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- Tasks: Assist visitors at the Hatfield Marine Science Center and handle entrance fees.
- Company: Join Oregon State University, a leading institution in marine science and education.
- Benefits: Earn between $14.70 to $21.00 per hour with flexible hours during academic terms and breaks.
- Why this job: Engage with over 70,000 visitors annually while learning about marine science in a fun environment.
- Qualifications: Must be enrolled in high school or college; cash handling experience preferred.
- Other info: Work includes weekends and holidays; great for students looking to gain experience.
This recruitment will be used to fill one part-time (a maximum of 24 hours per week during academic terms and a maximum of 40 hours per week during academic breaks) Visitor Center Assistant for the Hatfield Marine Science Center at Oregon State University (OSU). The Visitor Center Assistant receives money and makes change in payment for entrance to the Oregon Sea Grant ran Visitor Center, at the Hatfield Marine Science Center (HMSC). Located in Newport OR, the Hatfield Visitor Center attracts more than 70,000 visitors and upwards of 10,000 students annually. The 15,000 square foot facility is filled with family-friendly interactive exhibits, live animals and touch tanks, and state-of-the-art technology.
This position will report to the Visitor Center Coordinator and will assist in greeting visitors and taking entrance fees. The employee will help provide visitors with basic information regarding the Visitor Center, HMSC campus, Oregon Sea Grant and the local area. This person will also assist volunteers with interpreting the exhibits and will assist in keeping public areas and exhibits tidy during work hours.
Position Duties
- 60% Cashier Duties: Receives monies and assists with credit card purchases for ticket(s) to enter the Hatfield Visitor Center; makes accurate change.
- 40% Other duties as assigned: interpreting exhibits, answering visitor questions, light housekeeping, organizing shared supplies.
Must be academically enrolled in:
- a high school, community college, or university and pursuing a program or course of study
- Must meet Academic Standing Requirements; students on academic suspension are not eligible for employment
- Must meet the applicable minimal enrollment standard
- High School student: Regularly enrolled in a high school or participating in a home-schooling program
- Undergraduate and post-baccalaureate student: 6 credit hours per term
- Undergraduate international student: 12 credit hours per term
- Graduate student officially admitted to Graduate School: 5 credit hours per term
- Graduate international student officially admitted to Graduate School: 9 credit hours per term
Additional Required Qualifications
- A general knowledge of cash handling policies and procedures
- Experience exchanging money for purchases and making change
Preferred (Special) Qualifications
- Experience working with volunteers
- Familiarity with or interest in marine science
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
Employee would need to anticipate working weekends and some holidays in addition to weekdays. Work hours would fall between 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM.
C52737 - Visitor Center Assistant employer: Oregon State University
Contact Detail:
Oregon State University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land C52737 - Visitor Center Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Hatfield Marine Science Center and its exhibits. Understanding the centre's mission and the types of visitors it attracts will help you engage more effectively with guests and answer their questions confidently.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your cash handling skills. Since a significant part of the role involves receiving payments and making change, being comfortable with these tasks will demonstrate your readiness for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm for marine science! Whether through personal interests or previous experiences, conveying your passion for the subject can set you apart from other candidates and resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience working with diverse groups. The role requires creating an inclusive environment, so think of examples where you've successfully interacted with people from different backgrounds.
We think you need these skills to ace C52737 - Visitor Center Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Resume: Make sure your resume highlights relevant experience, especially any cash handling or customer service roles. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you meet the qualifications.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly explain how your qualifications and experiences align with the responsibilities of the Visitor Center Assistant role. Mention specific examples of your past work that relate to cash handling and visitor interaction.
Address the Supplemental Questions: Take time to thoughtfully answer the open-ended questions in the application. Reflect on your experiences working with diverse groups and how you can contribute to an inclusive environment at the Visitor Center.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your resume and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oregon State University
✨Show Your Enthusiasm for Marine Science
Make sure to express your interest in marine science during the interview. The Visitor Center Assistant role is closely tied to the Hatfield Marine Science Center, so demonstrating a passion for marine life and environmental education can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Cash Handling Questions
Since this position involves cash handling, be ready to discuss your experience with money management. Think of specific examples where you've successfully handled transactions or dealt with customer service situations that required accuracy and attention to detail.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
As you'll be greeting visitors and providing information, it's crucial to showcase your communication skills. Prepare to share examples of how you've effectively interacted with diverse groups of people, ensuring a welcoming environment for all.
✨Practice Answering Open-Ended Questions
The application includes open-ended questions about your background and experiences. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, focusing on how your unique experiences have prepared you for this role and how you can contribute to an inclusive atmosphere.
