Visitor Services Assistant - Part time (Open until Filled)

City of Columbia•Columbia, TN

7d•Onsite

About The Position

JOB SUMMARY: Ensure key and high-profile operations run smoothly for all aspects of the visitor experience at the City of Columbia Welcome Center; interacting with general public patrons to provide information regarding events, exhibits, overnight lodging, attractions and other places of interest to visit. Duties may include; receiving inventory; setting up merchandise displays; responding to visitors’ questions or concerns in a manner that ensures a positive outcome for the visitor and the City; entering data into a personal computer (PC) to produce correspondence, forms, monthly statistical reports, and other materials for publication or distribution; and keeping front desk stocked; cleaning and maintaining work area; ensuring the safety of the general public; assisting with the setup, implementation, and cleanup of special events; and related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge of: Columbia area attractions, lodging, events, & restaurants
Social media
The latest digital marketing trends; customer service, quality, and teamwork concepts
English grammar usage, spelling, punctuation, and business vocabulary and modern office practices, procedures, and equipment
Personal computer software, including Microsoft Office;
The City of Columbia's government organization, website, and the community of Columbia;
Exceptional customer service practices; and
Policies, procedures, and services of City departments
Skills in: Operate standard office equipment including PCs, calculators, copiers, etc.
Problem-solving and decision-making
Friendly attitude and exceptional people skills
Excellent verbal and written communication with the ability to clearly and succinctly convey information
Ability to: Work a flexible schedule, including weekends and some evenings
Listen to visitors with the purpose of understanding their needs
Lift and carry loads up to 20 lbs
Work independently with frequent interruptions and changing or competing deadlines
including the ability to operate a PC and use word processing software
Education and/or experience in customer service-related field of work, public contact work experience including retail transactions and/or office clerical work.
Employee’s schedules will vary.
Requires stooping, standing, and kneeling. Sits or stands for long periods of time and circulates through center in order to monitor security of displays and safety of visitors.
Work is performed in retail environment; some assignments are performed in the field with exposure to variations in temperature and humidity; continuous contact with other staff and the public.

Responsibilities

Represent the City of Columbia, Visit Columbia, TN, and the community in a positive and professional manner
Welcome walk-in visitors and help with any inquiries, listening to their questions and needs
Answer and return phone calls as needed
Research and provide information when requested
Assist with visitor inquiry fulfillment, including Welcome Center mailings
Maintain records for visitor data and retail sales, post information to records
Compile simple statistics for daily records and monthly reports
Assist visitors with any purchases made within the Welcome Center, including performing Point of Sale transactions
Assist visitors with the Welcome Center info kiosk
Organize, update, restock supply of Visit Columbia, TN literature and merchandise including lifting & moving boxes
Maintain a clean and pleasant atmosphere in and around the Welcome Center
Keep the Welcome Center clean and sanitary by sweeping, dusting floors, windows and fixtures, also straightening merchandise/displays
Closing procedures for the Welcome Center, including setting alarm system
Learn about Columbia attractions, lodging, and restaurants
Build relationships with area attractions and request the most up-to-date information from area
Support the Tourism and Marketing Director in any capacity, when needed
Communicate with visitors, volunteers, activity participants, other City employees, vendors, management, and the general public in order to convey specific information relating to the City of Columbia
Safety and security procedures
Make flyers/signage, write lists, and activity reports
Performs physical inventories of informational materials and merchandise
May assist with set up and/or removal of folding tables, chairs, barricades, and/or traffic cones for activities, or events
Meet scheduling and attendance requirements