Retail Sales Associate

Retail Sales Associate- Part Time: Days Only (no evenings) on Saturday, Sunday and Monday or Thursday

Position Summary: The Air Zoo’s retail shop, The Fly Buy, is full of fun, science, math, art and creative books and gifts for all ages! This Retail Sales Associate provides accurate, efficient, and welcoming services to guests, while extending a positive guest experience to all. The Fly Buy provides income for the ongoing support of the Air Zoo and all its programs.

Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly); Part Time

Measurables: Positive guest experience as measured by surveys, written and verbal feedback, verbal interactions and other guest experience measurements; accurate retail store operations and successful teamwork.

Customer Experience

• Develop a comprehensive knowledge of the retail store operations and needs
• Effectively use product and museum knowledge in direct interactions with customers
• Initiate proactive conversation to better understand customer needs and make appropriate recommendations
• Out of this world customer service is a must; all interactions with customers must be positive, efficient, and enthusiastic
• Invest in the success of the Air Zoo by being fearlessly innovative and pitching new creative ideas and concepts
• Dedication to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as part of the Air Zoo’s commitment to a welcoming environment for all
• Other duties and special projects as assigned

Retail Sales

• Complete training of Retail Pro Software (RPS) and maintain proficiency in both the software as well as any associated products.
• Accurately ring up visitors’ purchases.
• Place special orders for customers, phone orders and interdepartmental transfers and forward the appropriate information to the retail manager.
• Balance daily cash receipts and complete appropriate cash out procedures.
• Accurately look up prices and inventory levels of merchandise
• Run the popcorn cart when needed, including making popcorn, stocking appropriate snacks and beverages, cleaning the cart, and maintaining an accurate cash register.

Data & Inventory Integrity

• Efficiently use RPS to process transfers, damages, receipts, and price tags.
• Understand and adhere to inventory integrity standards and consistently follow all processes to maintain accuracy.
• Participate in the inventory process, merchandise storage and controls.
• Assist retail manager in labeling merchandise. Report damages and discrepancies to the retail manager for accounting, reimbursement, and record-keeping purposes.

Sales Floor Appearance & Stock

• Demonstrate an understanding that the merchandise assortment is tied to merchandise display and maintain those displays constantly keeping them neat and orderly.
• Maintain an orderly and themed store to promote a stress-free and comfortable shopping experience for the customer.
• Maintain appropriate on floor stock levels.
• Be able to keep busy through out shift by working on appropriate tasks and asking manager or other team members when more tasks are needed.

Team Support

• Can-do, will-do attitude for every team member and guest of the Air Zoo.
• Ensure that Air Zoo operations procedures and policies are followed.
• Serve as back up team member for incoming phone calls and inquiries.
• Keep up to date regarding Air Zoo events and programs, ticket pricing, membership categories and pricing, general offerings, development opportunities, education programming, organizational policies and procedures and be able to communicate this information to guest, volunteers, and employees

Equipment Used in this Position:
1. General office equipment and network-based computer system, including Microsoft Office
2. Cash register and Retail Pro software
3. Cleaning equipment
4. Multiline Phone/Intercom system

Education, Experience and Ability Requirements:

High school diploma or GED is required

Minimum one year of customer service experience required

Minimum one year of retail/cashier experience highly preferred

Attention to detail and dedication to guest service

Ability to lift and carry 20 pounds

Outstanding communication skills, both verbal and written

Passion for learning about the Air Zoo and guest experience excellence

Effective communication skills verbally and in writing with staff, volunteers, and the public

Ability to manage stressful situations and interact with the public in a positive manner in a fast-paced, changing environment

Learning and understanding of customer service philosophy and procedures of the Air Zoo o Ability to undertake multiple concurrent tasks and work in an environment where interruptions are common

Professional work habits and punctuality are very important in this position

Must maintain confidentiality

Must be flexible, with the ability to work independently and as a team member

Well-groomed appearance and compliance with the Air Zoo’s dress and personal appearance policies

Ability to sit, stand, walk, or climb stairs for an extended period of time o Will require ability to pull, push, carry, grasp, reach, stoop, crawl, and crouch

General cleaning abilities

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

SCHEDULE: Part Time- Days: Saturdays 9am-5pm and/or Sundays 12-5pm and Mondays or Thursdays 10am-4pm or 11am-5pm. Weekend availability is required for this position. 15-20 hours per week. This position is in-person/on-site at the Air Zoo in Portage, Michigan.

HEALTH REQUIREMENT: The Air Zoo follows CDC and Kalamazoo Health Department’s guidelines for COVID testing, isolation, mask wearing, and may require masks to be worn by employees in certain settings to improve safety. Pre-employment drug screening and state & federal background checks are required for all Air Zoo employees.

COMPENSATION: $12.00- $12.25 per hour, commensurate with education and experience

BENEFITS: Employee retail discount for the Fly Buy, free Employee Assistance Program, complimentary family Air Zoo membership, elective Pet Insurance available, free/ample parking

COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION: Air Zoo is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, Air Zoo will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, applicants are encouraged to contact Human Resources at talent at airzoo.org or 269.350.2816

TO APPLY: email your Resume to careers at airzoo.org

If you have questions or need assistance applying to this position, please email us at careers at airzoo.org

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $12.00 - $12.25 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Shift:

• Day shift

Weekly day range:

• Every weekend
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person