Gulf Specimen Marine Lab

Weekend Front Office & Gift Shop Associate

Gulf Specimen Marine Lab | Weekend Position
Schedule: Saturdays & Sundays, 9:30 AM–5:00 PM
Starting Pay: $18.00 per hour

Position Summary

We are seeking a friendly, dependable, and organized individual to join our team as a Weekend Front Office & Gift Shop Associate. This position plays an important role in welcoming guests and helping ensure that the aquarium is ready for a successful day of operation.

The Front Office & Gift Shop Associate will be responsible for opening and preparing the aquarium, operating the gift shop and admissions area, assisting guests, communicating with weekend staff and volunteers, and completing various office projects and administrative tasks.

Key Responsibilities

• Arrive at the aquarium and complete opening procedures to ensure the facility is clean, organized, safe, and ready for guests.
• Prepare the front office and gift shop for daily operations.
• Welcome guests and provide friendly, helpful, and professional customer service.
• Operate the gift shop point-of-sale system and accurately process aquarium admissions and retail purchases.
• Answer questions and provide guests with information about the aquarium, exhibits, programs, and services.
• Stock, organize, and straighten merchandise throughout the gift shop.
• Monitor the gift shop and front office to maintain a clean, welcoming, and organized environment.
• Communicate and coordinate with weekend aquarium staff and volunteers to ensure guests are properly served and have a positive experience.
• Assist with answering phones and responding to general inquiries.
• Complete assigned office projects and general administrative tasks.
• Perform other duties as needed to support the aquarium's weekend operations.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of experience working in an office, customer service, retail, or similar environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Friendly, professional, and comfortable interacting with the public.
• Reliable and dependable with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask and remain organized in a busy environment.
• Basic computer and office skills.
• Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a team.
• Interest in aquariums, marine life, conservation, or environmental education is a plus.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is someone who enjoys working with people, takes pride in keeping things organized, and can be relied upon to help make sure the aquarium is ready for guests each weekend. Because this position is often the first point of contact for visitors, a positive attitude and excellent customer-service skills are especially important.

Compensation & Schedule

Starting wage: $18.00 per hour

Regular schedule:
Saturday and Sunday
9:30 AM–5:00 PM

This is a weekend position at a public aquarium and is ideal for someone who enjoys working in a community-oriented environment and interacting with visitors of all ages.