before settling into a regular schedule (mostly night shifts).

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION 

At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro’s goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.   

Learn more about how Metro is advancing diversity

TO QUALIFY

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant. 

Minimum qualifications

• High school diploma, GED or sufficient education to demonstrate the ability to read instructions and to perform routine math calculations with accuracy; and
• One year of experience providing customer service in a public setting; and
• One year of paid experience processing transactions in a customer service setting (e.g., point-of-sale or ticketing systems); or
• We will consider any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Shifts and schedule:

This is a seasonal position that will start October 27, 2026 and conclude on January 3, 2027. 

We are currently looking for applicants who can commit to working 20 hours (up to 40 during peak periods) and at least four days per week, with evening and weekend availability. As a member of the Guest Services staff, you'll need to be flexible with your availability, as shifts will primarily be during nights, weekends, and holidays as assigned. Your schedule will vary based on operational needs, weather conditions, and special events at the zoo, including school breaks, holidays, summer, and the ZooLights season. Schedules are typically published 10-14 days in advance.
 
Winter seasonal staff can expect a minimum of 20 hours of scheduled shifts per week with the following schedule outlined here:

• Daytime operations shifts are typically 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., through November.
• Evening shifts start at 4 p.m. and may go as late as 11:30 p.m. in December.
• Additional hours could be scheduled between December 18 – 31.

The initial training period is between Tuesday October 27 and Thursday November 12, 2026. These shifts will be scheduled during daytime operations typically 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Candidates must be available to attend orientation and required training on October 27 & 28, 2026, as well as be available to work the evening ZooLights kickoff brew event BrewLights on November 13 and 14 2026.

From November 15 to 26 there will be a two-week period of reduced schedule of approximately 10-15 hours based on operational needs.

Background Check: The candidate selected for the position will need to pass a criminal background check prior to being hired. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude employment and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. 

If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply

If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.

Like to have qualifications

You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider them when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.

• Preference will be given to applicants with the greatest availability and customer service experience. 
• Applicants who have evening and weekend availability.
• Proficiency in an additional language.

SCREENING AND EVALUATION

The application packet: The application packet consists of the following required documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.

• A complete online application
• Complete answers to the supplemental questions

The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.

• Initial review of minimum qualifications
• In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
• Consideration of top candidates/interviews
• Reference check 
• Background check for finalist candidate

REPRESENTATION AND BENEFITS

This seasonal position is eligible for overtime and is represented by the union LiUNA Local 483. It is classified as Guest Services Worker.

Seasonal employees are not eligible for Metro benefits but may qualify for additional incentives—please refer to the union agreement for eligibility details.

Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific responsibilities of the positions. These positions are classified as seasonal. Seasonal employees cannot work more than 1,200 hours per fiscal year.

Questions?

Recruiter: Sarah Winters

Email: sarah.winters@oregonmetro.gov

Equal employment opportunity

All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.

Non-discrimination?in hiring decisions

Metro is committed to equal employment?opportunity?and?complies with?all applicable federal, state, and local civil rights laws. Metro employment decisions – including recruitment, screening, interviewing, selection, promotion, compensation, and separation – must not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected class.?? 

Accommodation

Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.

Veterans' preference

Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Pay equity at Metro

No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do. Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.

Online applications

Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance. 

How to Apply

For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro’s “How to apply” page. 

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Metro 

Led by an elected council, this unique government gives all residents of greater Portland a voice in shaping the future and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale. We find solutions for our area’s garbage and recycling that protect clean air and water; help plan land use and development to provide jobs and safe transportation; manage local venues that provide a connection to arts and culture and help keep the economy growing; protect 17,000 acres of parks and natural areas, and run the Oregon Zoo, to keep nature close to home. 

As part of the Metro family, <<venue or Oregon Zoo>> helps make greater Portland a great place to call home. Metro brings people together to shape the future of our area and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale.

The Oregon Zoo and Metro
 The Oregon Zoo inspires visitors to learn about protecting endangered species and restoring native habitats and is the state's most popular paid attraction. The zoo’s roughly 320 employees welcome more than 1.5 million visitors each year.