The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized botanical garden dedicated to growing healthier trees and communities in this living laboratory and outdoor museum. We are seeking 3 temporary gatehouse attendants to join our team to greet members, visitors, families, scientists, educators, and researchers from around the world. Gatehouse attendants are the first point of contact as one enters the arboretum. The successful candidate will be able to give the best in customer service, provide directions and information, gather and record attendance data, and collect admission fees with an open, welcoming, and collaborative presence. Spoken Spanish language ability is a plus. You will be part of a very special front-facing team that believes together, we thrive.
Position Summary: As the primary point of arrival for visitors and guests at the Gatehouse, provide information, collect and record attendance data, and collect admission fees while maintaining a welcoming presence.
Essential Functions:
Greet visitors in a friendly and welcoming manner. Collect and accurately record attendance data. Distribute appropriate Arboretum literature, answer questions, and provide information to visitors. Direct guests quickly and efficiently through the Arboretum’s front entrance.
Conduct accurate retail transactions at the Gatehouse, such as collecting general admission fees. Direct visitors and guests to the appropriate location for events/programs and staff appointments.
Collect admissions, share information, and manage traffic amongst slow-moving vehicles in the entrance drive to facilitate timely visitor entry.
Articulate accurate and timely information on Arboretum programs, policies, mission, and goals. Remain knowledgeable about Arboretum programs, policies, and upcoming events.
Respond to emergency situations by sharing information with other Gatehouse Attendants as necessary. Coordinate with Security staff to properly direct emergency vehicles.
Learn and utilize required software systems, including ACME point-of-sale, ADP timecard, When 2 Work scheduling software, and Google-based email, chat, spaces and documents and spreadsheet applications.
Demonstrate alignment with the Arboretum’s employee core values.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
High school diploma or equivalent required.
1+ years in customer service required.
Basic math/bookkeeping skills are required in order to handle money and credit cards accurately and efficiently.
Must develop familiarity with Arboretum culture, people, mission, programs, goals, facilities, and grounds.
Must be comfortable in an outdoor work environment.
Must present professional image to the public by following the Arboretum/Visitor Services dress code.
Must be comfortable walking and standing amongst slow moving vehicles while communicating information, receiving and recording attendance for members and guests, and collecting admission fees.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, a point-of-sale system, and Google applications beneficial.
Spoken Spanish language ability is a plus.
Success Factors: Find satisfaction and be energized by working with the public in an outdoor environment. Self-motivated and able to perform duties with limited supervision. Customer service-oriented individual who is able to relate effectively with people of various ages and backgrounds. Ability to professionally and efficiently problem-solve in the moment. Maintain a friendly, assertive composure with guests and members, especially during times of high visitation, customer conflict, and emergencies.
Physical Demands and Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics 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 these essential functions.
Physical Demands: Requires physical activity such as walking and standing for long periods of time (up to 5 hours). Limited lifting (up to 30 lbs.). Some shifts may involve carrying a handheld scanner for extended periods of time (2-3 hours).
Work Environment: Gatehouse building at entrance to the Arboretum. Work is performed in a mainly outdoor setting and requires the ability to work in all weather conditions. Workload ranges from very slow periods to very busy periods of visitation. Some work is performed in a roadway and high vis safety vests are provided.
Equipment: General office equipment, point-of-sale system, handheld barcode scanner, two-way radio, keyed safe, circuit breakers for parking lot lighting system.
Schedule: Flexible part-time schedule required. Shifts may vary between 9:00 am and 8:00 pm and require weekend and holiday hours. Work schedules are based on Arboretum needs and may be adjusted due to weather or special events.
The hiring rate for this position is $20.00/hour. This position is also eligible for a competitive benefits package.
The Morton Arboretum is a champion for diversity, supporting a culture of inclusion that attracts, inspires, and engages people to achieve success. The Arboretum is committed to hire and develop employees based on job-related qualifications irrespective of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran status. The Morton Arboretum is dedicated to complying with our obligations as an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants are guaranteed equal consideration for employment.
