Welcome Center Sales Associate

Turn Your Passion for the Outdoors into a Career

ABOUT US

Do you come alive on the trail? Love hiking, birdwatching, camping, or simply spending your days surrounded by nature? If the idea of wearing hiking boots to work, spotting wildlife during your lunch break, and being part of a collaborative, mission-driven team excites you, then Boyce Thompson Arboretum may be the perfect place for you.

Founded in 1924 by mining pioneer William Boyce Thompson, Boyce Thompson Arboretum is Arizona's oldest and largest botanical garden. Situated on 374 breathtaking acres at the base of Picket Post Mountain and bordering the Tonto National Forest in Superior, Arizona, the Arboretum offers a truly unique work environment unlike any other.

Our living collection showcases extraordinary plants from the world's deserts and arid regions alongside the native beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Every day brings opportunities to experience nature firsthand, with miles of scenic trails, spectacular mountain views, and abundant wildlife throughout the grounds. It's not unusual to encounter javelina, bobcats, roadrunners, hummingbirds, and a variety of native and migratory birds while working and exploring the Arboretum.

As an independent nonprofit organization, we're united by a shared passion for conservation, education, horticulture, and creating meaningful experiences for our visitors. We value teamwork, stewardship, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.

Located just 30 minutes from Mesa and one hour from downtown Phoenix, Boyce Thompson Arboretum offers the opportunity to build a rewarding career while enjoying the beauty, adventure, and tranquility of the Arizona outdoors.

If you're looking for more than just a job—and want to be part of a community that inspires connection with nature every day—we'd love to hear from you.

JOB SUMMARY

As a part of the Boyce Thompson Arboretum’s Welcome Center Team, the Welcome Center Sales Associate, is a vital part of the visitor experience. This individual provides admission, retail, and membership sales while offering friendly, knowledgeable customer service support. They engage with a wide variety of visitors, requiring strong interpersonal skills to create a welcoming environment. This position requires a self-motivated individual who can manage multiple tasks in a sometimes fast-paced environment. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate point-of-sale system to sell admission tickets, merchandise, and memberships. 
• Provide excellent customer service support for visitors and special event attendees. 
• Answer phone calls and provide information and guidance to callers. 
• Count and balance cash drawers, safes, and receipts according to cash handling procedures and training. 
• Stock Welcome Center Gift Shop with merchandise in an organized and visually appealing fashion.   
• Assist in inventory counts and maintenance of the dynamic digital inventory system. 
• Water potted plants in the retail nursery. 
• Perform general cleaning duties, which includes sweeping, dusting, mopping, and vacuuming of the Welcome Center spaces.   
• Assist Janitorial staff on high volume visitor days with bathroom maintenance and trash pickup throughout the Arboretum grounds.   
• Other duties as assigned. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma, HSED, or GED 
• 1 year of retail sales or customer service experience 
• Must hold a valid Driver’s License

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 
• Knowledge of basic arithmetic, computers, point of sale, spreadsheets, office equipment etc. 
• Ability to effectively communicate with supervisors, staff and volunteers. 
• Must be available to work a minimum of one day of the weekend each week and occasionally evenings for events.   

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS?

• Ability to occasionally perform work outside in extreme weather conditions. Summer temperatures may exceed 110 degrees F.   
• Ability to communicate with fellow staff, applicants, stakeholders, visitors, and donors. Communication will include one-to-one, small, and large group communication. Communications need to be in English. Communication means both written and oral communication.
• Ability to work in a standing position for up to 8 hours at a time.
• This position will also require the ability to stand, bend, crouch, walk, lift, and carry.   
• Ability to lift 30 pounds regularly and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds with assistance.   
• Must have the ability to walk short distances and move throughout the arboretum office and grounds, occasionally traverse uneven terrain and hiking conditions, and perform repetitive movement of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Fully functional vision is required to perform essential duties of the position (prescription lenses are acceptable).