Year-Round Employment Opportunities

Position Description:  Plans, develops and maintains ongoing marketing activities; Responsibilities include creating and implementing the marketing strategy to reach the goals and objectives of the Friends of the Zoo; assisting in the development of zoo-wide goals and objectives to support the Rosamond Gifford Zoo mission; coordinating the website and social media presence of Rosamond Gifford Zoo and Catering at the Zoo (CATZ); oversee and/or design and production of brochures, posters, event cards and other marketing vehicles, scheduling and placement of advertising, and negotiation of print and production services. Manage media relations and media events on behalf of the Friends and the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. Full-time, permanent position. Employment pending criminal and driver history records; Promotes the Zoo and its mission.

Essential Job Functions:

• Responsible for strategic content development, research and development of innovative public and social media practices, and providing general direction for public relations and social media components of organization-wide events and campaigns
• Maintains yearly Marketing and Communications calendar
• Supervises Marketing and Communications team and ensure key deadlines are met
• Works closely with Marketing team to ensure consistent messaging
• Proactively collaborates with various individuals and departments to make meaningful connections that aid in the direction and development of storytelling for the organization
• Oversees the development and design of brochures, annual reports, direct mail pieces, posters, large-scale displays, event and gift shop merchandise, and all marketing vehicles including social media
• Creates content to support fundraising and outreach efforts
• Coordinates and manages website presence of Rosamond Gifford Zoo and Catering at the Zoo (CATZ)
• Plans and oversees the editorial content and production of member newsletter, MyZoo Magazine
• Manages media relations, issue press releases, schedule media appearances for Friends and Zoo leadership
• Collaborates with third-party advertising agencies, outside organizations and attractions to create effective marketing partnerships
• Negotiates and contracts for advertising, printing and production services
• Coordinates and oversees photography and videography projects
• Oversees outside production companies filming video projects on zoo grounds
• Coordinates content and production of Zoo interpretive graphics
• Guest relations: responds in a timely manner to zoo inquiries received by the public via, phone, email or social media
• Liaison with Onondaga County Parks and Recreation and the County Executive’s office to coordinate communications and marketing initiatives
• Performs other duties as requested

Desired Training and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business and five years experience or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite of products, Adobe Creative Suite, website CMS, and social media platforms
• Must possess a valid NYS driver’s license and maintain automobile insurance
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills
• Familiarity with word processing, data management and design software
• Familiarity with video production

To Apply: Please submit cover letter and resume via email to [email protected]. No phone calls, please.

Position Description:  Responsible for managing all catering events including set-up, service, and tear down.

Position Classification:  Full-time, Exempt

Responsible to:  Director of Food and Beverage       

Supervises: Catering Service Staff

Duties:

• Ensure service delivery is in accordance with established Banquet Event Orders (BEO).
• Coordinates with Catering Sales team prior to event to ensure room set-up, event timeline and client expectations are being met.
• Always holds pre-function meetings to ensure that all employees have approved uniforms, pertinent event information and station assignments.
• Effectively supervises the activities of all Catering Servers and Bartenders in the function rooms during assigned shift, ensuring all functional job duties are performed according to established departmental policy/procedure.
• Continually trains new employees in all F&B standards & procedures and ensures that all employees continually apply training techniques.
• Continually monitors catering function(s) as assigned and informs Chef of any problems that need to be addressed.
• Continually works with all kitchen staff to ensure that food items are appropriately cooked and delivered in a timely manner.
• Effectively and professionally communicates prior, during, and post-event with all Zoo partners including County personnel.
• Always demonstrates commitment to organizational mission keeping conservation, environmental, and animal welfare perspectives a priority.
• Always demonstrates the ability to properly resolve guest complaints or refers the concern to the Chef or F&B Director.
• Always demonstrates outstanding guest service while accurately and effectively tendering event check.  Ensures that all event checks are settled at the end of each function and entered into the POS System and brought to Accounting at shift end.   
• Continually ensures that all rented linen is properly bagged and shipped back, all in house linen is placed in proper bins to be washed.
• Ensure all areas are cleaned, swept, and flipped at the conclusion of each event. Recyclables and trash are discarded properly, and alcohol product is secured.      
• Complete post-event reports and summaries.    

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be able to speak English.
• Must possess the ability to count money and make correct change.
• Must have excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Must have the ability to ring in orders and settle checks on Point of Sale system.
• Previous Food & Beverage server experience a plus.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Previous leadership experience preferred.

Additional Responsibilities:

• 35-40 hour week is the goal.
• Adheres to Zoo policies and protocols.
• Performs other duties as requested.

Desired Training / Experience:

• 3-5 years of related experience in event industry
• Knowledge of Department of Health and Department of Labor codes.
• Computer knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook preferred.

