Wallis Annenberg PetSpace - Guest Experience Specialist (Part-Time) at Wallis Annenberg PetSpace

SUMMARY: 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 offers the following:

• Animal Adoptions – Dog, cat, and small mammal adoptions with animals from LA County- and City-affiliated shelters and rescues 
• 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 and community groups. 
• Wallis Annenberg PetSpace Leadership Institute – Research initiatives bringing together civic leaders and prominent experts to promote and foster a national dialogue on human-animal stewardship.

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 and Guest Experience and Events Coordinator, 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 whether they are intending to adopt or visiting to enjoy the space.
• 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.
• Be fully informed about the services offered by partner organizations who use our facilities such as the West Coast Grooming Academy and California Animal Rehabilitation.
• Assist the Adoptions team by by helping potential adopters navigate the adoption process and complete paperwork as needed..
• Manage guest expectations for adoption wait times and keep track of the order and status of potential adopters.
• Assist with set-up for booked programming and events by working with the Programs and Facilities teams
• Lead educational programming with other GE members to provide a unique, memorable, and positive experience for guests.
• Assist or lead activities for community events by facilitating check-in, wayfinding, answering guest questions about event rules and schedules, etc. 
• 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.
• Perform routine housekeeping tasks such as sweeping, dusting shelves, etc.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to work weekend and/or evening hours.
• Bilingual Spanish/English is a plus
• Strong customer service skills and ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. 
• Strong communication skills to ensure consistent messaging to guests of  Annenberg PetSpace policies
• Strong public speaking or performative ability to lead or assist with educational presentations and programming
• Experience working with or communicating with children of various ages
• 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 in 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.
• 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:

• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent; Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s degree in hospitality or education-related field preferred
• 1-2  years of hospitality/guest service/events/retail/animal services experience
• Day-to-day experience in caring for or interacting with domesticated pets preferred 

Benefits:

• Sick days
• Company paid holidays
• Gym membership
• We also offer a 403(b) retirement plan with 10% company contribution after 1 year of employment. 
• Free Pet adoption and retail store discounts

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.