Gift Shop Sales Clerk

Position Description:    

Position Summary   

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a diverse, exciting, and prestigious research facility that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. In addition to its scientific work, the Observatory is committed to outreach and education. The Observatory offers a wide range of programs and resources for students, teachers, and the general public, including tours, lectures, and online resources. The Observatory operates a variety of radio telescopes that span the globe, including the famous Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico, the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia, and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile.   

At NRAO we are seeking a The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) announces an opportunity for a full-time Gift Shop Sales Clerk. The Sales Clerk is responsible for providing excellent customer service and accurately processing sales transactions. The position will be based at the Very Large Array site, 50 miles west of Socorro, NM.   

What You Will be Doing:   

• Welcoming Visitors.
• Answering questions in person or on phone about NRAO and the VLA; directing more detailed questions to appropriate sources.
• Processing storefront sales using point of sale system, Altru.
• Processing online sales, by preparing shipment and shipping labels
• Monitoring and maintaining stock on sales floor, places new merchandise on shelves, racks and/or stands. Keeps stock orderly and dusted.
• Assisting with physical inventory counts. Reporting problems in a timely manner.
• Performing clean-up in gift shop, visitor center, and facilities as needed during hours of operation. Opens and Secures gift shop at beginning and end of day.
• Directing customer service and sales activities in store; resolves customer issues and concerns.
• Proactively complying with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in own work area is expected.
• The VLA Gift Shop is open daily.  Work schedule will include working some weekends.

Work Environment   

The VLA Site is a remote scientific/industrial facility at 7000 feet elevation. Works in retail environment, must be able to work at a computer with detailed and complex alpha and numerical information.   

Who You Are:    

• Minimum of High school diploma or GED.
• You have at least one year of experience in retail and working with the public.

Competency Summary   

Must be able to work independently and reliably. Prior experience with credit card processing software and Point of Sale software preferred. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking; and the ability to communicate comfortably and effectively with the public, educators, students, senior managers.    

Additional Requirement   

• Ability to work some weekends and holidays (the Observatory is closed for Thanksgiving day and December 25)
• Must have a valid driver’s license 

Background Check   

The selected candidate must successfully pass a post-offer, pre-employment background and credit check as a condition of employment   

Total Rewards:    

The NRAO offers a comprehensive total rewards package for this position, subject to eligibility requirements. We are committed to serving our employees and their families with an extensive and competitive compensation and benefits package that supports our employees’ overall well-being and career growth.   

Compensation   

The starting rate of pay is $15.00 per hour. The NRAO strives to attract and retain dedicated, highly qualified, competent, and motivated employees by offering competitive compensation and recognition for performance. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include; education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions.     

Benefits:   

NRAO’s benefits package addresses the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment. NRAO provides excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days and 15 sick days, additional time off for doctor/dentist visits, and 8 weeks of paid parental leave). Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment. NRAO’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution; we also offer an optional supplemental, tax-deferred plan for employee retirement contributions.   

Application Instructions:    

Select the “Apply” button. Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the position   

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:    

AUI is an equal opportunity employer. Women, Minorities, Vietnam-Era Veterans, Disabled Veterans, Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. To view our complete statement, please visit http://jobs.jobvite.com/nrao/jobs. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, you may submit your request by sending an email to [email protected].   

The NRAO is an equal opportunity employer (M/F/D/V)