Visitor Services Associate
The Visitor Services Associate (VSA) plays an important role as the first point of contact for much of the public’s interaction with the APBPC. The VSA is responsible for greeting visitors and orienting them to the amenities in the facility as well as information on preserve trails. They provide information about recreational opportunities and educational events to visitors, answer visitor questions and receive complaints. They are responsible for receiving and routing all main line phone calls, and general information emails, operating a small gift shop and operating DC exhibits. As a part of a team of caregivers they provide care for a small captive animal collection (current program includes 3 turtles). The position requires a focus on customer service, a willingness to work with the public, demonstrated initiative and flexibility, and outstanding organizational skills.
The Visitor Services Associate will work 26 hours/week. Their schedule will be Sunday 9:30am-4:30pm, Monday 8:30am-4:30pm, Tuesday 8:30am-4:30pm and 4.5 hrs. as needed throughout the week.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- In person, electronic and telephone reception. Route, answer or research incoming questions from customers, staff and tenants.
- Process education program reservations requests and assist in program check-in procedures.
- Gift Shop operation including opening and closing the register, filling out daily revenue report forms, adhering to established cash and merchandise handling procedures, pricing and labeling merchandise and organizing shop inventory for display.
- Provide animal care for captive animal collection (current program includes 3 turtles).
- Monitor, open and close the Discovery Center building and exhibits.
- Data entry and word processing.
- Receive deliveries.
- Monitor exhibits for maintenance needs and report any repair needs to Discovery Center Manager.
- Continually enhance your knowledge of the Pine Bush through the use of field guides, internet resources and other Pine Bush reference materials.
- Keep front desk area and Visitor Service cubical organized, DC exhibits clean and DC consumables maintained.
- Other duties as assigned.
Preferred Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent with at least one year of experience (see 2-3 below).
- Retail and customer service experience.
- Experience in visitor services and ability to provide quality customer service in a courteous and professional manner with demonstrated patience and flexibility.
- Excellent oral and written communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work with and communicate effectively with a wide range of people, including employees, the public, volunteers, and others. Ability to effectively convey the organizational mission and interpretive themes to diverse audiences. Experience with interpretive techniques is preferred.
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
- Ability to complete tasks within assigned timeframes, in the absence of direct supervision.
- Interest and/or background in natural sciences or environmental studies preferred.
- Some experience with live animal care preferred (current program includes 3 turtles).
- Excellent computer skills and experience with common software applications.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a motor vehicle.
APBPC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
APBPC does not discriminate in its employment opportunities or practices on the basis of an individual’s actual or perceived race, color, sex, national origin, ethnicity, hairstyle and hair texture, military or veteran status, mental or physical disability, marital status, sexual orientation, sexual and reproductive health decisions, gender identity, transgender status, genetic information/predisposition or carrier status, age, religion, creed, domestic violence victim status, and any other classification protected by federal, state or local law.
APBPC is an at-will employer.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of APBPC for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
APPLICATIONS:
Deadline to apply: By 4pm May 15, 2023
To apply, e-mail a cover letter, résumé, and three references to Blake Hastie-Etchison betchison@albanypinebush.org. No phone calls please.
Job Title: Visitor Services Associate
Department: Education
Supervisor: Blake Hastie-Etchison, Discovery Center Manager
Location: Albany, NY
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Classification of Position: Part-time, permanent
Compensation and Hours Per Week: $16/ hr, Sunday 9:30 am-4:30 pm, Monday 8:30 am-4:30 pm, Tuesday 8:30-4:30 and 4.5 hours of scheduled on an as needed basis per week. Total 26 hrs./week.
Date Prepared: April 28, 2023
Date Posted: 05-01-2023
Expire Date: 05-15-2023
Contact Name: Blake Hastie-Etchison (she/her)
Contact Email: betchison@albanypinebush.org
Additional Instructions:
Application deadline: May 15, 2023 before 4pm To apply email betchison@albanypinebush.org a cover letter, resume and list of 3 references with both email and phone numbers.
Documents: VSA PT Job Description 26hrs.pdf |