Science Store Keyholder Part-Time

PERMANENT PART-TIME

64 hours/month; 2x 8-hour shifts per week (Friday and Saturday)

Position:                          Science Store Keyholder - Part Time

Reports to:                     Manager, Science Store                                               

Science World is a mission-based, charitable organization that supports the development of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Design and Math) literacy across British Columbia. Our mission is to ignite wonder and empower dreams through science and nature and our purpose is Science for All.

Our Science for All strategy is to revitalize Science World with a substantial capital plan to replace critical infrastructure, enhance the visitor experience and develop new content across all our channels under the themes of Regeneration of the Planet, Human Health, and Inclusion. Our plan is to ensure that people throughout British Columbia, especially under-represented communities, have access to high quality, informal STEAM learning. Through our onsite, online and outreach programs, Science World seeks to spark curiosity and wonder in STEAM and support development of talent across communities in the province.

As part of our team, you will join a diverse community that acknowledges everyone’s unique talents and empowers people to do what is right for our visitors, our members, our volunteers and each other. You will work in an environment where we believe in developing our employees and growing their strengths, while focusing on our values: Curious, Playful, Inclusive, Relevant and Collaborative.

Position Description:

This is a unique opportunity to further a career in a customer-facing, team leadership role. Science World’s Science Store is a unique retail environment that offers visitors a one-of-a kind educational experience with gifts, books, toys, science demonstrations and take-home experiments. Our Snack Lab complements our visitors’ experiences by offering tasty treats, such as chocolate/chips, nachos, and coffee/tea.

Your enthusiasm and customer service skills will play a key role in expanding our visitors’ unique learning experiences, by connecting them with science that they can engage with at home.

This is a permanent part-time position; candidates applying must be able to work the minimum of an 8-hour shift every Friday and Saturday (e.g, 64 hours per month).

As a facility, Science World is generally open to the public seven days a week, with some extended evening hours in the summer months. Typical office hours are Monday to Friday 8:00am – 5:30pm, with front-facing and operational teams also working a variety of shifts including weekends, holidays and evenings. Hours of work and other related requirements will be scheduled according to business needs and this may include special events on evenings, weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities:

• Independently oversee the daily opening and closing procedures, and deposits from our POS System Profitek including online orders via Shopify and Snack Lab


• Providing support to the team and visitors. This includes answering general inquiries, problem solving, information services, product knowledge, product demonstrations, and receiving inventory from the loading bay in a helpful, and efficient manner


• Resolving concerns in a timely and professional manner when dealing with difficult situations. Must demonstrate strong conflict resolution and troubleshooting skills in-person, over the phone, and by email


• Ensure that merchandise from suppliers is accurately received and recorded


• Receive and enter merchandise to our Back-Office POS System


• Merchandise, organize stock and maintain a visual level of excellence in the Science Store and Snack Lab under merchandising standards and FIFO procedures set by the Manager and Brand Team


• Ensure Science World’s operational procedures and proper health and safety protocols are being followed which includes routine daily checks of the physical space in the store to make sure a high level of presentation is maintained


• Train staff on providing exceptional customer service, product knowledge and demonstrations, as well as store loss prevention and inventory counts


• Empower the Science Store, Snack Lab Staff to maintain a high level of sales and productivity. Supervise part-time tasks; inventory counts, stamp bags, cleaning tasks, etc.


• Help maintain, develop, and assist with uploading merchandise to our online store


• Lead, train, schedule, and assist staff with Store Product Demos


• Process any inter-departmental purchase orders


• Coin/cash exchanges with Finance staff


• Be a supervisor/In Charge for the Store and Snack Lab if Store Manager is away


• Operate within the philosophy, culture and values of Science World


• Perform other related duties as required to fulfill any changing business needs of this role

Qualifications:

• A minimum of a High School graduation, some post-secondary education preferred


• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in a customer service, tourism, or retail role with experience in meeting and exceeding customer needs and expectations


• A minimum of 6 months experience in a keyholder role is preferred


• Experience in a supervisory role is considered an asset


• Must have speed and accuracy in handling cash for high volume sales, using point of sales and inventory systems, as well as proficient cash reconciliation experience


• Excellent customer service, communication, organizational and interpersonal skills requiring high levels of accuracy and attention to detail


• Ability to lead by example, effectively delegate and motivate the team to actively engage customers


• Ability to work well under pressure and deal directly with the public


• Outgoing personality, resourceful, excellent problem-solving abilities and a strong team player


• Must be able to stand for a sustained period and lift at least 12 kg


• Able to work on weekdays, weekends and holidays

This is a unionized position represented by CUPE 1004. The compensation rate is $23.97/hour.

After successfully completing probation, will be eligible to join the Voluntary RRSP/TFSA Plan and receive paid time off (sick, wellness days).

Do you feel you have not met every requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification in the job posting.

Science World is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment so we strongly encourage you to apply even if you do not believe you meet every single qualification outlined, as you may have transferable skills that would be an asset to our team. 

Please apply by Wednesday February 11, 2026 

Please upload a cover letter and a copy of your resume as part of your application

* All offers are subject to satisfactory completion of reference and police criminal record checks.

We would like to thank all candidates. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted *