Sales Associate

Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh•Pittsburgh, PA

About The Position

Carnegie Museum of Art creates experiences that connect people to art, ideas, and one another. Founded in 1895, Carnegie Museum of Art is arguably the first museum of contemporary art in the United States and the Pittsburgh region’s preeminent venue for presenting, collecting, preserving, and interpreting visual art. For 129 years, the museum has been committed to showcasing the art and artists of the current moment, while also building a vital archive of art from the past. Its collection of more than 110,000 objects encompasses a broad spectrum of visual arts with an emphasis on art, architecture, photography, and design from the 19th century to the present. From its ambitious execution of the Carnegie International—the museum’s signature recurring exhibition of global contemporary art established in 1896—to compelling special exhibitions, programs, and publications, to the daily work of the entire organization, the museum seeks to build on its legacy of thought leadership through rigorous research, adventurous and artist-centered programming and partnerships, and forward-thinking contributions to museum discourse and practice. Through its artistic program, Carnegie Museum of Art frequently explores the role of art and artists in confronting key social issues of our time, combining and juxtaposing local and global perspectives. With its unique history and resources, Carnegie Museum of Art strives to be a leader in defining the role of art museums for the 21st century. This Part-Time position is eligible for many of the Carnegie Museums' Benefits. This is a union position. The Sales Associate is responsible for performing a variety of tasks related to the receiving, checking, displaying and selling merchandise in The Carnegie Museum Stores.

Requirements

Prefer previous sales work experience
Must have excellent verbal communication and customer relation skills.
Computer experience recommended.
Physical stamina.
Mental and emotional stability necessary to deal effectively in a busy retail environment.
Varied schedule including holidays, weekends, and evenings.
Knowledge and appreciation of art, natural history and/or science preferred.
Ability to work in various locations and conditions.
Computer Point of Sale Terminals, calculator, charge card imprinter, telephone, dolly for transporting merchandise.
Job involves walking and standing for long periods of time, lifting up to 30 lbs. and climbing ladders, stooping, kneeling and working in tight enclosed spaces.
The following PA Act 153 clearances, or proof of application of clearances, are required beginning employment and as a condition of continued employment: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check Obtaining the required clearances is completed as part of the new hire process.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge and appreciation of art, natural history and/or science preferred.

Responsibilities

Receives, or assists in obtaining from cases and shelves, merchandise selected by customers; verifies appropriate customer discounts to be given, if any enters item control numbers into computer point of sale terminal assuring figures entered are correct, verifies and receives payment and makes change.
Wraps or bags merchandise for customers.
Assists customers in making selections; and recommends alternative merchandise if original selection is not available.
Communicates to customer origin of item, materials it is made of, how it works, and other pertinent information which may be helpful in completing the sale.
One is involved with extensive face-to-face and telephone contact with potential customers.
At all times the sales associate must provide to the customer an appearance of interest and concern in providing good customer service.
Familiarizes self with merchandise in ship which is displayed, as well as back stock in order to serve customer needs.
Learns about the items for sale in order to communicate intelligently to the customer.
Answers telephone and takes messages.
Answers customer’s questions about the Museums and gives directions.
Familiarizes self with all exhibits and special events in order to better serve customer needs.
Reviews previous day’s final sales receipts and checks merchandise on display to verify if additional items need to be restocked.
Stocks shelves, counters, display cases, bales, and postcard racks with merchandise.
Transports backup stock from shop storage areas.
Keeps stock and display area orderly and presentable by cleaning and dusting on a daily basis.
Maintains an attractive arrangement of merchandise for sale.
Unpacks deliveries of merchandise to be sold; verifies correct filling of orders; and assures that merchandise is in proper condition on an as needed basis.
Makes minor repairs on merchandise, prices merchandise and shrink wraps items as needed.
Assists in daily/weekly and year-end physical inventory.
Assists in pulling items from displays that need to be returned for credit.
Open and closes register, prepare cash report for deposit.
Displays courtesy and sensitivity in dealing with the public.
Projects the image and attitude of The Carnegie Museums.