Visitor Services Associate

Job Information

JOB TITLE:

Visitor Services Associate

REPORTS TO:

Visitor Services Manager

POSITION STATUS:
Part-Time (4 days per week; 28–32 hours)

PAY: $17.80 per hour

Lan Su Chinese Garden’s mission is to cultivate an oasis of tranquil beauty and harmony to inspire, engage, and educate our global community in the appreciation of a richly authentic Chinese culture.

More than just a botanical garden, Lan Su Chinese Garden opened in 2000 through a collaboration between Portland and its sister city, Suzhou. Built by Suzhou artisans, it stands as one of the most authentic Chinese gardens outside of China. Inspired by Ming dynasty scholars' gardens, Lan Su evokes beauty, provokes thought, and offers over 500 programs annually through community partnerships.

At Lan Su, we proudly embrace our mission to inspire, engage, and educate our global community in the appreciation of a richly authentic Chinese culture.

Lan Su Chinese Garden is accepting applications for part-time Visitor Services Associates (VSA).

The VSA is the first point of contact for visitors. VSAs open and close the Garden, process ticket sales and memberships, support the retail operations of the Garden Shop and art exhibition program, support program set up and tear downs, and work after-hours special events. Regularly engage with multiple departments to implement Lan Su’s Visitor Experience Philosophy.

VSAs are scheduled between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 or 6:30 p.m., depending on the season. Weekend and evening availability is required.

Review of applications will begin immediately. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

• Lead, follow, and embrace the Lan Su Vision, Mission & Values.
• Model and demonstrate excellent customer service when engaging with volunteers and visitors.
• Process ticket and membership sales with accuracy and efficiency.
• Follow daily financial procedures with attention to detail. Balance cash drawer with cashier report, and promptly communicate any needs or discrepancies to the manager.
• Inform visitors about the benefits of membership, daily programs, festivals, and events.
• Demonstrate eagerness and enthusiasm for learning more about the Garden and Chinese culture.
• Provide public-facing event support for Garden festivals, ongoing programming, and events.
• Complete assigned tasks efficiently to enhance the visitor experience. Examples include receiving and tagging merchandise, processing inventory, and printing visitor guides.
• Support volunteers with welcoming and educating visitors, as well as other assigned tasks.
• Maintain cleanliness and stock levels of the Garden Shop and Ticket Booth.
• Participate in Garden events as needed and provide administrative support on a project basis (e.g., Garden Shop receiving and tagging merchandise, art exhibition support, managing special event ticket sales, etc.).
• Assist with event set-up and breakdown for Garden and rental events.
• Open and close the Garden on time along with your team members.
• Take initiative and be proactive about staying ahead of tasks.
• Alert the manager and address safety and/or security issues to protect visitors, staff, and the Garden.
• Operate two-way radios to communicate effectively with Lan Su staff working throughout the Garden.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least two successful years in retail sales providing outgoing, front-line customer service.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with visitors, colleagues, volunteers, and members of all ages and backgrounds.
• Aptitude for independent problem solving with a positive, calm, and professional demeanor.
• Cash register and cash handling experience.
• Ability to work well as part of a team, solve problems, and remain calm under pressure.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time in various environments and warm/cool indoor and outdoor temperatures daily.
• Ability to regularly lift up to 40 lbs.
• Basic computer skills required, including POS systems, Outlook, and iOS touch screens. Computer savvy is highly preferred, along with a love of learning new technology.
• Knowledge of Chinese culture and Mandarin language skills are desired but not required.

Lan Su Chinese Garden is committed to maintaining an environment where employees contribute to the organization's achievement, take pride in the results of their work, are appreciated as individuals, and are encouraged to develop to their fullest extent.

Lan Su Chinese Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy that employees will not be discriminated against in the terms and conditions of employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or any other classification protected by law.