Harvard Museums of Science & Culture
Less-than-halftime (LHT), Not Benefits Eligible
Maximum Hours Per Week: 14
The Harvard Museums of Science & Culture (HMSC) is a partnership of public museums in Harvard’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences that includes the Harvard Museum of Natural History (HMNH), the Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East (HMANE), the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments (CHSI), and the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology (PMAE). To learn more about HMSC’s mission, objectives, and core values, please visit our website.
Serving as front-line staff for the Harvard Museums of Science & Culture, the LHT Visitor/Customer Services Representative will deliver the highest level of customer service to ensure all museum visitors have a positive experience. This position involves welcoming visitors and groups, processing admissions payments, and providing general museum information to the public. The position may also support admissions and retail transactions in the Shop at Harvard Museum of Natural History (HMNH), and admissions at HMANE and CHSI, as part of the museums’ comprehensive staffing plan.
This is an on-call/on-demand position and does not have a consistent or guaranteed schedule. Hours are limited to a maximum of 14 per week.
The position is not benefits-eligible.
Resumes can be sent to Amina Alam Jamal at aminaalam@hmsc.harvard.edu.
Visitor Services Responsibilities
- Greet visitors and provide introductory museum information, including wayfinding and exhibits information.
- Direct incoming calls and respond to inquiries from the museum’s general information phone line.
- Assist with processing school and commercial group visits.
Retail Responsibilities
- Perform day-to-day Shop operations, including processing sales and returns according to established policies and protocols.
- Convey product information to promote sales and the educational relevance of the products.
- Ensure that the Shop maintains a neat appearance and all retail spaces are organized, including cash register areas, sales floor, and stock areas.
- Assist in unpacking, receiving, pricing, and replenishing stock on a timely basis.
General Responsibilities: Uphold HMSC and University Information Security and Credit Card Compliance policies.
- Provide visitor assistance and information on an array of museum-related topics, including exhibits, wayfinding and building amenities, membership and programmatic offerings, and general Harvard and departmental information as appropriate. Process transactions in a POS system. Requires attention to data accuracy, knowledge of established departmental policy and procedure, and effective use of the system.
- Balance daily receipts using the POS System, including deposit preparation and related documentation.
- Assist with basic opening procedures of the museum, including reporting for work on a timely basis, and demonstrating awareness of current issues that affect the public’s access to the museums.
- Assist with basic closing procedures, including assisting with clearing the galleries of visitors, daily accounting and reconciliation, and securing the main entrance.
- Report any operations issues to the appropriate staff on a timely basis.
- Respond to public safety issues and emergencies as required and in accordance with institutional policies.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- High school graduate or equivalent
- One year of experience in a public-facing role; education may count toward experience
- Excellent communication skills, attention to detail, computer aptitude, punctuality, and a positive, team-oriented approach
- Familiarity with operating a computerized cash register
- Attention to data accuracy and adherence to established departmental policy and procedure.
- Retail experience is a plus
- Interest in museums is helpful
- Additional language skills are a plus
Physical Requirements
Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs. and climb stairs routinely
Working Conditions
This in-person position is based in Cambridge, MA.
Other:
- We regret that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
- LHT staff are employed on an at-will basis, and Harvard reserves the right to terminate the employment relationship at any time.
- Weekends and some holidays may be required. Note that the museums are open for business 357 days per year.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non-discrimination policy. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and the university’s non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.