Assistant Shop Supervisor

Position Summary

Works primarily in the Visitor Center museum shop on all aspects of daily operations including sales, customer service, checking in new inventory, opening and closing procedures. This is a seasonal position, late March through mid-December.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Open and close shops as scheduled. Complete end-of-day paperwork.

  • Respond to customer inquiries regarding products, museum activities, programs and events.

  • Operate cash register, process sales and other retail transactions.

  • Assist Shop Supervisor with planning, assigning, scheduling and directing work. Train new sales associates as needed.

  • Stay informed of merchandise assortment in the shops and stay up-to-date on product information in order to answer customers’ questions.

  • Place orders with the stockroom to replenish merchandise.

  • Check in deliveries from stockroom; count items to verify stockroom count.

  • Be sure shop is clean and displays are full.

  • Provide a friendly and welcoming presence for all guests and coworkers throughout the Museum.

  • Attend departmental meetings and Museum meetings as requested by Shop Supervisor.

This description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of key responsibilities of the job as it is at present, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned. This job description may be reviewed by management at any time either to ensure that it relates to the job currently being performed, or to incorporate changes. Management reserves the right to change a job description; and if/when doing so will discuss with the employee so that any changes are understood by the employee.

Required Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Enjoys customer service/sales.

  • Previous retail experience required. General knowledge of standard retail concepts.

  • Basic computer skills required, including experience with a cash register.

  • Able to present clear ideas and direction to others and to listen well. Must be able to speak, read, and write English fluently.

  • Able to respond to questions from coworkers and customers.

  • Some supervisory experience is helpful, but not required.

  • Self-motivated and results-oriented.

  • Comfortable talking with a variety of people from different cultural and social backgrounds, varying ages, language skills and physical abilities.

  • Experience working in a museum or other cultural attraction is a plus but not required.

  • Patient and imperturbable. Excellent interpersonal skills.

  • Ability to follow directions, and apply the information you learn. Attention to detail.

  • Ability to work without direct supervision.

Education and Experience

  • High School Diploma or Equivalent

  • Visual merchandising skills are helpful but not required.

  • Ability to present information and respond to questions.

Physical Requirements

The employee is required to sit, stand, crouch or kneel. It may be necessary to use a stepstool while placing objects throughout the shop. Some products have fragrances; some are made of animal products such as fur or leather.

  • Work requires standing for most of the time.

  • Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds.

  • Manual dexterity is essential.

  • Employee is required to handle products of varied materials, some breakable.

Work Environment

The work environment described here is representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

  • The working environment is generally favorable.

  • Lighting and temperature are adequate, and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc.

  • Work is generally performed within a retail shop environment, with standard equipment.

Additional Requirements

The Museum is open 7 days a week April through the end of November. You must be available to work Saturdays and some holidays, including Thanksgiving Day. Thanksgiving Day is an “All-Hands On” day. Typical hours (March-November) are 9:00am - 5:30pm, five days a week. Some flexibility in work hours and days off is required. This position may occasionally include working some evening hours.

Core Commitments

Whether part-time or full-time, year-round or seasonal, all staff and volunteers at Plimoth Patuxet advance the Museum’s educational mission and strategic goals; they uphold the museum’s core values and principles in their work and in all their interactions with the public and coworkers. This commitment helps to ensure that Plimoth Patuxet’s reputation for excellence is maintained and that we, as stewards of the Museum, are helping to create a relevant and sustainable future for Plimoth Patuxet. The core principles that guide us in our work are:

  • Safety and Comfort

  • Compassionate Customer Engagement

  • Professional Excellence

  • Personal Accountability

  • Create a Culture of Philanthropy

  • Teamwork

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by submitting a PDF file of your resume, and cover letter to apply@plimoth.org, or by submitting them by US mail to the following address:

Plimoth Patuxet Museums
Attn: Human Resources
137 Warren Avenue
Plymouth, MA 02360