Zoo Aquatics

DEPARTMENT: Zoo Attractions

LOCATION: Primarily stationed at the Hattiesburg Zoo & Serengeti Springs; but work requires travel to all Hattiesburg Convention Commission (HCC) attractions. These include the Lake Terrace Convention Center, Hattiesburg Visitors Center, Saenger Theater, African American Military History Museum, and the Eureka School Museum. Travel also may be required for conferences and seminars.

SHIFT: Full-time: will include a variety of weekdays, nights, weekends and holidays.

REPORTS TO: Director of Guest Services & Retail

SUMMARY: The Aquatics & Attractions Manager position is responsible for general management and operations of the Serengeti Springs AquaPlay Structure, Lazy River, High Ropes Adventure Course as well as electric and diesel passenger trains, and carousel. Duties include, but are not limited to, personnel management, attractions operations, attractions analysis, cash handling, inventory control, purchasing, sales growth, etc.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain working knowledge of all attractions including requirements for overall safety of the attractions including proper safety equipment application with guests, safe usage of attractions by guests, effective staff management of attractions.
• Ensure that all guests are welcomed to each attraction and understand the appropriate attire for participation in attraction activities. This includes all rules and safety requirements along with effective sharing and use of the attractions.
• Facilitate the visitors' use of the attractions by explaining the various slides, water toys or ropes course elements, supervising the participation, and providing encouragement as needed.
• Know proper maintenance and use of the course, use all provided materials and equipment as trained and be present for all scheduled times.
• Oversee the hiring, training, scheduling and supervision for all attractions.
• Ensure attractions operations are conducted in accordance with WhiteWater, SGE, and Ropes Course, Inc. training material.
• Practice continuous training and testing of staff to assure highly developed attraction knowledge and practical skills
• Effectively maintain Serengeti Springs and Ropes Course, Inc. log book for tracking trainings and hours of facilitation
• Ensure daily repair and maintenance of gear, equipment and facilities.
• Perform daily safety inspections of all attractions and related equipment.
• Effectively lead, motivate and inspire diverse departmental staff.
• Ensure proper staffing levels, adhering to department budget.
• Respond to guest issues and ensure situations are resolved in a timely fashion
• Other duties assigned by the Director of Guest Services & Retail

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education and Work Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Tourism or Hospitality or equivalent desired.
• 3 – 5 years related experience in customer relations and/or service.
• Water Park, FEC, Zoo and/or Aquarium experience preferred but not required

Essential Job Qualifications

• Must have and maintain a valid Driver’s License and meet the eligibility requirements to drive while conducting company business.
• Work is performed outdoors and frequently off the ground and at varying heights.
• Must be able to maintain balance and possess agility, strength and endurance to observe and move through attractions repetitively.
• Able to accommodate moderate stress, outdoor environments and variable schedules.
• Requires ability to lift, bend, stoop, reach, carry, pull and push objects of various sizes and weights, often in excess of 10 pounds; independently or with the assistance of equipment and/or others. Must be able to see, hear and speak.
• Able to work in noisy outdoor environments with variable weather conditions (i.e. cold, heat, direct sunlight, rain, wind).
• Requires frequent walking, climbing and standing.
• Must be able to swim.
• Must be able to effectively work at heights in excess of 50 feet.
• Must be able to visually distinguish color, distance, depth, shading, forms and objects.
• Must be highly attentive and able to adjust visual focus and use peripheral vision.
• Must have an enthusiastic, positive, outgoing, enthusiastic, gregarious, motivated and fun-loving personality.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong oral communication skills, must be able to effectively teach staff and guests proper use of all attractions, gear and safety rules.
• Must have a strong personal safety consciousness balanced by a high regard for the safety of co-workers and guests.
• All applicants must be able to pass a general background check.
• Must be certified (or willing to become certified) as a SGE Lifeguard, First Aid, CPR, and AED operator.
• Must maintain necessary weight that does not exceed attractions limits.
• Ability to remain calm and in control during emergency situations.
• Must be able to maturely and compassionately lead staff members to success.