Guest Experience Associate, Wildflower Center
General Notes
The University of Texas at Austin Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is committed to inspiring the conservation of native plants through its public botanic garden and its education, research and outreach programs. Founded by Lady Bird Johnson and Helen Hayes in 1982, the Wildflower Center is the state botanic garden, a community gem, and a national leader in the field of native plant education, sustainable landscapes, land restoration and research. It is home to the largest living collection of Texas native plants in the state, welcomes 240,000 visitors annually, has 16,000 members and reaches more than 2 million people through its website. The Center is focused on improving landscapes, promoting biodiversity, and connecting people with our environment.
Purpose
This position acts as a responsible representative of the Wildflower Center and on-site liaison to clients, vendors and guests during special events and exhibitions. The Guest Experience Associate ensures that the Center’s policies and procedures are upheld during these special events. Events include, but are not limited to weddings, private events, community events, and exhibitions.
Weddings and private events: The Guest Experience Associate will be the direct point of contact for the client and vendors during the set-up, tear down, and duration of these events. Since many of these events take place after hours this position will require weekday, evening, and most of all weekend availability. Shifts range from 4-8 hours.
Responsibilities
Wedding and private event shift responsibilities will include:
· Function as on-site coordinator by interacting with vendors and guests.
· Trouble-shoot issues with all outside vendors and visitors. Provide guests and staff high quality services and problem-solving options.
· Connect with on-site vendors as their point of contact for the event.
· Actively monitor events for the duration of the event, including set-up and strike.
· Ensure that events begin and conclude according to the event schedule.
· Complete an event report upon conclusion.
· Comply with all safety policies, practices, and procedures. Report all unsafe activities to supervisors. Participate in initiative-taking team efforts to achieve departmental and organizational goals. Responsible for implementation of a quality system as it applies to the specific activities being performed.
· Provide leadership to others through example and sharing of knowledge/skill.
· Perform other duties as assigned.
Exhibitions shift responsibilities will include duties to assist the garden and facilities:
· Greet and engage guests.
· Monitor Center for safety and damages.
· Restock restrooms.
· Sweep facilities, including restrooms.
· Weed garden beds.
· Move mulch.
· Communicate with staff and volunteers.
· Minimum requirement will be two shifts per week.
Required Qualifications
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated problem-solving abilities.
- Enthusiastic about working with the public.
- Demonstrated great customer service.
- Ability to support and enforce the Wildflower Center's policies and guidelines.
- Reliable transportation to the Wildflower Center.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Salary
$18.00/hour
Working Conditions
• May work in all weather conditions.
• May work in extreme temperatures.
• May work around standard office conditions.
• May work around electrical and mechanical hazards.
• Use of manual dexterity.
• Climbing of stairs.
• Climbing of ladders.
• Lifting and moving.
• Field work as necessary.
Work Shift
• Weekday, weekend, and evening availability is necessary for this position.
Required Materials
· Resume
· 3 work references with their contact information including email address; at least one reference should be from a supervisor.
· Letter of interest: please include the type(s) of special events you prefer as described above.