Interpretation Assistant

Summary:  Participates in the development and implementation of high-quality interpretive strategies that support the Garden’s mission. Engages visitors of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities through interpretive programming throughout the Garden in ways that; cultivate personal experiences, deepens knowledge, supports interest-driven learning, fosters deeper connections with the Garden and its global work, and inspires more sustainable choices, lifestyles, and actions beyond their visit. Helps maintain interpretive displays and props. Provides visitor information regarding, directions, venues, attractions, special events, classes, and other information, while working in designated interpretive areas. Assists in ensuring safe, positive, and educational engaging visitors' experiences. Sells admission tickets and merchandise in the Children’s Garden Ticket Fort and handles cash and credit card transactions in an accurate and professional manner, as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides Educational Visitor Engagement: Participates in all aspects of non-structured interpretive programming and experiential learning opportunities including development, preparation, and implementation throughout the Garden, particularly within the Children’s Garden, Tower Grove House, Brookings Exploration Center, PlantLab, and within special exhibit areas. Topics will include (but are not limited to) nature, ecosystems, habitats, plant science, biodiversity, adaptations, history, collections, sustainability, outdoor exploration, citizen science, and seasonal happenings.
• Ensures Positive Visitor Experiences: Welcomes visitors and provides general information relative to visitor inquiries and Garden opportunities. Responds to and takes appropriate action to resolve or report concerns and complaints from Garden visitors. Uses judgment to analyze situations and determines the best use of resources and when to escalate situations to management.
• Maintains Interpretation & Educational Resources: Monitors interpretive facilities and maintains props and exhibits. Follows proper storage requirements of equipment and supplies. Reports concerns and maintenance needs to the Interpretation Supervisor/Manager as appropriate for request processing.
• Adheres to Safety Guidelines and First Aid Provider: Communicates and enforces the Garden’s rules of etiquette to visitors in an effort to orient visitors to the facility. Monitors visitor behavior and ensures adherence to safety guidelines; responds to and administers First Aid/CPR as necessary, reports all incidents using appropriate Garden forms as well as any concerns to the Interpretation Supervisor and/or Manager, as well as Security as appropriate.
• Processes Ticket & Merchandise Sales: Answers visitor questions regarding ticket prices and products. Utilizes touch screen PC to processes Children’s Garden admission tickets and merchandise sales, as needed, in accordance with specified cash and credit card handling procedures.
• Performs Opening & Closing Duties: Actively participates with the Interpretation Team in pre-season set-up operations and post-season closing operations; moving/cleaning equipment, setting up/removing props, stock/remove merchandise, etc.)
• Assists with other Garden events as requested.
• Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork and cooperation, within our division and throughout the Garden, with co-workers, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors, and employees.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None.

Qualifications/Experience:

• One (1) year of experience presenting in front of diverse groups is preferred.
• Demonstrated strength and experience in customer service skills. Experience working with audiences of diverse ages, ethnicities, experiences, and educational backgrounds.
• Proven ability to work in a successful team environment. Strong presentation and public speaking skills. Experience presenting in front of diverse groups (children and adults) is preferred. Experience researching and developing interpretive programs and experiential learning opportunities.
• Demonstrated organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Process design and improvement skills to lead continuous improvement.
• Ability to prioritize work and perform under pressure; strong planning/organizing skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills. Must be able to quickly analyze inquiries and determine steps for resolution.
• Work quality and dependability; demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; follows instructions; welcomes and applies feedback to improve performance.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal and writing skills; professional, speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds in a friendly and helpful manner to visitor inquiries and concerns; is tactful and treats others with respect; and values departmental teamwork. 
• Scheduling flexibility that allows routinely working weekends, holidays, and some evenings.
• Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion with minimum instructions and adhere to established routines and practices in a reasonable amount of time. Must be able to learn new skills quickly, be resourceful and self-reliant, as well as take initiative.
• Ability to provide visitor experiences and services as well as work on multiple projects within a fast-paced mission-based public attraction.
• Prior cash handling experience.
• Demonstrates the highest level of professional and ethical conduct; knowledge and understanding of organizational policies, procedures, and systems; including all health and safety guidelines.
• Must maintain a positive attitude and professional appearance at all times. 
• Adherence to all health and safety guidelines as well as Garden and departmental policies/procedures, uniform standards and requirements, etc.
• The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.

Education:

• H.S. diploma or equivalent required.
• Some college-level course work completed in education, science education, ecology, environmental science, natural resources, public horticulture, interpretation, recreation, or equivalent required.
• An equivalent combination of skills, education, and experience may be considered.

How to apply:

Apply HERE