Weekend Lead Bell Museum

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 34,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

The Bell Museum, operated by the University of Minnesota, is seeking a part-time Visitor Services Supervisor for 20 hours per week. The role includes supervising weekend operations at the visitor service desk, ticketing, and Curiosity Shop, with duties spanning inventory, volunteer coordination, and frontline customer support.

The position emphasizes inclusive service and accessibility options. Reporting to the Visitor Services & Accessibility Manager, you will ensure smooth opening/closing

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; four years related experience or equivalent
• Minimum two years in customer service with supervisor/lead responsibilities
• Excellent communication and customer-focused approach
• Commitment to inclusive practices and equity
• Detail-oriented with ability to prioritize multiple tasks
• Ability to work weekly Saturday/Sunday shifts 9:30am–4:30pm and handle payments

Responsibilities

• Oversee weekend operations of the visitor service desk, ticketing, and store
• Restock and manage inventory in Curiosity Shop
• Supervise student staff and monitor service standards
• Handle end-of-day drawer settlement and opening/closing procedures
• Troubleshoot customer service and POS issues; assist with parking questions
• Provide ongoing VSA training and support for volunteers

Skills

Customer service

Supervisor experience

Communication skills

Inclusive practices

Time management

Cash handling

Education

High school diploma/GED

Tools

Point of sale system

Computer skills

Audience View

Job description

About the Job

Bargaining unit consideration begins on Monday, November 2, 2026 and ends on Monday, November 9, 2026.

This is a part-time, 50% appointment (20 hours per week) position. The schedule requires weekend coverage on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., along with one additional weekday shift determined by individual availability and program needs. This is an on-site, in-person position.
We are looking for individuals to join our team who are inspired by our mission to ignite curiosity and wonder, explore our connections to nature and the universe, and create a better future for our evolving world. We believe that difference is a strength and are looking for candidates that reflect and respect diversity. We encourage you to apply for the position even if you do not believe you meet every qualification.
This part-time position reports to the Visitor Services & Accessibility Manager. This position provides supervision to Operations student staff, including Visitor Services Assistants who work at the ticketing desk and in the store; serves as the weekend point-of-contact for gallery floor volunteers and the student admin assistant when applicable, as well as parking related issues, and is responsible for delivering an outstanding customer experience for museum visitors. They are also responsible for checking in and orienting any weekend group sales.
Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Position Responsibilities

Visitor Services Supervision 50%

• Supervise the weekend daily operations of the visitor service desk, ticketing office and museum store, working closely with the Visitor Services & Accessibility Manager and Visitor Services Coordinator to maintain consistency across operations
• Restock perishable inventory in Curiosity Shop as necessary
• Assist to maintain accurate inventory of goods for sale in Curiosity Shop
• Monitor VSA student staff who are providing customer service to visitors
• Perform end of the day drawer settlement
• Ensure the museum's opening and closing procedures are adhered to
• Troubleshoot any difficult customer service interactions and follow-up as needed
• Troubleshoot and remedy minor technical issues with point of sale system
• Troubleshoot any parking related issues during weekend operations
• Ongoing, as‑needed VSA training beyond the initial training provided by the Visitor Services & Accessibility Manager and the Visitor Services Coordinator

Operations Coordination 40%

• Serve as staff point-of-contact for museum floor volunteers, including ambassadors and gallery cart volunteers; tracking whether volunteers are arriving for shifts
• Work with Volunteer & Student Employee Coordinator on ongoing volunteer needs and special projects including but not limited to data management, volunteer management, volunteer training, etc
• Greet and orient any group sales visits as needed
• Act as support/go-to contact point for Student Admin Assistant on the weekend

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 10%

• Provide guidance on customer service for our visitors with disabilities, including the use of person-first language and accessibility services offered at the museum.
• Maintain the inventory of assistive listening devices, braille maps, and visual timers and other equipment made available for visitor check‑out.
• Create a welcoming and inclusive environment for visitors with limited incomes to participate in the Explore admission and Curiosity membership programs

Qualifications

Essential/Required

• High school diploma/GED and four years related experience; training/education may be substituted for some years of experience
• Minimum two years' experience in customer service with previous experience as a supervisor, floor manager, or shift lead
• Computer experience required
• Excellent communication skills and a customer‑focused approach
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive practices and equity
• Detail‑oriented with ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks, problem solve, and exercise independent judgment
• Ability to maintain schedule requirements which including weekly shifts on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30am - 4:30pm
• Minimum of two years experience in a position that took payments via cash, check, or card.

Preferred

• Previous experience working in a museum, nature center, or similar cultural organization.
• Ability to work in a changing environment remaining positive, proactive, resourceful and efficient
• Experience working with Audience View or other ticketing/registration systems
• Prior experience enforcing cash and credit card procedures.
• Previous experience working at the Bell Museum
• Previous experience working with or coordinating volunteers

About the Department

The Bell ignites and sustains curiosity for nature and the universe. The Bell Museum envisions a hopeful future where all are inspired by nature and empowered by science.

The Bell Museum is Minnesota's official natural history museum, established by the legislature in 1872 and held in trust by the University of Minnesota. For over a century, the museum has preserved and interpreted our state's rich natural history and served learners of all ages. Additionally, our scientific collections contain over one million specimens, representing every county in Minnesota and various locales around the globe, and the Whitney and Elizabeth MacMillan Planetarium expands the mission to the universe and points beyond.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $24.80- $26.28 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 50% Appointment, 12 month

Position Type: Non‑Faculty Labor Represented Staff (AFSCME Unit 6 - Clerical)

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world‑renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022‑2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work‑life flexibility.