Works in the McDonald Observatory gift shop and helps inspire visitors about astronomy. Provides customer service and information to visitors. Operates the cash register and keeps an accurate till. Keeps the gift shop stocked, clean, and organized, with displays full and neat.
Assists with merchandise window displays, including setup, rotation, and breakdown. Assists with phone and online orders. Pulls items, rings up phone orders, packages merchandise for shipping, and maintains documentation. Assists with other Visitors Center shipping needs as required.
Required Qualifications
High school graduation or GED and at least six months of relevant cashier experience in a large-scale operation.
Experience with front desk functions, including direct interaction with people.
Accuracy and attention to detail.
Ability to problem-solve and to take initiative to seek answers when needed.
Knowledge of the principles and processes for providing excellent customer service.
Computer skills including word processing, email, and internet.
Competencies for the position include accuracy and attention to detail, effective communication, initiative, interpersonal skills, listening, problem-solving, and service excellence.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Requirements
Two or more years of experience in visitor services or a retail role at a state park, museum, or similar public venue.
Two years of relevant cashier experience in a large-scale operation.
Proficiency in Spanish.
Salary Range
$32,000 + depending on qualifications and experience
Working Conditions
Works in a standard office, and visitor center environments.
Use of manual dexterity.
May work around mechanical hazards.
Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
Climbing of stairs and/or ladders.
Lifting, pushing, and moving 15+ lbs.
Work Shift
The Visitors Center is open year-round, Tuesday-Saturday
Hours varies and includes shift work, weekends, evenings, and some holidays
Required Materials
Letter of interest
Resume
List of three (3) work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers:
Benefits
Health insuranceDental insuranceVision insurancePaid time offFlexible scheduleEquity / stock options
Additional Information
Job Posting Title:
Gift Shop Assistant, McDonald Observatory Visitors Center ----
Hiring Department:
McDonald Observatory ----
Position Open To:
All Applicants ----
Weekly Scheduled Hours:
40 ----
FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt from FLSA ----
Earliest Start Date:
Immediately ----
Position Duration:
Expected to Continue ----
Location:
MCDONALD OBSERVATORY ----
Job Details:
General Notes
The McDonald Observatory is a major astronomical research observatory located 16 miles from Fort Davis, Texas (440 miles from the UT Austin campus). This position is at the Frank N. Bash Visitors Center at McDonald Observatory. The Visitors Center is open five days per week, Tuesday through Saturday, and requires a variable work schedule to meet operational needs.
The University of Texas at Austin provides an outstanding benefits package to staff. For more details, please see https://hr.utexas.edu/prospective/benefits and https://hr.utexas.edu/current/services/my-total-rewards .
Competitive health benefits (Employee premiums covered at 100%; family premiums at 50%)
Vision, dental, life, and disability insurance options
Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
Teachers Retirement System of Texas (a defined benefit retirement plan)
Additional voluntary retirement programs: tax-sheltered annuity 403(b) and a deferred compensation program 457(b)
Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
Purpose
This position supports the education and public outreach mission of McDonald Observatory by assisting visitors in making purchases, bringing home memories, and by making a positive first impression at the Frank N. Bash Visitor Center in person, via phone, or by email.
Utaustin · Mcdonald Observatory