Seasonal Visitor Experience Associate

Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens • Buffalo, NY

44d • Onsite

About The Position

The Seasonal Visitor Experience Associate plays a central role in creating a welcoming and engaging experience for all guests. You will provide outstanding customer service, support visitor and member engagement, and help ensure operational smoothness to deliver memorable and safe visits.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in retail, hospitality, guest services or a related field.
• Strong communication, organizational and customer service skills. Comfortable engaging with visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
• Proficiency in cash handling and point-of-sale systems (experience with Altru preferred).
• Willingness to work in varied environments including indoor/outdoor and greenhouse conditions.
• Flexible scheduling including holidays, weekends and evenings is required.
• Reliable, trustworthy, team-oriented, resourceful and able to multitask.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications.
• Must be able to stand/walk an extended period (up to 8 hours per shift), lift/carry up to 25 lbs, bend/reach, and tolerate varied environmental conditions (warm greenhouses, outdoor settings).
• Commitment to professionalism, punctuality, and respect for diverse identities, beliefs and viewpoints.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred experience in a museum, non-profit, tourism or hospitality environment.
• Experience with ticketing systems is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Serve as ambassador for our living museum: greet and interact with visitors, deliver a positive and welcoming experience from arrival to departure.
• Engage with visitors throughout the conservatory: answer questions about programs, events and exhibits.
• Handle visitor transactions accurately: greet guests, process tickets, and manage cash with attention to detail (using Altru software).
• Count daily cash drawers to ensure accuracy.
• Contribute to housekeeping of the Admission Area, Gift Shop, Playspace and overall grounds to maintain visitor & staff safety.
• Facilitate visitor engagement through learning stations, family & student programs, our “Feed the Fish” program, and other informal activities.
• Greet scheduled groups and process group payments.
• Maintain knowledge of the living plant collection and act as tour guide as needed.
• Assist with seasonal exhibits, including the Butterfly Experience.
• Promote and support the membership program: process transactions, maintain data, assist with membership mailings/promotions.
• Respond to inquiries via info box and voicemail professionally and in a timely manner.
• Represent the Botanical Gardens in a positive, professional manner.
• Engage customers in the retail area and promote merchandise sales.
• Assist with display setup and restocking.
• Process retail transactions accurately, handle cash and count drawers using Altru software.
• Refresh merchandise displays and assist with inventory/cash management.
• Work collaboratively with co-workers, volunteers, vendors and visitors to foster a positive environment.
• Communicate openly and adhere to the organization’s Mission, Vision, Core Values, Inclusion Code of Conduct and Strategic Plan.
• Participate in training and development opportunities.
• Flexible schedule required: evenings, weekends, holidays and peak visitor times.
• Assist with special events and exhibits as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• You’ll be part of a team dedicated to creating rich, plant-based experiences for Buffalo-area visitors.
• As a Seasonal Visitor Experience Associate, you will work in a dynamic, mission-driven environment where each day brings new interactions, meaningful impact and opportunities to grow.
• We are an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse and inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. We welcome all qualified applicants to apply.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED