Gift Shop Associate: Part-Time (Non-Exempt)

Rate: $12.00 starting hourly rate to $16.00 max hourly rate

Pay Grade: PT | Starting salary based on prior experience and education.

Location: Farmpark, Kirtland, OH 44094

Position Summary:

Lake Metroparks is seeking a part-time Gift Shop Associate to provide courteous, efficient, and knowledgeable service to visitors at Farmpark retail locations. Under the supervision of the Admissions Manager, this position supports gift shop operations in a working farm environment by assisting with sales transactions, merchandise presentation, inventory support, visitor questions, and special events. This position requires flexibility to work 16–28 hours per week, including weekdays, weekends, some evenings, and holidays, with a minimum commitment of two days per week.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Education and/or Experience:

·         Must be at least 18 years of age.

·         High school diploma or equivalent required.

·         At least six months of cash handling experience preferred.

·         Must possess a valid driver’s license and be insurable under the Agency’s policy.

·         Pre-employment background check required.

·         Must be able to work an irregular schedule, including weekdays, weekends, evenings, and holidays, and work in varying weather conditions as needed.

·         Must be able to work independently and as a team member.

Required Training: All Park District employees must complete and maintain all mandatory training, which may include safety, fraud, ethics, sexual harassment prevention, and additional job-specific training.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·         Greet visitors in a professional and welcoming manner and assist with merchandise selection, product information, and general park or farm-related questions.

·         Process sales transactions accurately using the point-of-sale system and follow established cash handling, receipt, refund, and reconciliation procedures.

·         Assist with receiving, pricing, stocking, organizing, and displaying merchandise to maintain an attractive, safe, and visitor-ready retail environment.

·         Support inventory control activities, including periodic counts, restocking needs, merchandise rotation, and communication of low-stock or damaged items to the supervisor.

·         Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and safety of the gift shop, sales counter, storage areas, displays, and customer-facing spaces.

·         Assist with merchandise promotions, seasonal displays, special events, and visitor services as assigned.

·         Provide courteous support to volunteers, coworkers, vendors, and visitors while maintaining a positive and professional representation of Lake Metroparks.

·         Prepare cash reports, deposits, and related documentation as requested and in accordance with established procedures.

·         Observe and follow safety procedures while working in a farm environment near live animals, equipment, uneven surfaces, and visitor traffic.

·         Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

☒ This position has no supervisory duties.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and duties listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Computer Expertise Required / Equipment Operated:

·         Proficient in the use of computers, web-based programs, email, point-of-sale systems, and Microsoft Office products.

·         Ability to operate standard retail equipment, including cash registers, receipt printers, barcode scanners, credit card terminals, telephones, and basic office equipment.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This position requires the employee to demonstrate the following observable knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors needed to successfully perform the essential functions.

Knowledge:

·         Knowledge of basic retail sales practices, customer service standards, cash handling procedures, and merchandise presentation.

·         Knowledge of basic safety practices applicable to retail work in a public park and working farm environment.

Skills:

·         Skill in providing courteous, accurate, and responsive customer service to visitors of all ages.

·         Skill in basic mathematics, cash handling, transaction processing, and recordkeeping.

·         Skill in organizing merchandise, maintaining displays, and supporting inventory accuracy.

·         Skill in verbal communication and in responding to visitors’ questions with professionalism and tact.

·         Skill in using computers, point-of-sale systems, and basic office software to complete assigned tasks.

Abilities:

·         Ability to process sales accurately, provide correct change, and follow established cash handling procedures.

·         Ability to interact with visitors, coworkers, volunteers, vendors, and supervisors with courtesy, professionalism, and sound judgment.

·         Ability to work independently and cooperatively as part of a team in a busy visitor-focused environment.

·         Ability to manage multiple tasks, respond to changing priorities, and remain composed during periods of high visitor activity.

·         Ability to safely lift, carry, stock, and move merchandise and supplies within established physical demand guidelines.

·         Ability to safely use ladders, step stools, and basic retail equipment as needed.

·         Ability to follow safety procedures while working in a farm setting near live animals, farm equipment, uneven walking surfaces, and the general public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, talk, hear, use hands and fingers, reach, handle merchandise, operate a point-of-sale system, and interact with visitors. The employee is frequently required to stand or walk for extended periods and occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, climb a step stool or ladder, push, pull, lift, or carry merchandise and supplies. The employee must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, with assistance when appropriate. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color perception, and the ability to adjust focus for transaction processing, product identification, and visitor assistance.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The employee primarily works in a public retail setting located within a working farm atmosphere. The work environment includes regular interaction with visitors, families, children, volunteers, coworkers, and vendors. The employee may work indoors and outdoors and may be exposed to changing weather conditions, moderate noise, uneven walking surfaces, dust, odors, animal-related allergens, live animals, farm equipment, and routine activity associated with a farm and visitor facility. The position requires adherence to established safety procedures and the use of a district-provided uniform.

Potential Hazards:

Potential hazards include slips, trips, and falls; lifting, carrying, or moving merchandise and supplies; minor cuts or scrapes from packaging or retail materials; exposure to cleaning products; and risks associated with working in a farm environment near live animals, animal waste, dust, odors, insects, uneven surfaces, visitor traffic, and farm equipment. The employee is expected to remain alert to surroundings, follow all safety procedures, maintain safe retail and storage areas, and report unsafe conditions promptly.

General Expectations:

The employee must demonstrate commitment and sensitivity to the needs of the Park District and its constituents and uphold the mission of Lake Metroparks.

BENEFITS

Lake Metroparks offers a comprehensive benefits package for part-time employees, including:

§  OPERS membership (Ohio Public Employees Retirement System)

§  Northeastern Ohio Inter-Museum Council membership

§  Agency discounts

To Apply:

Apply online at https://www.lakemetroparks.com/about-us/job-opportunities/