Sales Associate

Architect of the Capitol•Washington, DC

16d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sales Associate works in the Retail division of the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center (CVC), which welcomes visitors for Capitol tours, educational programs, and congressional events. The role supports the CVC’s mission to inform, involve, and inspire visitors by providing customer service and retail assistance in the gift shops. This is a temporary appointment that will not exceed 13 months; its duration may vary with the work or project and it may end early due to lack of work, funding, or performance concerns.

Requirements

At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-04 grade level, obtained in the public or private sector, or an eligible combination of education and experience.
Specialized experience providing customer assistance in a retail or hospitality environment.
Specialized experience knowing store merchandise well enough to assist customers.
Specialized experience maintaining a cash drawer in a retail or hospitality environment.
Meet OPM qualification requirements and all eligibility and qualification requirements by the announcement closing date.
Pass a drug test and background check.
Meet one of the stated U.S. employment eligibility categories for paid employment with the Architect of the Capitol.

Responsibilities

Greet and assist visitors, escort them to displays, provide product information, and suggest purchases.
Provide professional, courteous, and helpful customer service to a wide and diverse public, adjusting priorities to meet visitor needs.
Use selling skills to inform, involve, and inspire visitors to make purchases.
Respond to visitor questions, complaints, and concerns with positive resolutions or appropriate guidance.
Maintain detailed knowledge of the CVC, the Capitol, the surrounding Washington, D.C. area, and gift shop merchandise, including how merchandise relates to the CVC mission, artifacts, and exhibits.
Maintain quality control through shop receiving, stocking, and recovery activities.
Identify and communicate product requests and needs to Gift Shops management.
Perform retail operations including cash handling, restocking, and visual presentation or recovery in the shops.
Comply with standard operating procedures and keep funds secured.
Maintain appropriate cash and change levels in the individual drawer and coordinate cash levels with management as needed.
Work Saturdays and holidays as required by the business needs of the Capitol Visitor Center.