VISITOR SERVICES ASSOCIATE at Blandford Nature Center

Part Time VISITOR SERVICES ASSOCIATE

FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt, Part-Time

Reports To:  Visitor Services Manager

Position Summary: 

The Visitor Services Team is looking for an Associate who is passionate about sharing what Blandford Nature Center has to offer for the community. The engaging and friendly Associate serves as the first point of contact, through phone and in-person contact, to share all that Blandford has to offer to visitors, program participants, donors, and volunteers. Consistently maintaining a welcoming, professional, and helpful environment, the Associate orients visitors to the trails and grounds, answers any questions regarding Blandford Nature Center, collects admission fees and helps to sell memberships. In addition to hospitality, the Associate provides operational support to various departments as directed by the Visitor Services Manager. This position works 18 to 20 hours a week, and the work schedule is Saturday 8:45 am - 5:15 pm with flexibility for shifts within the week. We are happy to work with the candidate to consider adaptive start and end times on Monday- Friday that fall during operating hours. Saturdays are required.

Are you someone who…

• Embraces a spirit of hospitality

• Enjoys interacting with and assisting people regularly

• Comfortable changing quickly between tasks frequently to accommodate flow of visitors

• Loves to be a part of a positive work environment and relationships with colleagues, staff, and volunteers

• Values and participates in open and direct communication with colleagues

• Takes pride in being detail-oriented, meticulous, and organized

• Loves to be proactive, take initiative and be willing to take calculated risks

Day-to-day tasks:

Visitor Services

• Open and close facilities in a timely and responsible manner

• Greet visitors and telephone inquiries in a friendly and courteous manner

• Process admission and membership payment using appropriate databases

• Orient visitors to the trails, grounds, buildings, and program opportunities offered

• Process gift shop sales and ensure accurate recording

• Assists as needed with the gift shop

• Maintain lobby and bathroom tidiness; restocking items as needed

• Tracks and records daily attendance numbers and demographics

• Maintains organizational confidentiality and honors privacy for those who request it

Program and Event Support

• Assists with program registrations, confirmation calls, invoice processing, and marketing efforts as needed

• Assists with special events and rentals as needed

Qualifications:

Studies have shown that women, non-binary folks, and Black, Indigenous and People of Color are much less likely to apply for a position unless they feel they meet every qualification as described. We are committed to finding the best overall candidate and welcome candidates who may come from less traditional backgrounds. Please think about the breadth of your life experience when considering the following list:

Core Competencies:

• Organizational: Teamwork, Cultural Responsiveness, Relentless Pursuit of Excellence, Effective Communication, Courage, Organizational Awareness

• Position Specific: Visitor Interactions, Problem Solving & Decision Making, Time & Resource Management, Information Management

The Successful Candidate will possess:

• Customer service experience including cash handling

• The ability to learn and accurately apply a point of sale system 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• The ability to learn and apply computer programs, software and applications

• Attention to detail 

• Available and reliable to work Saturdays and flexible weekly hours

• Positive role model in attitude and behavior 

• Energetic and flexible; ability to work independently

• Ability to work effectively and efficiently with all BNC staff and volunteers

• Projects a professional image internally and externally

• Experience working with communities from diverse backgrounds and cultures, bi-lingual is a bonus!

Compensation: 

This is a paid, non-exempt, part-time position working between 18-20 hours per week. Pay for this position starts at $15.00 per hour. This position qualifies for paid holidays, paid time off, Blandford Nature Center membership, and participation in a SIMPLE IRA Plan with an up to 3% employer match. We are happy to work with the right candidate to consider alternative start and end times that fall during operating hours. Saturdays are required.       

To Apply: 

Please visit blandfordnaturecenter.org/employment-opportunities/ and click on the Job Board button to complete your application. When applying for this position, please note:

• Submit resume and cover letter with your applications

• Include three (3) professional (not person) references with your application

Posting will be open until the position is filled; interviews will begin as qualified applications arrive. 

Blandford Nature Center’s Mission: 

To engage and empower our community through enriching experiences in nature.

Blandford Nature Center’s Vision:

A thriving, diverse community that supports a healthy, natural world.

Blandford Nature Center’s Values: 

• Inclusion: Intentionally welcoming and embracing everyone

• Stewardship: Responsibly using and caring for all our resources

• Integrity: Demonstrating honesty, authenticity, and transparency within our organization and community

• Experiential: Providing direct opportunities to en joy, explore, and learn in nature

• Partnership: Connecting and collaborating to effectively serve our community

• Innovation: Using creativity and curiosity to continuously improve

The policy of the Blandford Nature Center is to ensure that diversity, inclusiveness, and respect are integral parts of our day-to-day management and work. Blandford staff, board and volunteers commit to ensure equal access to Blandford and all of its educational opportunities by all people. 

In essence, diversity includes all the characteristics, experiences, and cultural influences that make each of us unique individuals. All individuals are welcome at Blandford Nature Center, and all individuals, regardless of race, color, age, national origin, sex (including transgender status, gender identity, and pregnancy), religion, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, status as a parent, will be treated with respect and dignity. By fostering an atmosphere of inclusion and respect, we can continue to value and appreciate the strengths afforded by differences in the styles, ideas, and organizational contributions of each person. We all share the responsibility to ensure diversity and inclusion throughout Blandford, and seek to recruit, engage, and retain a team and leadership composed of volunteers and staff that equitably and fairly represent our constituency.