Gift Shop Assistant, McDonald Observatory Visitors Center

The University of Texas at Austin • Austin, TX

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This position supports the education and public outreach mission of McDonald Observatory by assisting visitors in making purchases, bringing home memories, and by making a positive first impression at the Frank N. Bash Visitor Center in person, via phone, or by email. The Visitors Center is open five days per week, Tuesday through Saturday, and requires a variable work schedule to meet operational needs.

Requirements

• High school graduation or GED
• At least six months of relevant cashier experience in a large-scale operation.
• Experience with front desk functions, including direct interaction with people.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to problem-solve and to take initiative to seek answers when needed.
• Knowledge of the principles and processes for providing excellent customer service.
• Computer skills including word processing, email, and internet.
• Competencies for the position include accuracy and attention to detail, effective communication, initiative, interpersonal skills, listening, problem-solving, and service excellence.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Nice To Haves

• Two or more years of experience in visitor services or a retail role at a state park, museum, or similar public venue.
• Two years of relevant cashier experience in a large-scale operation.
• Proficiency in Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Works in the McDonald Observatory gift shop and helps inspire visitors about astronomy.
• Provides customer service and information to visitors.
• Operates the cash register and keeps an accurate till.
• Keeps the gift shop stocked, clean, and organized, with displays full and neat.
• Assists with receiving, verifying shipment accuracy, labeling, and storing merchandise.
• Inspects and records merchandise shipments and reports any damage or shortages.
• Maintains storerooms, including folding shirts and tracking merchandise levels.
• Helps maintain the inventory list in each storeroom.
• Assists with merchandise window displays, including setup, rotation, and breakdown.
• Assists with phone and online orders.
• Pulls items, rings up phone orders, packages merchandise for shipping, and maintains documentation.
• Assists with other Visitors Center shipping needs as required.
• Participates in a cross-functional team and collaborates with staff to complete tasks and projects.
• Assists with opening and closing procedures for the Visitors Center.
• Assists with special projects and events.
• Follows and enforces safety and security procedures.
• Performs related duties as required to meet business needs.

Benefits

• Competitive health benefits (Employee premiums covered at 100%; family premiums at 50%)
• Vision, dental, life, and disability insurance options
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Teachers Retirement System of Texas (a defined benefit retirement plan)
• Additional voluntary retirement programs: tax-sheltered annuity 403(b) and a deferred compensation program 457(b)
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED