Visitor Services Representative

21-Mar-2024

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

65358BR

Job Summary

The Harvard Museums of Science & Culture are dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – including fostering respect for all, serving the greater good, and welcoming individuals from a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. To learn more about HMSC's mission, objectives, and core values, please visit our website https://hmsc.harvard.edu/

Description

Serving as a member of the front-line staff for the Harvard Museums of Science & Culture, Visitor Services Representatives provide the highest level of customer service to ensure that all museum visitors have a positive experience.  This position involves welcoming visitors and groups, processing admissions payments, and conveying general museum information to the public in a professional manner.

Position Description

• Greet visitors and provide assistance and information on an array of topics including exhibits, directions and building amenities, membership, passes and programmatic offerings, and general Harvard and departmental information as appropriate.
• Direct incoming calls and respond to inquiries from the general information phone lines.
• Assist with processing school and commercial group visits using a computerized reservation system.
• Perform transactions on a computerized Point of Sale (POS) system.
• Assist with basic opening procedures of the museums, be familiar with daily memos and schedules, and restock print materials.
• Assist with basic closing procedures including daily accounting and reconciliation, neatness in the lobby, and securing the main entrance.
• Respond to public safety issues and emergencies as required; report any physical plant or operations issues to appropriate staff.
• As part of museums' staffing plan, this role is expected to provide support to the museum retail shop and other visitor services locations as needed. Perform other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent
• One year of experience in a public-facing role; education may count toward experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Excellent communication skills, attention to detail, computer aptitude, punctuality, and a positive, team-oriented approach.
• Familiarity with operating a computerized cash register.
• Demonstrated proficiency in accomplishing multiple objectives in a fast-paced, high volume atmosphere.
• Attention to data accuracy and adherence to established departmental policy and procedure.
• Interest in museums helpful. 
• Weekends and some holidays required. Note that the museums are open for business 357 days per year, and Visitor Services staff are considered essential employees to continue working throughout the year.  Schedule is 7.5 hours Tuesday-Thursday, 22.5 hours per week.
• Additional language skills a plus.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to routinely lift up to 30 lbs and climb stairs

Working Conditions

This position will be based in Cambridge, MA.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Additional Information

This position is subject to a background check.  

We regret that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

All formal written offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

About Us

The Harvard Museums of Science and Culture (HMSC) is a partnership of public museums in Harvard's Faculty of Arts and Sciences that includes the Harvard Museum of Natural History, the Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East, the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments and the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

General Administration

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

403012 Staff Assistant I

Sub-Unit

Harvard Museums of Science and Culture

Department

Harvard Museums of Science and Culture

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Schedule

Weekends and some holidays required. Note that the museums are open for business 357 days per year, and Visitor Services staff are considered essential employees to continue working throughout the year. 

Schedule is 7.5 hours Tuesday-Thursday, 22.5 hours per week.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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