Museum Play Specialist

Wonder Works Children’s Museum, Oak Park IL

Position: Play Specialist

Accountability: Wonder Works Leadership Team

Reports to: Visitor Experience Manager

Compensation: $14.50

Status: Part-time between 15-20 hours a week

Position Summary

The Play Specialists are the pillars of Wonder Works as they are the representatives of Wonder Works Children’s Museum (“Wonder Works” or “Museum”). They influence the energy and learning taking place throughout the Museum. They are responsible for greeting and working directly with guests of all ages, providing exceptional customer service, and keeping the museum clean and safe. Play specialists interact with the Museum Leadership Team, comprised of the Visitor Experience Manager, Program and Education Manager, and Finance and Operations Manager, as well as external service providers and organizational partners. This position requires a positive attitude, a social and outgoing personality, an approachable demeanor, a willingness to go above and beyond, a team player attitude, and the desire to make a difference in children’s lives through play.

Essential Job Functions

Customer Service:

• Engage and interact with museum guests, from our very youngest crawling guests to inquisitive toddlers, to eager elementary learners to caretakers of all ages
• Assist in indoor and outdoor program activities and Museum events, such as Storytime, toddler time, STEAM programs, and nature play
• Model behavior to encourage caregivers to engage in play
• Join in the fun - play, entertain and lead children in activities, show them how to use the exhibits, be creative in finding new and fun ways to interact with the guests
• Be hospitable and build relationships and trust with guests through open and interactive communication
• See and take opportunities to improve and enhance the guest experience
• Take initiative to solve and resolve situations on own

Cleanliness and Safety:

• Ensure all needed supplies are available at each exhibit and that each exhibit is ready for the next guest
• Ensure cleanliness of the exhibits in accordance with cleaning and organization protocols, including all Covid-19 cleaning and safety protocols, established by the Wonder Works Leadership Management Team
• Ensure cleanliness of all spaces used by guests and colleagues by following all safety and sanitation protocols
• Ensure visitor safety through monitoring guest activity to ensure proper use of exhibits, proper social distancing, supervision of children by their caretaker, and ensure guests adhere to museum rules
• Perform opening and closing tasks to ensure the museum is guest-ready
• Representatives of the Museum
• Contribute to the overall positive image and success of Wonder Works through assisting with marketing memberships, programs, and events
• Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor
• Contribute ideas for exhibits, events, and programs
• Work positively and collaboratively with all other Wonder Works employees and volunteers
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Positive, friendly, outgoing, and energized when interacting with people
• Ability to work cooperatively as part of a team
• Ability to clearly communicate verbally and in writing
• Ability to problem-solve with creative thinking skills
• Ability to organize tasks and time to ensure timely completion of all assignments
• Hardworking and willing to go above and beyond to get a job done
• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, visitors, and the general public.
• Working knowledge of PCs, and digital communication platforms.

Fulfill other related tasks and duties as assigned.

Experience and Education Considerations

Ideal candidates possess:

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• reference checks
• Must have open and flexible availability being able to work a variety of shifts, including evenings, weekends, and special events. The museum is currently open to the public from 10:00am-3:00pm. As the State of Illinois allows children’s museums to open for a greater capacity, Wonder Works hours may increase
• Previous customer service with strengths in guest satisfaction a plus
• Previous cashier experience a plus
• Previous experience working with children and families from birth to 8 years old a plus.
• Bilingual a plus, but not required.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

This position requires one to be able to stand and walk for long periods of time, shifts can be up to 6-8 hours long. This position requires bending, stooping, kneeling crawling pushing, pulling, reaching above the shoulders, grasping, and handling motions throughout the work period. One must be able to lift moderately heavy objects, possibly up to 50 pounds may occur and be able to reach in all directions. The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

This job description will be updated if duties and responsibilities change significantly. Job functions are subject to modification based on business necessity.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $14.50 per hour

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Customer Service: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person