Fall/Winter Show Guest Services Associate

Conservatory; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is seeking a Seasonal Guest Services Associate to greet guests, assist with admissions and gift shop purchases, and support café operations. You will work with Gift Shop and Admissions teams to ensure a positive guest experience.

Open interviews are scheduled on multiple dates. The role requires flexibility for weekends and evenings, and prior retail experience is beneficial. Start and end dates span early September through early January.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency required.
• Minimum of 1-2 years' relevant experience in the field of retail preferred.
• Must be RAMP certified and ServSafe Food Handler certified within the first 2 weeks of employment.

Responsibilities

• Greet the public from inside the Conservatory, distribute information, answer questions and direct guests where necessary.
• Assist patrons with gift-buying needs.
• Assist patrons in the café and inform them about shows and events.
• Collaborate with Conservatory staff to share news and happenings.
• Answer phones with directions and information about events.
• Handle visitor questions and resolve problems as they arise.
• Maintain cleanliness of admissions and gift shop areas; report restroom needs.
• Sell memberships and process memberships paperwork.
• Process admissions and sales using cash register and computer.
• Perform other duties as required.

Skills

Guest service

Written communication

Verbal communication

Computer skills

Plant knowledge

Fast-paced environment

Mission-driven

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

RAMP certification

ServSafe Food Handler

Job description

TITLE: Guest Services Associate (Seasonal)

DEPARTMENT: Guest Services

REPORTS TO: Gift Shop Manager or Admissions Manager

GENERAL SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Gift Shop Manager or the Admissions Manager, the Seasonal Guest Services Associate will be responsible for greeting customers and assisting with their admission and purchasing needs, while providing an excellent level of guest service in the gift shop and admissions area. This position will have a tentative start as early as September 7, 2026 and an end date of January 3, 2027.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We strive to create a working environment that is inclusive, equitable and welcoming as we honor employee experiences, perspectives, and unique identities.

OPEN INTERVIEWS

We will be hosting open interviews on the following dates:

• Tuesday, August 18th
• Monday, August 24th
• Thursday, September 3rd
• Thursday, September 10th
• Tuesday, September 15th

Open interviews will take place in the Outdoor Garden at Phipps Conservatory. No appointment is necessary — feel free to stop by anytime between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on any of the dates above.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Greet the public from inside the Conservatory, distribute information, answer questions and direct guests where necessary. Present the Conservatory in a positive, friendly and courteous tone to all guests.
2. Work proactively in assisting patrons with their gift-buying needs.
3. Work proactively in assisting patrons in the café.
4. Work with other Conservatory personnel to continually update the public on Conservatory happenings.
5. Answer phones, providing directions and information concerning shows, events, etc.
6. Handle all visitor complaints, accidents and problems.
7. Maintain cleanliness of admissions and gift shop areas. Check on restrooms and notify facilities when these are in need of attention.
8. Sell memberships upon request and prepare paperwork for the Membership department.
9. Track questions asked by patrons and keep information available for future reference.
10. Perform computer data entry.
11. Operate the cash register and computer to process admissions and sales.
12. Perform other activities and duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

1. Must have exceptional guest service skills.
2. Must have excellent written and verbal communications skills.
3. Computer proficiency required.
4. Knowledge of plants preferred.
5. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
6. Ability to communicate enthusiastic support of Phipps' mission.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND SENSORY DIMENSIONS

1. Physical mobility: sitting, standing, walking for extended periods of time. Lifting/carrying objects up to 30 pounds; manual dexterity to operate keyboard.
2. Mental effort: reading, writing, analyzing, and visualizing.
3. Sensory requirement: Ability to communicate and respond both in person and over the phone to the general public, staff and volunteers in a friendly manner.

WORKING CONDITION

1. Must be available to work weekends and evenings.
   
2. Will have occasion to work in or pass through any area of the Conservatory or growing houses.

MINIMUM POSITION GUIDELINES (Education, Experience and Certification)

1. High school diploma or equivalency required.
2. Minimum of 1-2 years' relevant experience in the field of retail preferred.
3. Must be RAMP certified and ServSafe Food Handler certified within the first 2 weeks of employment.

Revisions, additions or deletions to this job description may be made at any point.