STRASBURG RAIL ROAD COMPANY

Position Description

ROLE: Mascot/Handler

FLSA:  Non-exempt

FT of PT: Part-time

REPORTS TO: Director of Entertainment

DESCRIPTION: SRC mascots/handlers are hired to represent the Strasburg Rail Road brand, performing for and engaging with guests on our company property, at parades, community engagement events, and more. Individuals selected for this role must be outgoing, social individuals who will work to generate “railroad spirit” and help to create a positive atmosphere for all. Our mascots, Stras Bear, Stacy Bear, and other characters are popular with our guests and bring joy to railroad fans young and old. Mascots must be physically fit, able to adapt to a warm, closed space, and maintain a consistent 30-minute on, 30-minute off walk schedule each day. Customer service experience is a plus. This is a non-supervisory role.

SPECIFICS:

• Height between 5'6"-5'8"
• Shows up for work on-time, warmed-up, and ready for the day ahead.
• Delivers high caliber, energetic, and consistent performances for the enjoyment of our guests.
• Wears a costume representing the Strasburg Rail Road.
• Performs various activities for the railroad as requested by the Head of Entertainment.
• Entertains children and guests of all ages at our popular tourist attraction.
• Greets people, has photographs taken with them, generates an atmosphere in a crowd, and performs fun or funny activities.
• Commit to performing the mascot as their character traits dictate and based upon the direction provided.
• Be outgoing and work well with others, including children and fans of all ages.
• Makes exaggerated movements, dances, and interacts with audiences to entertain and make people smile.
• Ensures that the personality of the Strasburg Rail Road and the mascot are fully expressed visibly.
• Demonstrates an ability to stay focused on the job at hand.
• Demonstrating flexibility in this role is a must and team members should do so with a positive, can-do attitude, and a desire to give our railroad guests the best experience possible.
• Exercises responsibility and care with costumes, props and show garments, alerting management of any issues right away.
• Exercises good hygiene, wearing correct show and undergarments, using deodorant, and making sure washable costumes are always placed in the appropriate baskets for weekly cleaning or hung in the appropriate spot for dry cleaning.
• Exercises a customer service minded approach to each day, always putting our guests first.
• Complies with the schedule and requirements herein and set forth by the Head of Entertainment and the Strasburg Rail Road in its Employee Handbook.
• Receives and applies regular notes and feedback from the Head of Entertainment to individual performances. These notes should be applied at the next performance or walk.
• Demonstrates an ability to work as a member of a team, both in the entertainment department and across the company, maintaining a positive environment for all, and always acting with extreme professionalism in the workplace with managers, supervisors, and all other team members and always maintaining a positive attitude and in workspaces.
• Demonstrates a high level of professionalism as required by the Strasburg Rail Road.
• Notifies management in a timely manner of any time off requests, illnesses, etc. and waits to receive approval in writing. If approval is not granted, you will not be allowed off.
• Maintains an ability to work uninterrupted, on Saturdays and Sundays, as scheduled, with no time off being granted during our Day Out with Thomas events and holiday seasons.
• Depending on the needs of the department there will be times of performing mascot handler duties. This includes escorting the mascot, assisting in dressing the mascot, communicating with the mascot when guests want pictures, overall safety of the mascot.
• Understands that this is a non-supervisory role.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS:

• Maintains constructive and positive relationships with all contacts, internally and externally.
• Represents the Strasburg Rail Road Company and its employees with respect at all times, both on and off property.
• Demonstrates an ability to take direction.
• Shows confidence in front of an audience or large crowds.

      • Demonstrates an aptitude and ability to perform job functions consistently.

• Exhibits the ability to provide ideas, opinions, constructive criticism, and information in a professional manner, while understanding that all authority and final decisions related to the department rest with the Head of Entertainment.
• Receives critique, constructive criticism, direction, and if warranted, disciplinary action with a professional attitude.
• Shows a willingness and ability to positively adapt to the changing needs, priorities, and vision of the department and Head of Entertainment without hesitation.

• Exhibits a high level of professionalism toward others.

• Presents a clean and professional outward appearance in adherence to the requirements in the Strasburg Rail Road’s Employee Handbook, when not in an approved costume or show garment.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Part-time, varied shifts depending on operations and show or event schedules.
• Provided with private changing areas and a space for relaxation between rehearsals, work, or performances.
• Work weekends, holidays and evenings for scheduled shows and events.
• Work for extended periods of time.
• Work in all weather conditions.

INTENT AND FUNCTION OF JOB DESCRIPTION:

Job descriptions assist organizations in ensuring that the hiring process is fairly administered, and that qualified Team Members are selected.  They are also essential to an effective appraisal system and related promotion, transfer, layoff, and termination decisions.  Well-constructed job descriptions have been reviewed to ensure that only essential functions and basic duties have been included.  Peripheral tasks, only incidentally related to each position have been excluded.  Requirements, skills, and abilities included have been determined to be the minimal standards required to successfully perform the positions.  In no instance, however, should the duties, responsibilities, and requirements delineated be interpreted as all-inclusive.  Supervisors, as deemed appropriate, may assign additional functions and requirements.  In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is possible that requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate disabled individuals.  However, no accommodations will be made which may pose serious health or safety risks to the Team Member or others or which impose undue hardships on the organization.  Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts.  The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer.  Team Members can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.  EEOC employer.