Kitt Peak Visitor Center Customer Service Representative

Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 19,320 - 27,517; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Retirement plan contributions

Attractive work environment

Job summary

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) invites applications for a Part-Time Gift Shop Customer Service Representative at the Kitt Peak Visitor Center in Arizona. You will welcome visitors, handle tickets, sales, and inventory, delivering outstanding customer experiences in a retail environment.

The role requires weekend and holiday availability, prior POS experience, and a passion for science outreach.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum two years of experience in a retail, customer service, hospitality, tourism, or nonprofit setting.
• Experience operating a computerized POS system and handling cash accurately.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow cash-handling procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in customer interactions.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency with computers including email, internet applications, scheduling systems, and retail software.
• Ability to work most weekends and some holidays.

Responsibilities

• Greet visitors in person, by phone, and through other channels.
• Provide accurate information about observatory programs, tours, and services.
• Deliver outstanding customer service with a professional demeanor.
• Handle inquiries tactfully and maintain visitor experience.
• Open/close the Visitor Center and Gift Shop as assigned.
• Operate the POS system to process sales, returns, and inventory adjustments.

Skills

Customer service

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Confidentiality

Organization

Independent work

Computer skills

Weekend availability

Education

High school diploma

Tools

POS system

Retail software

Ticketing systems

Job description

The Kitt Peak Visitor Center (KPVC) is a premier destination for astronomy enthusiasts and visitors from around the world. KPVC includes the museum, retail gift shop, four public telescopes, and the NOIRLab Windows on the Universe Center for Astronomy Outreach, featuring a Science on a Sphere exhibit, heliostats, and an immersive visualization theater.

As part of NOIRLab’s Communications, Education & Engagement (CEE) division, KPVC welcomes guests from all 50 states and six continents each year. The Gift Shop Customer Service Representative plays a vital role in creating a memorable visitor experience and serves as a key ambassador for Kitt Peak National Observatory.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, customer-focused Part‑Time Gift Shop Customer Service Representative to join our team. This position serves as the first point of contact for visitors and callers, providing outstanding customer service while supporting retail operations, ticket sales, inventory management, and visitor center activities.

The Gift Shop is open 362 days per year, and work hours may vary seasonally. Weekend and holiday availability is required.

Essential Functions

• Welcome and assist visitors in person, by phone, and through other communication channels.
• Provide accurate information about observatory programs, tours, exhibits, facilities, and services.
• Deliver exceptional customer service while maintaining a professional, friendly, and engaging demeanor.
• Respond appropriately and tactfully to a variety of visitor inquiries and situations.
• Open and close the Visitor Center and Gift Shop as assigned.
• Operate the Point‑of‑Sale (POS) system to process sales, exchanges, returns, and inventory adjustments.
• Accurately handle cash, credit card transactions, receipts, and daily balancing procedures.
• Generate retail and transaction reports as required.
• Sell visitor program and tour tickets using the FareHarbor ticketing system.
• Receive, stock, and organize merchandise and inventory shipments.
• Enter new inventory into the POS system and create barcode labels.
• Restock sales floor merchandise and maintain attractive product displays.
• Prepare outgoing shipments and process merchandise returns.
• Assist with the annual physical inventory process each September.
• Work collaboratively with the Visitor Center Assistant Manager, Operations Manager, docents, and other departments.
• Help maintain accountability for organizational property and promptly report missing, damaged, or non-functioning items.
• Follow all organizational policies, safety procedures, and government award compliance requirements.
• Complete required safety training, including CPR and AED certification (provided by NOIRLab).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum two years of experience in a retail, customer service, hospitality, tourism, or nonprofit setting.
• Experience operating a computerized Point‑of‑Sale (POS) system and handling cash accurately.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established accounting and cash‑handling procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in customer interactions.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency with computers, including email, internet applications, scheduling systems, and retail software.
• Ability to work most weekends and some holidays.

Preferred

• Experience in visitor attractions, museums, science centers, parks, or tourism environments.
• Experience with ticketing systems and inventory management software.

This position is based at the Kitt Peak Visitor Center and Gift Shop and involves regular interaction with visitors, volunteers, and staff from diverse backgrounds. The work environment combines retail, customer service, and administrative responsibilities in a professional, team‑oriented setting.

• Work is performed in a visitor center, retail store, museum, and office environment.
• Frequent interaction with the public is required, including providing information, answering questions, and supporting visitor experiences.
• Regular use of computers, point‑of‑sale systems, telephones, and other standard office equipment.
• Work schedules include weekends, holidays, and varying seasonal hours.
• Employees may be required to work independently for portions of their shift while maintaining high standards of customer service and operational effectiveness.
• Due to the mountain‑top location, employees must be able to work safely at an elevation of approximately 6,800 feet.
• In emergency operational or safety situations, employees may be required to extend scheduled work hours and/or remain overnight at Kitt Peak.

Salary Range: $17.20/hour; the final salary will depend on skills, qualifications, and experience.

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at Benefits by Location - AURA Human Resources.

Preference will be given to qualified internal candidates and qualified Native Americans living on or near the Tohono O'odham reservation.

How to Apply

This position will remain open until it is filled. Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume. Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance here.