Kitt Peak Visitor Center Customer Service Representative

The Kitt Peak Visitor Center (KPVC) is comprised of the museum, retail gift shop, the four Kitt Peak Visitor Center (KPVC) telescopes and the NOIRLab Windows on the Universe Center for Astronomy Outreach (Windows Center) with its Science on Sphere (SoS), 3 Heliostats and visualization theater. The KPVC operates as an integral part of the Communications, Education & Engagement (CEE) unit under the matrixed supervision of the Head of CEE and the Director of Mid-Scale Observatories (MSO).

The KPVC Gift Shop Customer Service Representative serves as the public face of Kitt Peak National Observatory to visitors and callers. Our diverse visitor base comes from 6 continents and all 50 states. We are seeking a Cashier to join our team and professionally carry out the assigned duties in the Kitt Peak Visitor Center and Gift Shop, which is open 362 days annually. The opportunity is part-time, and hours can vary seasonally.

Essential Functions:

• Opens and operates Kitt Peak Visitor Center and Gift Shop on all assigned mornings and shuts down on assigned afternoons/evenings.
• Operates Point of Sale (POS) cash register to sell, exchange or return merchandise, adjusting inventory, and producing a variety of reports, accurately process all transactions, performs precise cash and change counting, and carefully tracks receipts and other retail or visitor program documents.
• Sell tickets for Visitor Center program and tours using Fareharbor tablet.
• Pleasantly and promptly greets all visitors in person and by phone and assists visitors and answers a wide variety of questions by the general public, docents, and other staff.
• Receives new or restock supplies of inventory, enters items into the POS, prints barcodes, attaches labels, and restocks retail merchandise. Prepares merchandise shipments and assists with returns.
• Actively assists with annual inventory of merchandise performed every September.
• Works closely and cooperatively with the Visitor Center’s Assistant Manager and the Visitor Center Operations Manager. All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all.
• AURA property within their work area, whether assigned to them or someone else. This responsibility includes reporting any known missing, stolen, or non-working property in their work area to their supervisor or the AURA Property Officer. For detailed information on proper custodial care of government property, refer to the AURA Employee Handbook.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position as defined in the Vela Award Management system.

Other Functions:

• Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.
• At least two years of experience in a commercial or nonprofit retail setting with use of a computerized cash register (POS), accurate counting of cash, keeping control of all receipts, and precisely following daily accounting procedures.
• Must be willing to work most weekends and some holidays.
• Ability to engage the public with enthusiasm and tact and respond professionally to unusual or unexpected situations. This includes maintaining the confidentiality of information pertaining to staff, docents, and customers.
• Ability to work politely and professionally as a team player with other staff and departments.
• Able to stand for extended periods of time, climb stairs, lift and carry 35 pounds, and comfortably speak and work at 6,800 feet altitude. Able to work closely with woven and other Tohono O’odham crafts composed of grasses, roots, or other biologic materials.
• Ability to quickly learn the correct use of a wide variety of computer functions especially email, internet, program scheduling, docent forum, and cash register programs.
• CPR and AED certification will be required and will be provided by NOIRLab.
• Satisfactory completion of all other required safety training provided by NOIRLab.
• Strong self-motivation to remain productive and engaged when the supervisor is not present.

Work Environment:

This position operates in a professional office environment and routinely utilizes standard office equipment, including computers, phones, and copiers. The work environment is generally quiet and may involve working in close proximity to others, depending on the needs of the specific function

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.

• Occasional need to move about inside the office environment to access files, office tools, attendance in a meeting room, etc.

• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity tools that require fine motor skills, such as a calculator, copy machine, computer printer, etc.

• May occasionally need to position self to maintain computer and related tools.

• Seldomly needed to move objects up to 10 pounds.

• Constant communication with other individuals. Must be able to discern and exchange information as appropriate to the situation.

• Constant need to distinguish, discern, and identify a variety of objects and fine details with accuracy.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required by personnel so classified. This Institute promotes Equal Employment Opportunity workplace that includes reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified, disabled applicants and employees.

Salary Range: $17.20/hour, the final salary will depend on skills, qualifications, and experience. 

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at Benefits by Location - Aura Human Resources. 

Preference will be given to qualified internal candidates and qualified Native Americans living on or near the Tohono O'odham reservation. 

How to Apply:

Apply by April 30, 2026 for priority consideration. This position will remain open until it is filled. Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume. Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance here. 

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Salary : $17