Gift Shop Attendant

Position Title: Gift Shop Attendant
Department: Museum Operations / Retail
Location: Grove Farm Museum, Līhuʻe, Hawaiʻi
Reports To: Designated Supervisor / Management
Employment Status: Full-Time / Part-Time (as assigned)
Classification: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Gift Shop Attendant is responsible for providing a welcoming, professional, and informative experience for all visitors to Grove Farm Museum. As one of the first points of contact for guests, this position plays an important role in representing Nuhou Corporation, supporting museum operations, and promoting the organization's mission of preserving and sharing Kauaʻi's history and cultural heritage.

The Gift Shop Attendant is responsible for daily retail operations, merchandise sales, visitor assistance, maintaining a clean and organized retail environment, and supporting museum tours, programs, and special events as needed.

This position requires a dependable, self-motivated individual who demonstrates excellent customer service, professionalism, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while maintaining established operational standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Guest Services and Visitor Experience

• Greet all visitors warmly and professionally, creating a positive first impression of Grove Farm Museum and Nuhou Corporation.

• Provide accurate information regarding museum tours, operating hours, admission fees, special programs, and events.

• Assist visitors with inquiries, reservations, and general museum information.

• Promote museum tours, memberships, gift shop merchandise, and upcoming programs.

• Respond to visitor concerns professionally and refer matters requiring management attention to the appropriate supervisor.

• Maintain a welcoming and attentive presence throughout assigned working hours.

2. Gift Shop Operations and Sales

• Perform daily opening and closing procedures according to established guidelines.

• Operate the point-of-sale system accurately, including processing cash, credit card, and other approved transactions.

• Maintain accountability for all transactions, receipts, and cash handling.

• Assist customers with merchandise selection, product information, and purchases.

• Monitor merchandise displays and ensure shelves are appropriately stocked, organized, and visually appealing.

• Assist with receiving, pricing, labeling, and inventorying merchandise.

• Report inventory shortages, damaged merchandise, and operational concerns to management.

• Support retail sales goals and identify opportunities to improve the guest experience and merchandise presentation.

3. Facility Cleanliness and Organization

• Maintain a clean, safe, and presentable gift shop and surrounding assigned visitor areas.

• Perform routine housekeeping duties, including dusting, sweeping, organizing merchandise, and maintaining counters and displays.

• Ensure entrances, walkways, and visitor-accessible areas remain free of unnecessary clutter and potential safety hazards.

• Handle historic displays, artifacts, and merchandise with appropriate care, following established preservation guidelines.

• Promptly report maintenance concerns, unsafe conditions, or property damage to management.

4. Administrative and Operational Support

• Maintain accurate daily sales records, visitor counts, and other required documentation.

• Answer telephone calls, respond to general inquiries, and direct communications appropriately.

• Assist with museum tour scheduling, reservations, and visitor check-in procedures.

• Complete assigned administrative duties in a timely and accurate manner.

• Communicate operational updates, visitor concerns, and relevant information to management.

• Support special events, educational programs, membership initiatives, and fundraising activities as assigned.

5. Professional Conduct and Workplace Accountability

• Report to work on time, properly dressed, and prepared to perform assigned duties.

• Clock in and out on-site in accordance with established company timekeeping policies.

• Maintain professional attire and personal appearance consistent with company dress code requirements.

• Remain attentive, alert, and actively engaged in assigned responsibilities throughout scheduled working hours.

• Follow established schedules, break periods, attendance policies, and supervisory instructions.

• Refrain from sleeping, engaging in excessive personal activities, or otherwise neglecting assigned duties while on the clock.

• Maintain a professional and respectful working relationship with coworkers, management, volunteers, and visitors.

• Protect confidential organizational, financial, and visitor information.

• Demonstrate initiative by identifying and completing necessary tasks during slower business periods.

• Follow all company policies, safety procedures, and operational guidelines.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

• Previous retail, hospitality, customer service, or museum experience preferred.

• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills.

• Basic computer skills and ability to operate a point-of-sale system.

• Ability to accurately handle cash and process financial transactions.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Dependable attendance, punctuality, and professional conduct.

• Willingness to learn and share information about Grove Farm Museum and Kauaʻi's history.

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends or special events when required.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.

• Ability to bend, reach, and perform routine retail housekeeping duties.

• Ability to lift and move merchandise and supplies weighing up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Ability to work in a historic property environment with varying temperatures and visitor activity.

• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Performance Expectations

The Gift Shop Attendant will be evaluated on the following:

• Customer Service: Consistently provides courteous, attentive, and professional visitor interactions.

• Reliability and Attendance: Reports to work as scheduled, follows timekeeping procedures, and maintains dependable attendance.

• Productivity: Remains engaged in assigned responsibilities and uses available work time effectively.

• Operational Accuracy: Maintains accurate sales transactions, documentation, and inventory records.

• Cleanliness and Presentation: Consistently maintains the gift shop and assigned visitor areas to established standards.

• Teamwork and Communication: Works cooperatively with colleagues and communicates effectively with management.

• Policy Compliance: Demonstrates consistent adherence to organizational policies, workplace safety standards, and professional expectations.

Additional Responsibilities

As a member of a small nonprofit organization, the Gift Shop Attendant may be asked to assist with additional museum operations, community programs, special events, and other reasonable duties as assigned by management.

All assigned responsibilities must be performed in accordance with Nuhou Corporation's established policies, operational standards, and mission.