Seasonal Welcome Center Associate

Description

JOB SUMMARY

Boyce Thompson Arboretum seeks an experienced and energetic sales assistant to provide admission, retail, and membership sales and customer service support. They should have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with a wide range of visitors. The ideal candidate must be self-motivated, professional, and have excellent verbal communication skills.  

This is a Seasonal position and will help support our daily guest experience from October - April.  

Turn Your Passion for the Outdoors into a Career

ABOUT US

Do you come alive on the trail? Love hiking, birdwatching, camping, or simply spending your days surrounded by nature? If the idea of wearing hiking boots to work, spotting wildlife during your lunch break, and being part of a collaborative, mission-driven team excites you, then Boyce Thompson Arboretum may be the perfect place for you.

Founded in 1924 by mining pioneer William Boyce Thompson, Boyce Thompson Arboretum is Arizona's oldest and largest botanical garden. Situated on 374 breathtaking acres at the base of Picket Post Mountain and bordering the Tonto National Forest in Superior, Arizona, the Arboretum offers a truly unique work environment unlike any other.

Our living collection showcases extraordinary plants from the world's deserts and arid regions alongside the native beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Every day brings opportunities to experience nature firsthand, with miles of scenic trails, spectacular mountain views, and abundant wildlife throughout the grounds. It's not unusual to encounter javelina, bobcats, roadrunners, hummingbirds, and a variety of native and migratory birds while working and exploring the Arboretum.

As an independent nonprofit organization, we're united by a shared passion for conservation, education, horticulture, and creating meaningful experiences for our visitors. We value teamwork, stewardship, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.

Located just 30 minutes from Mesa and one hour from downtown Phoenix, Boyce Thompson Arboretum offers the opportunity to build a rewarding career while enjoying the beauty, adventure, and tranquility of the Arizona outdoors.

Requirements

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate point-of-sale to sell admission tickets, merchandise, and memberships
• Provide excellent customer service support for visitors and special event attendees
• Answering phone calls
• Provide radio support to staff and visitors
• Ensure gift shop and Welcome Center cleanliness and orderliness
• Counts and balances cash drawers, safes, and receipts according to cash handling training
• Stocks shelves and counters with merchandise in orderly appearance
• Waters potted plants in the retail nursery
• Performs regular cleaning duties, which include sweeping, dusting, mopping, and vacuuming. 
• Assist Janitorial staff on high volume visitor days with bathroom maintenance and trash pickup as needed.
• Perform assigned tasks to the specifications of the Supervisor
• Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of basic arithmetic, computers, point of sale, spreadsheets, office equipment etc.
• Ability to effectively communicate with Supervisors and other Staff or Volunteers

REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or GED
• Experience in retail sales, office administration, stocking or equivalent
• Must be able to work at least one weekend day.  
• Must be available to work from October - April.  
• Ability to pass background and credit check
• Certifications/Licenses: Valid AZ driver’s license 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical abilities and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to occasionally perform work outside in extreme weather conditions.  Summer temperatures may exceed 110 degrees F. 
• Ability to communicate with fellow staff, applicants, stakeholders, visitors, and donors. Communication will include one-to-one, small, and large group communication. Communications need to be in English. Communication means both written and oral communication.
• Ability to work in a standing position for up to 6 hours at a time.
• This position will also require the ability to stand, bend, crouch, walk, lift, and carry.  
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds with assistance.  
• Must have the ability to walk short distances and move throughout the arboretum office and grounds, occasionally traverse uneven terrain and hiking conditions, and perform repetitive movement of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Fully functional vision is required to perform essential duties of the position?(prescription lenses are acceptable).