Apply online: https://recruiting.myapps.paychex.com/appone/MainInfoReq.asp?RID=6044932
Portland Japanese Garden – a 501(c)(3) non-profit in Portland, Oregon – is hiring for a Seasonal Visitor Relations Associate. The Visitor Relations Associates are responsible for providing cross-functional support across all front-of-house areas with a focus on ensuring an outstanding experience for visitors during every stage of their visit to Portland Japanese Garden. The Visitor Relations Associates report to the Director of Visitor Relations and are managed by the Visitor Relations management team. This position works from the primary Garden campus located at 611 SW Kingston Ave.
This seasonal position extends at least through September 30th, 2024.
COVID-19 VACCINATION POLICY: For the safety of our staff, volunteers, and guests, Portland Japanese Garden requires all staff and volunteers to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, including at least one booster shot. Candidates must be fully vaccinated by their hire date and must provide proof of vaccination upon hire.
PRIMARY DUTIES
Customer Service and Ticketing – Level 1
Work as needed across several front-of-house locations daily, including the Tanabe Welcome Center, Garden Grounds, and the Pavilion Gallery ensuring continuity, and providing proactive, positive customer service to Members, guests, and staff
Responsible for serving as an “information concierge” by being knowledgeable and ready to communicate information to guests, including about the Garden (all offerings, events, exhibitions, etiquette, and memberships) and the local area (transit schedules, wayfinding, and providing local suggestions)
Responsible for being a proactive and friendly presence while checking in guests and members, conducting Garden rounds, or staffing front-of-house locations, including greeting guests, answering questions, and enforcing Garden etiquette
Process POS transactions at the Tanabe Welcome Center, including general admission and event tickets, donations, and gift cards
Participate in maintaining a world-class appearance of Garden grounds and front-of-house locations, including conducting regular housekeeping tasks indoors and outdoors, and restocking supplies, brochures, etc
Responsible for driving shuttle bus, transporting visitors on Garden grounds
Working closely with Visitor Relations managers to provide as-needed public-facing support to other Garden staff, departments, and volunteers
Follow standard cash handling and credit card transaction procedures and policies
Attend regular department meetings and other Garden meetings as required
Acquire and maintain a high operating knowledge about the Garden and Garden events
Other duties as assigned
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES
Familiarize oneself with the organization and the Employee Handbook
Get to know fellow staff members, developing trust, establishing credibility, encouraging teamwork, and creating an atmosphere of open, honest, two-way communication
Serve as a role model for Garden volunteers, providing support and encouragement to volunteers in their roles across the Garden
Maintain a high level of professionalism in manner and appearance
Adhere to Garden Dress Code and wear Garden uniform; all black, slacks, crew neck t-shirt, and close toed shoes. A Garden provided Happi coat is worn over shirt
QUALIFICATIONS
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the position, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for this role.
At least 1 year of customer service experience preferred
Excellent customer service/hospitality experience
At least 1 year of experience with point-of-sale programs and/or CRM software (Tessitura, Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce, etc) preferred
Current driver’s license; must be able to supply a satisfactory DMV report once hired
Proficiency on a computer required, with familiarity on programs such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel preferred
Strong written and verbal communication skills
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Flexible work schedule and able to accommodate changing Garden needs, including working weekends, evenings, and occasional overtime
Must be comfortable lifting up to 35 lbs
Must be able to work in all types of weather conditions
Must be able to remain in a stationary position and/or move about the Garden for several hours
COMPENSATION & SCHEDULE
Wage: $18.54/hour
This is a seasonal, full-time, hourly position with 32-36 hours per week. Regular workdays may vary depending on occasional Garden events, but will include weekends. Shifts are typically around 8 hours (plus ½ hour lunch), between 7:30am and 8:00pm.
Benefits:
- a household membership to the Garden
- reciprocal access to other area attractions, such as Portland Art Museum, OMSI, and Oregon Zoo
- a 30% discount on most items in the gift shop
- incentives for using alternative transportation to commute to work
- free access to the Employee Assistance Program
- paid sick time
- eligible for the company 401k plan upon completion of 500 hours in the first 6 months of employment (4% employer match after 1 year of service)
TRANSPORTATION
The Garden is located at 611 SW Kingston Avenue, in Washington Park. Below are the transportation options for staff commuting to the Garden:
Parking: Staff may park in the numbered spaces throughout Washington Park, which require payment. The cost is $8/day, or staff may request parking permits from Washington Park. The Garden subsidizes a portion of the cost for parking permits; the cost for staff is $75 during the high season (March - September) and $50 during the low season (October - February).
Bus Passes: For staff who take public transit as their primary means of commuting to the Garden, we provide paid bus passes. Full-time staff receive a monthly TriMet pass, and part-time staff receive daily passes, based on their work schedule.
Transportation Stipend: Staff who take any form of alternative transit to get to work qualify for a $5 daily stipend. This includes taking public transit, walking, biking, carpooling, or getting dropped off. The only staff who do not qualify for the stipend are those who are receiving a bus pass through the Garden.
APPLICATIONS
To apply, please submit a resume, and three work-related references through our online Careers Center (link provided below.) Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please no phone calls or hand delivered applications. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
APPLY NOW: https://recruiting.myapps.paychex.com/appone/MainInfoReq.asp?RID=6044932
