Summary of the position:
The Paleontological Research Institution is seeking a part-time Visitor Services staff member to work at our Museum of the Earth and Cayuga Nature Center locations. Visitor Services staff provide guests with a high level of customer service and an exceptional customer experience while visiting PRI’s public venues. This position is responsible for a broad range of activities including admissions, engaging with guests, presenting information and educational programs, and handling questions and complaints.

Visitor Services Associates are an integral part of the Paleontological Research Institution. As ambassadors, associates are PRI’s connection to over 30,000 visitors per year. You will have the opportunity to gain knowledge on a wide variety of topics through our exhibitions, taxidermy, trails, and public programming while meeting diverse individuals and being a part of a dynamic staff. 

Responsibilities will include:

·         Directly interact with the public, providing exceptional customer service

·         Operate the Point of Sales and troubleshoot any issues that may arise

·         Research new and appropriate items for the retail store

·         Place orders and receive store inventory

·         Create checklists for opening and closing procedures and daily cleaning tasks

·         Assist in preparation for special events and public programs

·         Monthly water testing (Cayuga Nature Center)

Qualified applicants will:

·         Professionalism, patience, and manners with diverse populations from around the world

·         Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

·         Outgoing personality and positive attitude

·         Must be able to work in a collaborative team environment, but also independently as needed

·         Must have a reliable form of transportation to Cayuga Nature Center and Museum of the Earth

·         Have a High School Diploma or Equivalency Certificate

·         Have flexibility with availability including working evenings, weekends, and holidays

Compensation: $15.50-$17.50/hr

Type: Part Time (20-25 hours per week). Must be available to work weekends.

Benefits Eligible: Dental, Medical, 403B, Paid Time Off

 

Send Resume and references to:

Email Subject Line: Visitor Services

To: Associate Director for Operations

Email: shoemaker@priweb.org

 

Please Note: Paleontological Research Institution will require all persons hired as Visitor Services Site Supervisor in our Cayuga Nature Center facility to show proof of having received a department of health approved COVID vaccine. This requirement is being instituted to protect the safety and health of PRI employees, and other persons that provide services to this operation and is designed to support the public health objectives of our community, provided this hiring requirement complies with NY State and Federal guidelines and directives.

PRI seeks to recruit a diverse group of talented individuals and create an environment in which they can effectively work to advance our mission and to support our vision without discrimination on the basis of an individual’s age, sex, race, creed, color, national origin, degree of disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or veteran status. We are committed to ensuring all our visitors, program participants, supporters, staff, and volunteers feel valued and respected.

About the Paleontological Research Institution:

The Paleontological Research Institution pursues and integrates education and research, and interprets the history and systems of the Earth and its life, to increase knowledge, educate society, and encourage wise stewardship of the Earth.

The Paleontological Research Institution (PRI) was founded in 1932 by Gilbert D. Harris, a professor of geology at Cornell University. Today, PRI houses a collection of more than 7 million fossil specimens, one of the largest in the nation, and publishes scholarly and popular books and periodicals, including the oldest paleontological periodical in the western hemisphere (Bulletins of American Paleontology, begun in 1895). It has active educational outreach programs in Earth and environmental science that serve thousands of students, teachers, and the general public throughout the United States. PRI scientific staff conduct original research in paleontology, geology, evolutionary and marine biology, and science education.

PRI operates three public educational venues, all located on the west side of Cayuga Lake, north of the city of Ithaca, New York: the Museum of the Earth, an 18,000 square foot facility which opened in 2003; the Cayuga Nature Center, which uses its 120 acre site and historic main lodge to provide exhibits and programs that connect visitors to the living natural world and encourage wise stewardship of the Earth; and Smith Woods, a 32-acre parcel of old-growth forest located just outside the Village of Trumansburg.

PRI is an independent not‑for‑profit 501(c)3 organization chartered by the State of New York in 1936. PRI is formally affiliated with, but separate from, Cornell University.