Job Description

Job Code

403012 Staff Assistant I

Sub-Unit

Harvard Museums of Science and Culture

049

Time Status

Full-time

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Basic Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent
• One year experience in a public-facing role; education may count toward experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Excellent communication skills, attention to detail, computer aptitude, punctuality, and a positive, team-oriented approach.
• Familiarity with operating a computerized cash register.
• Demonstrated proficiency in accomplishing multiple objectives in a fast-paced, high-volume atmosphere.
• Attention to data accuracy and adherence to established departmental policy and procedure.
• Interest in museums helpful.
• Weekends and some holidays required. Note that the museums are open for business 361 days per year, and Visitor Services staff are considered essential employees to continue working throughout the year. Schedule is 5.5 hours on Sunday, 7 hours on Monday, 7.5 hours Thursday-Saturday, 35 hours per week.
• Additional language skills a plus.

Additional Information

The Harvard Museums of Science and Culture (HMSC) is a partnership of public museums in Harvard\'s Faculty of Arts and Sciences that includes the Harvard Museum of Natural History, the Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East, the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments and the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology.

All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

We regret that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

This position is subject to a background check.

Department

Harvard Museums of Science and Culture

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Schedule

Weekends and some holidays required. Note that the museums are open for business 361 days per year, and Visitor Services staff are considered essential employees to continue working throughout the year.

The schedule is 5.5 hours on Sunday, 7 hours on Monday, 7.5 hours Thursday-Saturday, 35.5 hours per week.

Job Function

General Administration

Position Description

The Visitor Services Representative will:

• Greet visitors and provide assistance and information on an array of topics including exhibits, directions and building amenities, membership, passes and programmatic offerings, and general Harvard and departmental information as appropriate.
• Direct incoming calls and respond to inquiries from the general information phone lines.
• Assist with processing school and commercial group visits using a computerized reservation system.
• Perform transactions on a computerized Point of Sale (POS) system.
• Assist with basic opening procedures of the museums, be familiar with daily memos and schedules, and restock print materials.
• Assist with basic closing procedures including daily accounting and reconciliation, neatness in the lobby, and securing the main entrance.
• Respond to public safety issues and emergencies as required; report any physical plant or operations issues to appropriate staff.
• As part of the museum\'s staffing plan, this role is expected to provide support to the museum retail shop and other visitor services locations as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

School/Unit

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to routinely lift up to 30 lbs and climb stairs

Working Conditions

This on-site position will be based in Cambridge, MA.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Job Summary

The Harvard Museums of Science & Culture are dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment- including fostering respect for all, serving the greater good, and welcoming individuals from a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. To learn more about HMSC\'s mission, objectives, and core values, please visit our website

Description:

Serving as a member of the front-line staff for the Harvard Museums of Science & Culture, Visitor Services Representatives provide the highest level of customer service to ensure that all museum visitors have a positive experience. This position involves welcoming visitors and groups, processing admissions payments, and conveying general museum information to the public in a professional manner.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

Benefits

We invite you to visit to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Work Format

On-Site

Harvard University