Lick Observatory Gift Shop Coordinator

University of California-Santa Cruz • Mount Hamilton, CA

298d • $24 - $27 • Remote

About The Position

Lick Observatory's Gift Shop and Visitor Center welcome all visitors to our historic observatory. As the Gift Shop Coordinator, this position will help us maintain daily operations of the gift shop and offer suggestions of how to improve the visitor experience of our guests. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a friendly group of people as we aim to grow our public presence in the coming years. Lick Observatory, located on Mount Hamilton, is the worksite for this position and is located 19 miles east of San Jose on Highway 130 at 4,200 feet elevation. Year-round residential housing with nominal rent may be available for the selected Gift Shop Coordinator candidate. Residents are responsible for personal utilities costs.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent experience.
• Related customer service experience, preferably in a retail environment.
• Experience with basic purchasing practices including determining need, selecting items, and procuring stock from vendors.
• Ability to organize and maintain records, supplies, and stock/inventory.
• Experience performing basic bookkeeping transactions and cash handling for a retail store.
• Ability to provide friendly, efficient service to the public.
• Experience training employees on proper work procedures.
• Strong verbal communication skills with the ability to relay information clearly and accurately to staff and the public.
• Experience overseeing employee scheduling and maintaining calendar of events.

Nice To Haves

• Experience coordinating the day-to-day management of a retail store.
• Knowledge of astronomy and telescopes.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates the operations of the Lick Observatory Gift Shop and snack and beverage vending machines.
• Researches new merchandising options and selects new items for sale in coordination with manager.
• Places order memos to ensure timely restocking.
• Maintains stock and inventory records.
• Maintains cash handling procedures including collecting cash from shop and vending machine sales, reconciling with report devices, and preparing bank deposits.
• Serves as liaison for campus and public contacts.
• Leads team of part time staff to ensure gift shop opens and that staff effectively serve the public.
• Conducts 15 minute tours of the visitor center and 36" refractor dome at Lick Observatory.
• Answers questions from the general public regarding the history of the observatory & provides general information to visitors.
• Sells various souvenirs in the Gift Shop and operates cash register.
• Schedules staff to ensure weekly coverage and reports hours worked by staff to manager for timekeeping.
• Communicates with gift shop staff on questions, instructions, and trainings.
• Trains new clerks on shop procedures and provides feedback to maintain consistent, friendly service and historically accurate tours.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Care Insurance Plans
• UC Retirement Plans
• Group Term Life Insurance
• Legal Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Paid Holidays plus accrued vacation and sick leave

What This Job Offers

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