Retail Associate

About the Thomas Jefferson Foundation

The Thomas Jefferson Foundation has a twofold mission of preservation and education, and was incorporated in 1923 to preserve Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, in Charlottesville, Virginia. Today, the Foundation seeks to bring history forward into national and global dialogues by engaging audiences with Jefferson's world and ideas, and sharing the history of everyone, enslaved and free, who lived and labored at Monticello. Monticello is recognized as a National Historic Landmark, a United Nations World Heritage Site and a Site of Conscience.

Retail Associate (part-time)

Purpose

The purpose of this job is to provide an outstanding level of customer service and perform sales transactions.

Compensation

$15.00 per hour

Essential Functions

• Delivers superior customer service to guests.
• Understand and operate the shop’s computer and point of sale system.
• Re-stock merchandise and keep shop displays full and clean.
• Greet, be conversant and answer guest questions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of arithmetic.
• Skills, experience, and knowledge in cash handling.
• Understanding of marketing principles and informational signage techniques.
• Knowledge of Museum Shop Merchandise.
• Knowledge of Thomas Jefferson and Monticello.
• Knowledge of basic phone etiquette and customer service techniques.
• Basic computer skills such as opening programs in Windows.
• Ability to operate our POS system.
• Ability to follow instructions (oral and written).
• Ability to problem solve.
• Ability to maintain focus on projects in a highly disruptive environment.
• Exemplary customer service skills.

Physical Demands and Work Considerations

• This position has multiple locations including the Visitor Center Shop, the Farm Shop and mobile ice cream cart in warmer months. The shops can become noisy and the person in this position must be able to maintain focus and maintain accuracy in this environment.
• Monticello is located on a mountaintop and walking on steep and uneven ground is necessary.
• Monticello is open 363 days a year. Non-traditional shifts such as early mornings, late evenings, weekends, holidays, or split shifts may be required based on staffing and forecasted sales.
• Ability to work all signature major events including Fourth of July.
• Standing at the registers or being on the sales floor for long periods of time is required.
• The person working the ice cream cart needs to be comfortable standing and being outside for long periods of time in hot temperatures.
• Must adhere to all Foundation policies, including dress code requirements.

Education

• High School Education
• Two year retail, front line customer service preferred.

We provide the following benefits for our part-time employees

• Fitness club membership discount.
• Discount in the Monticello Cafe, gift shop, and Monticello online catalog.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) free for employees and dependents.
• $500 employee referral bonus.