Visitor Center Associate

Job Description

Non-exempt, part-time, flexible schedule, but must include Sunday and preferably Monday up to 30 hours a week. Reporting to the Visitor Center Manager.

Position Summary:
Tyler Arboretum is seeking an energetic, tech savvy, organized individual with great customer service skills to join our Visitor Center team. This person will be responsible for admitting visitors and other duties specific to the Visitor Center and assisting with events. We project a positive and professional image of Tyler Arboretum to the public, while enhancing visitor experience through a sincere customer driven approach.

Availability and Pay Rate:
• Hours are flexible; daily shifts typically run 5 to 7.5 hours.
• Sunday work required and one to two additional days day per week (preferably Monday). Some evening work is a requirement.
• This position is not eligible for benefits.

Professional Development
As a Visitor Center Associate, you’ll develop valuable skills in customer service, retail operations, event support, public engagement, and facility management while working in one of the region’s most beautiful public gardens. You’ll gain hands-on experience interacting with diverse visitors, supporting educational and community events, and learning about horticulture, conservation, and nonprofit operations. Whether you’re exploring a career in public gardens, environmental education, hospitality, or simply looking to grow your communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills, this role offers meaningful opportunities to learn, build confidence, and make a positive impact every day.

About Us

Tyler Arboretum, a public garden in the Philadelphia suburbs, covers 650-acres of renowned plant collections, champion trees, historic buildings, with 17 miles of hiking trails through woodlands, wetlands, and meadows. The Arboretum offers workshops, classes, and tours for adults and children throughout the year.

Duties & Responsibilities

Visitor Center:
• Provide excellent customer service by phone, email and in person
• Interact daily with the public, including children, volunteers and staff from all levels of the organization
• Process visitor admissions, membership sales and merchandise sales
• Acquaint visitors with arboretum features and activities
• Respond to and/or direct visitor inquiries as appropriate
• Maintain merchandise displays in an aesthetically pleasing manner

Events:
• Assist with the preparation of rental spaces for weddings and events including setting up and taking down tables and chairs
• Assist vendors and guests with transport of items from parking lot to rental space using Tyler vehicles
• Transport guests between parking lot and rental space using Tyler vehicles
• Assist with special events such as Plant Sale and Tyler at Twilight as directed

General Maintenance:
• Unlock or secure buildings and gates as directed
• Maintain cleanliness of public restrooms and common areas
• On some weekends, collect trash and recycling and place in dumpsters using Tyler vehicles
• On some weekends, walk/drive length of deer exclusion fence and report any damage
• In case of snow, spread sand/ice melt, clear walkways/entrances of snow
• Periodically check parking lot for litter
• Assists with general repairs such as painting, patching and other non-contractor repairs

Education and Experience

• Strong spirit of cooperation and teamwork
• Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Strong customer service skills/aptitude
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• Ability to work independently
• Passion for the natural world a plus
• Retail and cash handling experience/aptitude; merchandising a plus
• Database (Altru) skills or willingness/ability to learn
• MS Office skills
• Ability to perform custodial work as described above
• Ability to move tables and chairs on a regular basis as described above
• REQUIRED: Valid driver’s license (training provided for operation of Tyler specific vehicles)
• Frequent, repetitive and prolonged ability to lift, stand, walk, bend, kneel, pull, twist and climb
• Ability to navigate stairs on a regular basis
• Must be able to regularly, repetitively lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions

Application Instructions

Please send a cover letter, with a minimum of three references, and résumé to:
Matt LeVeque at mleveque@tylerarboretum.org or by mail his attention at Tyler Arboretum, 515 Painter Road, Media, PA 19063