The Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center (SLHVC) Guest Support Associate is responsible for supporting quality and positive experiences for all SLHVC guests. They assist the SLHVC Director and Visitor Experience Manager in all aspects of guest services, from greeting to answering questions, to assisting in the logistics of event hosting.

*Hiring Seasonal/Temporary Full-time & Part-time 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

The following reflects SDSTA’s definition of essential functions for this position and does not restrict other tasks that may be assigned. SDSTA retains the right to re-evaluate the duties of the position when considering a reasonable accommodation or at other appropriate times. The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

Supports the Visitor Experience

• Maintains a welcoming environment for all guests of the SLHVC.
• Greets, welcomes and offers assistance and information to all guests.
• Models core value of “safety first” to ensure the safety of visitors and staff by following safety policies and procedures and informing supervisors of maintenance and repairs as needed.
• Retells and relays important or interesting information and anecdotes in a manner that enhances the guest experience.
• Tailors tour content to the age and interest of guests and visitors.
• Promotes facility amenities and activities at the SLHVC and supports the promotion of other local events and activities.
• Performs light cleaning duties such as mopping and trash removal.
• Stays informed and knowledgeable about all exhibits, both historic and scientific.

Supports the Gift Shop

• Processes inventory items, checks in inventory and enters it into the point of sale (POS) system.
• Accepting and processing transactions, operating the POS register and resolving return issues.
• Prices inventory, arranges displays, and restocks shelves as needed.
• Cleans, rearranges displays and ensures a tidy gift shop.
• Assists customers with purchases through engagement, education and closing of sale.

Other Essential Functions

• Maintains consistent and reliable attendance.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education

• N/A.

Certifications and Licenses

• N/A.

Experience

• Experience in retail sales or guest services is preferred.
• Experience working with the public and providing excellent customer service is preferred.

Competencies, Knowledge and Skills 

• Exercises Due Diligence—Manages resources and day-to-day activities in a manner that instill public trust.
• Organization—Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time, and proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Relationship Building—Develops and maintains effective, cooperative working relationships with guests and coworkers.
• Safety—Ability to learn, understand and comply with SDSTA’s ESH Manual safety program.

Working Conditions

The working conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. When applicable and appropriate, consideration will be given to reasonable accommodations.

• Perform work in a visitor center with ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, toxic or caustic chemicals.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet while in the office, or moderately loud when in the visitor center.
• The company is committed to providing a safe working environment and adheres to all relevant health and safety regulations.
• Employees are expected to comply with SDSTA’s ESH Manual safety program.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to safety Standards protocols are mandatory.
• Act in accordance with SDSTA’s core values: Safety Focused, Care for Others, Professionalism and Being a Team Player.

Mental and Physical Demands

• Regular interaction with guests, team members, supervisors, and other departments
• Patience and empathy when dealing with customer issues.
• Ability to follow safety protocols and procedures.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to multitask and manage time effectively.
• Capacity to remain calm under pressure.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Capability to lift and carry products up to 25 pounds.
• Can move and/or lift up to 50 pounds, heavier merchandise with team assistance
• Manual dexterity to handle merchandise and operate point-of-sale systems.
• Hearing, Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses)

Job Information

Supervisory Duties:  No

Direct Reports:  N/A

Work Arrangements:  On-Site

Hours:  M-F; 7AM - 4PM

Travel Required:  0%

Mission/Vision/Core Values

Mission: We advance world-class science and inspire learning across generations.

Vision: The world’s preferred location for underground science and education.

Core Values:

• Safety Focused: We do not compromise safety or endanger the environment.
• Care for Others: We embrace and honor the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals. We listen knowing everyone has something to offer and to learn.
• Professional: What we do is important to our community and the world. We sweat the details to achieve big things. Our behavior and ethics exemplify our best.
• Team Players: We provide unmatched service. We are respectful and deliver for our customers and partners. We build trust not barriers.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement 

The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) is an equal opportunity employer committed to the development of a diverse workforce. We foster a work community where every individual feels welcomed, valued, respected and heard and discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or political affiliation is prohibited.