Temporary Visitor Experience Associate, Morris Arboretum & Gardens

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

Posted Job Title

Temporary Visitor Experience Associate, Morris Arboretum & Gardens

Job Profile Title

Temporary Employee - Non-Exempt

Job Description Summary

The Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania inspires an understanding of the relationship between plants, people and place through education, research and horticultural display. Located in the Northwest section of the city, the Morris Arboretum is a destination for plant lovers from Philadelphia and beyond. The home to a collection of more than 13,000 woody plants and host to special and educational events, Morris Arboretum is a hub for botany, horticulture and urban forestry and a special part of Penn.

Visitor Experience Associates are the face of the Morris Arboretum to our many (over 150,000 annually), diverse visitors. Visitor Experience Associates greet visitors, handle admissions and parking, run the gift shop, answer questions, sell memberships, and assist guests wherever possible.

Job Description

Visitor Experience Associates are the face of Morris Arboretum and a vital part of the team, ensuring a memorable, positive experience for our guests. As such, VE Associates must be professional, reliable, friendly, and have exceptional customer service skills. They must also be comfortable working with computers, handling money, working outside, and standing for extended periods of time. Flexibility, working well under pressure, a sense of humor, and a strong sense of teamwork are also beneficial skills to have for this role.

This is a wonderful opportunity to support a world-renowned arboretum, enjoy a flexible schedule, and work with amazing people.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Duties Include

• Represent the Morris Arboretum in a professional, service-oriented manner. Act as an information resource to visitors, providing direction and information. Provide visitors with an exceptional experience through active listening, problem-solving and empathy.

• Handle financial transactions for admissions, memberships, and retail sales. Accountable for handling cash and credit card transactions.

• When needed, drive visitors on the grounds to/from parking locations. Direct visitors within designated parking areas. Drive rental clients in golf cart at events.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualified candidate will have

• A friendly, customer-centered demeanor.

• Experience in customer-focused roles.

• The ability to stay calm under pressure.

• A willingness to jump in when needed and address problems.

• Strong attention to detail and experience handling money.

• Ability to convey information in a clear, concise manner.

• Ability to walk and stand for long periods of time, in all types of weather.

• Experience working on a computer and tablet.

• A valid driver's license.

This is a year-round, part-time (approximately 8-24 hours/week; primarily April through October, December), position with variable hours, weekends with some weekday and holidays. $15.79/hour.

Department / School

Morris Arboretum

Pay Range

$7.25 - $15.79 Hourly Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.

Affirmative Action Statement Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements Background check may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

The University of Pennsylvania's special character is reflected in the diversity of the Penn community. We seek talented faculty and staff who will constitute a vibrant community that draws on the strength that comes with a substantive institutional commitment to diversity along dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, veteran status, interests, perspectives, and socioeconomic status. Grounded in equal opportunity, nondiscrimination, and affirmative action, Penn's robust commitment to diversity is fundamental to the University's mission of advancing knowledge, educating leaders for all sectors of society, and public service. The University of Pennsylvania prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.