Visitor Experience Coordinator
Blue Hill Observatory and Science Center | Milton, MA
Position Type
Part-Time, Non-Exempt
Schedule
Weekends, 1–2 days per week | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Hours
6–16 hours per week
Compensation
$16/hour
Reports To
Visitor Operations Management Team
Apply To
[email protected] | Subject: Visitor Experience Coordinator Application
About Blue Hill Observatory and Science Center
Founded in 1885 and perched atop Great Blue Hill just south of Boston, Blue Hill Observatory and Science Center (BHO) is a National Historic Landmark and home to the longest continuous weather record in the Western Hemisphere — 141 years and counting. We welcome approximately 10,000 visitors each year and serve as a regional hub for climate science, weather education, and public engagement. Our mission is to advance understanding of Earth's weather, climate, and environmental systems through research, education, and outreach.
About the Role
The Visitor Experience Coordinator is the on-site staff person for BHO's weekend public operations. You are the face of the Observatory on the days you work — the person who sets the tone for every guest who comes through our doors. Working closely with the Visitor Operations Management Team, you ensure that weekend tours, the gift shop, and the overall visitor experience run smoothly, warmly, and professionally.
This is a hands-on, people-first role. You will be working in a one-of-a-kind historic and scientific setting, interacting with visitors of all ages and backgrounds — from curious kids to serious weather enthusiasts — and leading a small team of part-time staff and volunteers. If you enjoy being "the person who makes things run," this role is a strong fit.
Key Responsibilities
Visitor Experience
- Serve as the primary point of contact for visitors on weekend days, creating a welcoming and engaging experience from arrival to departure
- Assist with and occasionally lead guided tours of the Observatory, conveying BHO's history and scientific significance with accuracy and enthusiasm
- Address visitor questions, accessibility needs, and special requests with professionalism and care
- Operate the gift shop, including sales, cash handling, and maintaining merchandise presentation
On-Site Operations
- Open and close the facility according to established procedures
- Supervise weekend volunteers and part-time staff on-site, ensuring appropriate coverage for tours, exhibits, and the gift shop
- Provide orientation and day-of support to volunteers so they can deliver accurate, engaging visitor interactions
- Monitor cleanliness, safety, and security of all public areas throughout the day
- Assist with ticketing, visitor intake, and any special events that fall on weekend days
Communication and Reporting
- Report daily operational updates, visitor attendance, and any incidents to the Visitor Operations Management Team
- Flag maintenance, safety, or supply needs as they arise
- Maintain a positive, solutions-oriented presence when unexpected situations come up
Qualifications
We know not everyone's path looks the same. If you meet most of these qualifications and are excited about this role, we encourage you to apply.
Required
- Experience in customer service, retail, hospitality, tourism, or a related public-facing field
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills — comfortable with visitors of all ages and backgrounds
- Reliable, punctual, and comfortable taking ownership of a space and a team
- Able to stay organized and calm when managing multiple things at once
- Comfortable working in a historic, outdoor-adjacent setting; ability to stand, walk, and climb stairs for extended periods
Preferred
- Experience supervising or coordinating volunteers or part-time staff
- Interest in weather, climate science, natural history, or science education
- Familiarity with point-of-sale systems or ticketing platforms
Other Requirements
- Must successfully complete a CORI and SORI background check prior to start
How to Apply
Send a resume and a brief cover letter to [email protected] with the subject line "Visitor Experience Coordinator Application." We review applications on a rolling basis and encourage early submissions.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Climate change disproportionately impacts the world's most vulnerable populations — including women, Black, Indigenous, and people of color. STEM education and careers do not yet reflect the diversity of those communities. Blue Hill Observatory and Science Center is committed to changing that. We actively work to increase diverse representation across our board, staff, programming, and partnerships, and we strongly encourage candidates from historically underrepresented and underserved communities to apply.
Pay: $16.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
Work Location: In person
