Sales Associate, Museum Store

Houston Museum of Natural Science; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 14,000 - 19,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free HMNS membership

Free exhibit access

Discounted programming

Free staff parking

Flexible scheduling

Daytime hours

Job summary

The Houston Museum of Natural Science is seeking a friendly Sales Associate for the Museum Store. This part-time, hourly role offers training on the museum's products and a path for internal growth, with opportunities to interact with visitors and support exhibits.

As a key member of the store team, you will handle sales, memberships, and basic operations, ensuring a welcoming guest experience and accurate transactions in a fast-paced retail setting.

Qualifications

• Strong customer service and communication skills are required.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) is a plus.
• Punctuality and reliable attendance are essential.
• Ability to adapt to changing workflow in a retail environment.
• Interest in science and history is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Assist guests with store merchandise, memberships and parking.
• Operate point-of-sale system for guest purchases.
• Handle cash and card transactions accurately.
• Explain membership levels and benefits to guests.
• Maintain knowledge of merchandise including fossils and minerals.
• Promote products and greet guests with friendly service.
• Keep displays stocked and organized.
• Provide a welcoming environment and assist guests as needed.
• Arrive on time and follow health and safety protocols.

Skills

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Punctuality

Bilingual

Communication

Education

Age 16+

Job description

Position: Sales Associate, Museum Store

Employment Status: Part Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt, $12 per hour

Job Summary:

To match the extensive variety of the exhibitions, the Houston Museum of Natural Science offers items to delight all ages and tastes. In addition to the flagship store at the entrance of the museum, Museum Store staff also operate temporary stores in conjunction with special exhibitions.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science’s Museum Store is looking for friendly and enthusiastic individuals with a passion for customer service to join our team. We are seeking a Sales Associate who can take ownership of our brand and the diverse range of interesting and educational products.

To foster this, sales staff receive ongoing, thorough training on the unique and exciting treasures the Museum Store offers.

Sales Associates generate vital revenue for the museum which is a nonprofit educational organization.

Museum staff take pride in offering exceptional customer service to our guests to build life-long and repeat customers. Individuals who excel in this role have the opportunity for internal promotions and a strong career path at the museum. Successful candidates will be curious, engaging, team-oriented and guest-focused.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist guests in purchase of store merchandise, museum memberships and parking.
• Operate point-of-sale operating system for guest purchases.
• Facilitate transactions for cash and credit card payments.
• Understand and communicate the difference in museum membership levels and benefits to guests.
• Maintain knowledge of existing and new merchandise, including high-end specialty items such as fossils, gems and minerals.
• Promote merchandise and interact with guests by greeting customers, answering questions and providing product information.
• Maintain store displays and stock areas.
• Create a welcoming, safe and fun environment for our guests through outstanding service and guest assistance.
• Arrive to work on time.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Comply with the museum’s health and safety protocols.

Skills and Experience:

• Cash handling experience is a plus.
• Bilingual a plus (Spanish/English).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills in order to speak to visitors and colleagues.
• Able to adjust to changing the workflow from a slow to a fast-paced working environment.
• Alert and able to respond quickly in an emergency.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Proven track record of reliable punctuality and attendance.
• Interest in science and history.
• Knowledge of gems, minerals and fossils is a plus.
• Relevant volunteer or work experience is preferred.

Qualifications:

• At least 16 years of age.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

• Available to work 2-3 days a week, including Saturday and/or Sunday.
• Available to occasionally work evening shifts for special events.
• Able to be in both stationary and circulating positions throughout the shift for long periods of time.
• Moderate physical activity required.
• Able to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Able to operate a desktop computer, mobile computer, scanner or other technical equipment.

Perks of Working at HMNS Include:

• Free individual-level HMNS Membership.
• Free access to Museum exhibits, Cockrell Butterfly Center, Burke Baker Planetarium, Giant Screen Theater and satellite facilities.
• Discounted programming including museum summer camp.
• Free staff parking.
• Flexible scheduling.
• Predominantly daytime hours (some evenings may be required).

No phone calls, please.

HMNS does not respond to inquiries regarding application status.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science is an EEO Employer.