Visitor Services Associate

Overview Visitor Services Associates are the faces of the North Museum of Nature and Science. The role of the Visitor Services Associate (VSA) is to be a welcoming, warm presence for anyone who walks through the doors, whether it be a sponsor or someone coming in to use the restroom, everyone one is greeted with the same amount of respect and kindness. The VSA is also responsible for checking visitors in, ringing up gift shop items, and answering questions or at least directing them to the appropriate person to answer their questions. The Visitor Services Associate works closely with the other Visitor Services staff, full time staff, and volunteers, reporting to the Head of Visitor Services, and, as needed, the Resident Astronomer.

Duties Front Desk:

Check in visitors and ring up gift shop merchandise. Sign up visitors for memberships Open and close up the museum at the beginning and end of each Visitor Services shift. Clean up activity areas and replenish materials as needed. Assist visitors, either in person or on the phone, with any questions or concerns. Answer the phone and transfer calls to appropriate staff members as needed. Count your drawer at the beginning and end of each shift. Make change if necessary Welcome groups as needed. Check in groups by inputting into Altru the amount of visitors in their group and take payment, if applicable. Keep an eye on group activity and making sure museum activities are well stocked, if shift is during a group tour Help keep self-led in-museum activity stations neat and well stocked as needed in collaboration with the Head of Visitor Services. Help facilitate, if available in-museum monthly programs, as needed in collaboration with the Head of Visitor Services, including Early Childhood Programs like Little Explorer & Me, Preschool Picassos and STEM Storytime (1x/month - virtual)

Special Events:

Work with the head of Visitor Services to plan activities for events like Halloween weekend, Fall Fest, Snakesgiving, Cool Science Week etc.

Planetarium:

Cover planetarium "canned" shows (non-live and pre recorded) on weekends and as needed. Answer very basic questions in regards to astronomy. Maintain a safe environment before, during, and after shows.

Duties as assigned:

Copy, cut, organize and/or fold materials for other staff if time allows Assist with our Nurture@North Program if an additional person is needed and/or emergent coverage is needed (i.e. restroom breaks and lunch breaks for the teacher(s) as needed) Experience/Qualifications 2 weekends or weekend days a month availability is required Prior retail or visitor services experience and Point of Sale systems is preferred but not required Experience with cash handling required. Ability to multi-task admissions and retail sales. Enthusiasm about the Museum, its programs, activities, and events Consistent, dependable, and punctual. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, and exceptional organizational skills. Positive attitude and flexibility with changing programs, initiatives, and hours. Enthusiasm for working in a team environment and learning new skills. Commitment to excellent customer service. Background in events management or coordinating large gatherings will be advantageous Conflict management skills to handle challenging situations calmly and effectively Working with children, including supervising activities is preferred Experience in food service or theater settings can contribute to success in this role Some proficiency with computers preferred Some astronomy knowledge a plus, but not required Ability to communicate in Spanish a plus. Criminal and Child Safety background checks will be required at the time of hire. Primarily a day-time position, but flexibility is required due to some events/programs on evenings, and holidays. Individuals hired for this position will be required to give consent to criminal and child welfare background checks. The North Museum of Nature and Science is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Pay:

From $12.00 per hour

Benefits:

Employee discount Flexible schedule

Work Location:

In person