Guest Experience Specialist Part-Time Temporary bei Wallis Annenberg PetSpace

Description

The mission of Annenberg PetSpace is to promote and strengthen the human-animal bond—as well as to foster the understanding and enjoyment of companion animals—in a fun, engaging and interactive setting. The campus, located in Playa Vista, includes a vibrant, welcoming community center and will offer the following:

• Animal Adoptions – Pet adoptions in residence-like adoption suites. 
• Learning Programs and Events – Classes, lectures and activities held in indoor and outdoor training areas for people and their pets, which is open to the community as well as educational institutions. Special needs outreach programs are planned for schools, veterans, seniors and the like.
• Wallis Annenberg PetSpace Leadership Institute – The leadership institute will bring together civic leaders and prominent        experts to promote and foster a national dialogue on human-animal stewardship.

Position Summary:

The Guest Experience Specialist is responsible for providing high-quality service to all guests who visit PetSpace. Responsibilities include: welcoming and directing visitors, assisting potential adopters, facilitating in-space programming, operating the gift shop, and providing support for onsite events. This role plays an essential part in sharing our mission with the community and offering a memorable experience. 

Schedule Requirements:

• Wednesday through Sunday, 10:30am - 5:30pm
• Up to 6 hours per day with a 30-minute break
• Scheduled 27.5 hours per week
• Additional hours may be available based on special events, programming, and operational needs
• Must be available to work the posted schedule from June through August 17, 2025. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: The list that follows is not intended to be comprehensive; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities of the position. Incumbents may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks. 

Reporting to the Guest Experience and Events Manager, the Guest Experience Specialist will be held accountable for the following:

• Offer a truly memorable and fulfilling guest experience for each patron of Annenberg PetSpace.
• Establish and implement a customer-centered culture that identifies, nurtures and reinforces guest service as a primary value.
• Maintain excellent customer service and work to create a positive public face for Annenberg PetSpace. 
• Be fully informed about daily Annenberg PetSpace events and services, and the building itself.
• Provide prompt and courteous service to all Annenberg PetSpace retail guests by determining their needs and sharing product knowledge to suggest the appropriate merchandise.
• Assist with the unloading, pricing and stickering of merchandise in order to ensure the store is well stocked and that supply counts are accurate.
• Dress and maintain product displays.
• Prepare hot beverages and handle prepackaged food items following all health and safety guidelines.
• Assist with the set up and programs logistics, including invitations, registration, timelines and schedules, signage, AV, materials, tables, chairs, training volunteers on proper event procedures, etc.
• Perform routine housekeeping tasks such as sweeping, dusting shelves, etc.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to work weekend and/or evening hours.
• Strong customer service skills and ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. 
• Knowledge of retail merchandising practices.
• Up-to-date knowledge of smartphone apps, phones, and tablets.
• Bending, kneeling, moving merchandise and standing for long periods of time. Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
• Experience retail point of sales applications and software, including contactless payment methods.
• Proven ability to build consensus and work effectively within a cross-departmental team.
• Possess poise, professionalism, diplomacy, teamwork and the ability to interact with people from all walks of life.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and proficiency with the use of cutting edge technology. 
• An individual who can contribute to the culture of respect for all individuals and animals.
• Commitment to, and passion for, the mission of Wallis Annenberg PetSpace.

Education and Experience:

• Associate’s Degree (Bachelor’s preferred) in hospitality, business management or a related field—or an equivalent blend of education and experience.
• 2 years of hospitality/guest  service/events/retail experience, preferably in a boutique or high-end pet supply store—or an equivalent blend of education and experience.  

Wallis Annenberg Legacy Foundation, PetSpace, is a company that respects the uniqueness of each employee and offers everyone the means to find their place and thrive. We promote initiatives aimed at supporting professional equality for everyone. We strive to go above and beyond purely symbolic measures by building a culture focused on meaningful strategies aimed at creating an inclusive workforce.  

Upon notice, the company engages with applicants and employees requesting reasonable accommodations. Please notify Human Resources to explore further.