Visitor Services Representative

Job Description

Job Description

About Mass Audubon  

Mass Audubon is the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England. Founded in 1896 by two women who fought for the protection of birds, Mass Audubon carries on their legacy by focusing on the greatest challenges facing the environment today: the loss of biodiversity, inequitable access to nature, and climate change. With the help of our 160,000 members and supporters, we protect wildlife, conserve and restore resilient land, advocate for impactful environmental policies, offer nationally recognized education programs for adults and children, and provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors at our wildlife sanctuaries. Explore, find inspiration, and take action at massaudubon.org. 

About This 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.

Application Instructions
Please submit a resume and cover letter. Only applications with these materials will be reviewed.  

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.

Qualifications
At Mass Audubon, our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or you have a less traditional background. We are looking for applicants with the following qualifications:

Must Haves

• 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

Compensation, Benefits and Perks
This position’s pay range is $19.00-$21.00 per hour; actual rate of pay will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements. This is a year-round position and earns vacation time as well as receives paid holidays.

Work Schedule
Part-time hours are 8:30am-4:00pm on Saturdays; Monday holidays, special events, and intermittent coverage on weekdays as needed.

Other Requirements
Employees must successfully complete a CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.

Mass Audubon’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice

Mass Audubon embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are dedicated to forming a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Mass Audubon’s mission is to “protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and for wildlife” by building a strong coalition of employees, volunteers, and community members. We recognize that the environmental movement and field of conservation have been affected by societal systems that have limited opportunity and access for many people. As a result, Mass Audubon is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We are engaged in an ongoing process of organizational assessment and change, designed to remove barriers and create a workplace where all forms of diversity are recognized and valued.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Mass Audubon is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Mass Audubon prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.