Skills / Knowledge Required:

• Generates creative ideas; Committed to quality of product and service.
• Self motivated; Works well with guests; Respects others; Team player; Empowers others.

• Must take PRIDE in the workspace and thrive in a team environment.
• Demonstrative flexibility, Organizational skills
• Ability to lift moderate to heavy items (50 lbs.) while standing and/or walking.
• Working hazards include hot surfaces, wet floors, hot grease and sharp objects 
• Shifts may include days, nights, nights and / or weekends and holidays.

To Apply: Please submit cover letter and resume via email to [email protected]. No phone calls, please.

Position Description: Assists in management of the membership department, provides daily coverage at the Membership Desk. Promotes the zoo and its mission. Flexibility in schedule occasionally necessary to fit department needs.
Full-time, non-exempt position; Employment pending criminal and driver history records.

Reports to:   Membership Manager

Job Duties:

• Assists the Membership Manager in the daily operations of the membership desk
• Supports the Membership Manager in training, supervising and scheduling Membership Associate staff
• Provides callers and visitors with accurate and up-to-date information while ensuring all customer issues are resolved satisfactorily in accordance with membership policies
• Processes membership from mail, on-site and web-site; this includes all acknowledgment letters and fulfillments
• Prepares cash and credit card deposits from mail and daily desk sales
• Understands and maintains the membership database and point of sale system
• Maintains membership supplies, including fulfillment items
• Prepares funding requests for billing reconciliation
• Assists ticket gate employees with member admission to zoo
• Oversees and maintains stroller rentals used by zoo visitors
• Able to lift 40 pounds
• Performs other duties as requested

Additional Responsibilities:

• Attends departmental meetings / trainings, as requested
• Assists with planning and implementing member events to maintain strong member relations
• Provides support at special events as needed.  Will include occasional evenings and weekends as needed for department coverage.
• Adheres to zoo policies and procedures.

Desired Training and Experience:

• Comfortable with computer data entry and management, preferably with Blackbaud Altru
• Experienced and dependable with assigned financial responsibilities
• Exceptional customer service, written and verbal communication skills

Schedule is Sunday through Thursday (Weekend days are Fridays and Saturdays)

To Apply: Please submit cover letter and resume via email to [email protected]. No phone calls, please.

Position Description: The Friends of the Zoo is seeking a dedicated and skilled Horticulturist to join our team and contribute to the overall beauty, health, and aesthetic appeal of our zoo grounds. As a Horticulturist, you will play a vital role in creating and maintaining stunning landscapes that enhance the visitor experience while providing a conducive environment for the animals in our care. This position offers an exciting opportunity to combine your passion for horticulture with your commitment to wildlife conservation and education.

Essential Job Functions:

• Design, plan, and execute landscape projects that align with the zoo's aesthetic and functional requirements, while considering the needs of the animals and visitors
• Cultivate, propagate, and care for a diverse range of plants, including ornamental flowers, trees, shrubs, and other vegetation suitable for the zoo's climate and ecosystem
• Collaborate with the animal care team to ensure that plantings and habitats support the natural behaviors, enrichment, and health of the animals
• Maintain and monitor irrigation systems, soil health, and pest control programs to promote plant vitality and prevent disease
• Implement sustainable and eco-friendly practices, such as composting, mulching, and water conservation, to minimize environmental impact
• Conduct regular assessments of plant health and growth, identifying and addressing any issues promptly to maintain the overall appearance of the zoo's landscapes
• Coordinate seasonal displays, themed gardens, and special events, utilizing your creative flair to engage and educate guests about horticulture and conservation
• Train and supervise a team of interns and volunteers, providing guidance, support, and knowledge-sharing to enhance the team's performance
• Stay informed about horticultural trends, advancements, and best practices, and apply this knowledge to continuously improve the zoo's landscape designs and maintenance routines
• Assist in the development of educational programs and interpretive signage that highlight the botanical elements of the zoo and their significance to biodiversity

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, or a related field.
• Proven experience in horticultural practices, landscape design, and maintenance, preferably in a public garden, zoo, or similar setting.
• Strong knowledge of plant identification, growth requirements, and sustainable gardening practices.
• Familiarity with irrigation systems, pest management, and soil science.
• Creative thinking and an eye for aesthetics, with the ability to design and execute visually appealing landscapes.
• Excellent communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, guests, and volunteers.
• Strong organizational and leadership abilities, including experience in team management and project coordination.
• Passion for wildlife conservation, environmental stewardship, and public education.
• Physical stamina and flexibility to perform manual labor, including lifting, digging, planting, and working outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Proficiency in basic computer software and data management for record-keeping and project planning.

To Apply: Please submit cover letter and resume via email to [email protected]. No phone calls, please.