What are the responsibilities and job description for the Customer Relations Associate position at Fernwood Botanical Garden?
Temporary Customer Relations Associate
About the Organization
Fernwood is a special place where people, plants, and nature come together. Beautiful gardens surrounded by forest are tucked into a landscape of 105 acres of cultivated and natural areas along the scenic St. Joseph River valley. Miles of trails await, and indoors, visitors may enjoy an art gallery, fern conservatory, Education Center, café, and gift shop. Fernwood offers many possibilities for learning and enrichment, including classes, workshops, lectures, concerts, trips, exhibits, and special events.
Job Description
Fernwood is seeking a temporary part-time employee to work in the Visitors Center, ideal for those interested in nature or gardening. This customer service role aims to create the best experience for guests and Fernwood members at all times. All applicants should consistently have reliable transportation throughout the employment period. Previous customer service experience is preferred, but not required. Although it is not required, Fernwood believes that applicants with an interest in nature or gardening will find this role particularly rewarding.
Expectations:
● Must be able to consistently work weekends and be open to occasional evenings if needed.
● The temporary Customer Relations Associate can expect to work 1-3 shifts per week, accruing up to 16 hours.
● All applicants should feel comfortable engaging with staff, volunteers, and visitors daily, even if specific assigned responsibilities are not customer-facing.
● Although we do not require staff to wear a uniform, attire should be appropriate for a family-friendly environment and comfortable throughout your shift. Qualifications:
● Strong customer service skills: welcome every visitor and offer direction, clarification, and assistance as needed to each individual.
● Reliable and consistently able to fulfill your shifts and schedule.
● Good at taking direction and completing assigned tasks.
● Comfortable standing throughout the shift and walking throughout the garden when needed.
● Comfortable communicating with a walkie-talkie, if and when needed.
● Able to stay calm when busy.
● Previous cash handling experience preferred but not required.
● Consistently able to complete opening and closing responsibilities, daily operational tasks, and assigned projects.
● Great at working independently or with a group.
Daily Tasks
● Customer Service
○ Checking in visitors and members at the register
○ Gift Shop transactions
○ Description of Fernwood’s property and awareness of what is blooming
○ Answering phones, taking messages, or transferring calls
○ Promoting Fernwood Memberships, special events, programs, and the cafe.
● Visitor Center Monitoring
○ Periodically checking restrooms for cleanliness
○ Restocking gift shop merchandise and snack center as needed
○ Printing maps, scavenger hunts, and membership forms as needed
○ Opening and Closing side work, such as unlocking doors and turning on lights.
○ Railway Garden and Conservatory monitoring
● Communication
○ Contact Grounds staff when needed for maintenance and garden needs
○ Check work email at each scheduled shift
○ Inform management of concerns related to customers, IT, and inventory.
○ Appropriate notifications for requests off and availability changes
Please send a resume to mkrinock@fernwoodbotanical.org to schedule an interview.
Application Deadline: May 1, 2026
Employment Duration: Temporary, May - October
Wage: $16/hour
Salary : $16