Position Title: Photo Associate (Part-time, Permanent)
Department: Sales and Marketing - Ticketing
Classification: Part-time, non-exempt
I. Position Summary:
The Photo Associate creates lasting photo memories for Mississippi Aquarium guests while providing excellent customer service. This position requires high energy, goal-oriented, and sales-driven individuals who have experience working with a high volume of customers. This is an entry level position that provides digital photography, staging, lighting, and capturing memorable experiences. Selected candidates will be expected to work alongside the Ticketing Team and other departments at the Mississippi Aquarium.
II. Responsibilities
Photo Capture
1. Setup and operate digital photography equipment.
2. Adjust lighting levels and exposures in all types of weather.
3. Stage and pose guests at capture locations.
4. Ensure photo operations run smoothly and effectively.
5. Create campus engagement opportunities for guests.
6. Capture candid employee and ambassador animals.
7. Work with guests of all ages and diverse backgrounds.
Sales
1. Deliver effective sales and upsell photo packages
2. Operate and maintain a Photo Point of Sale (POS) system that includes photo editing, printing, sorting, and packaging.
3. Present and describe retail displays on photo kiosks to customers.
4. Increase knowledge of financial projections, spending per person, sales tracking, and reporting for commissions.
Guest Experience
1. Greet and welcome guests to the aquarium with a friendly and welcoming demeanor.
2. Answer guest questions regarding a wide variety of aquarium topics and assist in wayfinding around the aquarium.
3. Direct guests to photo locations.
4. Ensure excellent customer service that exceeds MSAQ’s standards of excellence.
5. Handle guest and staff disputes with professionalism and empathy.
6. Monitor and control guest flow into small spaces around the aquarium.
7. Work in a collaborative team environment, cross-train and support all other Guest Experience areas.
8. Attend all relevant meetings and training.
9. Assist in daily operations, including opening and closing.
10. Work weekends, evenings, and holidays when necessary.
III. Requirements
1. Minimum of 1-year customer service experience.
2. Minimum high school diploma or GED.
3. Must have excellent customer service skills.
4. Working knowledge of digital photography.
5. Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions, as well as remain in one area for large blocks of time.
6. Ability to work independently and part of a team.
7. Strong public speaking skills and a desire to work with the public.
IV. Other Personal Attributes
Consistently looking forward, focused, and ready to listen.
A heart for service, always willing to provide support to fellow team members.
Ability to communicate needs and issues effectively.
Highly organized self-starter that is able to maintain high standards.
Innovative, creative thinker; not afraid to propose something new and inspire others to do the same.
Proactive in finding solutions, productive, and efficient.
Team Requirements
1. Safety & Security - All Team Members are required to adhere to all Mississippi Aquarium safety and security standards.
2. Attendance & Appearance - To maximize the guest’s experience, all Team Members are required to adhere to Mississippi Aquarium standard operating procedures regarding attendance and dress code policies as it relates to individual job functionality.
3. Sales & Guest Services - Our forward-thinking business model requires listening and understanding the needs of our guests both internal and external. To that end, we must
always be focused on the guest experience, which is the key driver for return guest visitation and increased sales.
4. Team Partnership - All Team Members are focused on supporting each other to complete the guest experience. Therefore, supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities that promote team effectiveness is vital to our organization.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.