Visitor Services Representative

Mass Audubon•Newburyport, MA

4d•$19 - $21•Onsite

About The Position

Joppa Flats Education Center is situated along the Merrimack River, providing nature and conservation education to children and adults of all ages. The sanctuary is a frequent stop for visitors on their way to the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, including birdwatchers and photographers. The Visitor Services Representative performs the day-to-day duties of visitor engagement operations and ensures an overall positive, welcoming, enriching, and safe experience for all of our members, visitors, and guests. The role includes assisting with the oversight of the Nature Gift Shop, including making sales and monitoring merchandise and supplies. This position has an important and integral role as a welcoming, customer-oriented ambassador of Mass Audubon properties, programs, and mission.

Requirements

Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills
Flexibility and reliability; availability for additional weekday coverage (advance notice provided), occasional-to-monthly weekday staff meetings, and other occasional meetings such as IT training and Safety training either in-person or virtually via Teams (paid time)
Office skills including utilizing a computer, printer/copier, Teams-based phone system, iPad- based POS for Gift Shop sales, Microsoft Word and Excel
Organized and efficient, self-motivation during slower times
A demonstrated ability to work well with staff, volunteers, and independently when necessary, including basic cleaning and organizing as needed to maintain presentation to the public
CPR/First Aid Certification or willingness to become certified
Ability to relate to a diverse range of people and exercise cultural competence and inclusion; knowledge of local nature and basic birdwatching skills

Nice To Haves

Birdwatching and/or coastal nature knowledge/experience
Knowledge of the local area along the Merrimack River in Newburyport
Comfort in talking with families and children
Computer and online savvy

Responsibilities

Greet and provide information to members, visitors, and guests regarding visitor center, sanctuary, programs, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, the local area and Mass Audubon in general
Continue to learn about the program content provided by Joppa Flats Education Center, as well as the local wildlife, remaining up-to-date on information provided to visitors
Answer occasional phone calls and provide information, guidance and direction
Assist with drop-in program sign-in
Update visitor signage, brochures and bulletin board information as assigned by office manager
Assist with document updating using Microsoft Word or Excel as assigned by office manager
Understand and promote membership opportunities
Use an iPad point-of-sale for gift shop sales; maintain gift shop display areas throughout the day; periodically assist with merchandise stocking
Be prepared to serve as primary communication point-of-contact in case of emergency per standing policies and procedures
Handle opening and closing procedures including end-of-day iPad register closing/sales receipts
Assist with Visitor Services volunteer training and work cooperatively with volunteers
Attend staff meetings and trainings when requested
Assist in keeping the lobby and activity areas tidy and monitor backyard
Assisting with drop-in program sign-in and Gift Shop during special events, such as Open Houses, Family Drop-in programs, Annual Eagle Festival and other public programming.