Visitor Experience Staff

Visitor Experience Associate Job Description

The Desert of Maine is an iconic tourist destination that combines family fun and science education at one of the most fascinating historical and ecological spots in Maine. We strive to help our guests understand the stories of the Desert whilst providing friendly and professional customer service. We are looking for Visitor Experience staff who love interacting with people, have impeccable customer service skills and thrive in a fast paced environment.

The Role

Reporting to the Staff Director, our core Visitor Experience staff cross-train on many of the various customer service duties at the Desert of Maine, including providing welcoming and friendly service to our visitors at the Welcome Center; operating our retail store, snack bar, and mini golf course; orienting visitors and answering questions; opening and closing our exhibits and fully understanding the Desert's mission and values.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Providing friendly and welcoming service to all customers
• Attention to detail when it comes to cleaning, restocking and general work ethic
• Executing opening and closing procedures for Snack Bar, Mini Golf, and Welcome Center to keep operations running smoothly including counting cash draws, restocking shelves, cleaning and maintaining cleanliness, respecting customers and relaying any issues or concerns to directors.
• Executing procedures for keeping exhibits safe and functional throughout the day.

Snack Bar

• Preparing and serving snack bar items from our limited menu including scooped ice cream, grilled sausage, kettle corn, fresh-made lemonade and more.
• Implementing food safety and maintaining a clean and organized work environment.

Mini Golf

• Greeting visitors to our mini golf course and selling tickets
• Being knowledgeable about the course and how it works
• Interacting with visitors after their round of mini golf
• Managing the inventory of putters, balls, and other supplies.

Welcome Center

• Being knowledgeable about all the Desert has to offer related to our history, geology, ecology and events.
• Selling admission tickets and memberships in our Welcome Center
• Answering questions about the Desert of Maine
• Being knowledgeable about and selling gift shop items.

Qualifications/Essential Skills

• Experience in retail, hospitality, tourism, food service, or cultural institutions
• Experience working in a team setting
• Impeccable customer service, communications, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to take rapidly changing directions and ability to switch tasks frequently.
• Strong math and counting skills.
• A long history of personal growth and attention to detail throughout entire school and work history.
• A burning desire to make an impact at a mission-driven organization. Shifts may alternate between being exhilarating and a little overwhelming, but the right candidate will relish the challenge.

Additional Details:

• Full-time & Part-time options, hourly pay, 20-40 hours per week
• Position runs August - October 2026, with potential for future employment next year from late April - October 2027
• Time off must be arranged at least 2 weeks in advance with your Staff Director