Visitor Services Assistant - Part time (Open until Filled)

JOB SUMMARY:  

Ensure key and high-profile operations run smoothly for all aspects of the visitor experience at the City of Columbia Welcome Center; interacting with general public patrons to provide information regarding events, exhibits, overnight lodging, attractions and other places of interest to visit. Duties may include; receiving inventory; setting up merchandise displays; responding to visitors’ questions or concerns in a manner that ensures a positive outcome for the visitor and the City; entering data into a personal computer (PC) to produce correspondence, forms, monthly statistical reports, and other materials for publication or distribution; and keeping front desk stocked; cleaning and maintaining work area; ensuring the safety of the general public; assisting with the setup, implementation, and cleanup of special events; and related duties as assigned. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Represent the City of Columbia, Visit Columbia, TN, and the community in a positive and professional manner
• Welcome walk-in visitors and help with any inquiries, listening to their questions and needs
• Answer and return phone calls as needed
• Research and provide information when requested
• Assist with visitor inquiry fulfillment, including Welcome Center mailings 
• Maintain records for visitor data and retail sales, post information to records
• Compile simple statistics for daily records and monthly reports
• Assist visitors with any purchases made within the Welcome Center, including performing Point of Sale transactions
• Assist visitors with the Welcome Center info kiosk
• Organize, update, restock supply of Visit Columbia, TN literature and merchandise including lifting & moving boxes
• Maintain a clean and pleasant atmosphere in and around the Welcome Center
• Keep the Welcome Center clean and sanitary by sweeping, dusting floors, windows and fixtures, also straightening merchandise/displays
• Closing procedures for the Welcome Center, including setting alarm system
• Learn about Columbia attractions, lodging, and restaurants 
• Build relationships with area attractions and request the most up-to-date information from area 
• Support the Tourism and Marketing Director in any capacity, when needed  
• Communicate with visitors, volunteers, activity participants, other City employees, vendors, management, and the general public in order to convey specific information relating to the City of Columbia
• Safety and security procedures
• Make flyers/signage, write lists, and activity reports
• Performs physical inventories of informational materials and merchandise 
• May assist with set up and/or removal of folding tables, chairs, barricades, and/or traffic cones for activities, or events 
• Meet scheduling and attendance requirements

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS: Performs other related duties as required.

SUPERVISORY FUNCTIONS: None

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS:

Knowledge of:

• Columbia area attractions, lodging, events, & restaurants
• Social media 
• The latest digital marketing trends; customer service, quality, and teamwork concepts
• English grammar usage, spelling, punctuation, and business vocabulary and modern office practices, procedures, and equipment
• Personal computer software, including Microsoft Office;
• The City of Columbia's government organization, website, and the community of Columbia;
• Exceptional customer service practices; and 
• Policies, procedures, and services of City departments 

Skills in:

• Operate standard office equipment including PCs, calculators, copiers, etc.
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Friendly attitude and exceptional people skills 
• Excellent verbal and written communication with the ability to clearly and succinctly convey information

Ability to:

• Work a flexible schedule, including weekends and some evenings
• Listen to visitors with the purpose of understanding their needs
• Lift and carry loads up to 20 lbs
• Work independently with frequent interruptions and changing or competing deadlines
• including the ability to operate a PC and use word processing software

REQUIRED EDUCATION/OR EXPERIENCE: 

Education and/or experience in customer service-related field of work, public contact work experience including retail transactions and/or office clerical work. Employee’s schedules will vary. 

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Requires stooping, standing, and kneeling. Sits or stands for long periods of time and circulates through center in order to monitor security of displays and safety of visitors.

Work is performed in retail environment; some assignments are performed in the field with exposure to variations in temperature and humidity; continuous contact with other staff and the public.