Temporary Program/ Extension Aide - Visitor Center

About The Opportunity

We are seeking a part-time Visitor Center Assistant to join a dynamic team serving the Lab's local and global audiences. The Cornell Lab's Visitor Center in Sapsucker Woods offers visitors from near and far a unique chance to connect with the Lab and our mission to interpret and conserve the earth's biodiversity.

The Visitor Center Assistant will play a key role in the Lab's mission by providing a welcoming environment and engaging with the public. Highlighting the many experiences and exhibits within the newly redesigned Visitor Center the Visitor Center Assistant will serve as a bridge between the content and visitor.

As the Visitor Center Assistant, you will work to support our public-facing efforts. Job responsibilities include:

• Serve as the ambassador of the Lab and its programs to visitors.

• As the first point of contact at the Front Desk, greet, orient, and direct visitors and groups, providing individualized guidance to ensure the best possible visit.

• Provide visitors with information on accessibility resources as needed.

• Address and resolve visitor needs, concerns, and questions diplomatically. Think creatively to solve issues and find solutions for unplanned events or circumstances.

• Assist with incoming emails and phone calls.

• Oversee and participate in opening and closing operations for the Visitor Center.

• Maintain inventory of materials and supplies in the Visitor Center, communicating any needs with the appropriate staff.

• Maintain exhibits, testing exhibit technology each day and reporting any issues to appropriate staff.

• Accept potential specimens for study skins and collect information. Check the observatory windows for bird collisions. Follow appropriate collection guidelines.

• Place calls to CU police, EMT, Environmental Health and Safety when needed.

• Serve as the main point of contact for volunteers and student employees running scheduled programs.

• Suggest programming and resources based on visitor needs and requests.

• Provide logistical support for special events and workshops when necessary.

• Communicate regularly with the Lab's Facilities Team to make sure the Visitor Center, and trails at Sapsucker Woods are well-maintained, safe, and meet the needs of visitors and groups.

This is a part-time temporary position with the option for renewal. This six month position will work a flexible schedule of 8-12 hours/week with the primary hours being Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Ithaca, NY. Additional hours are available for holidays when the Visitor Center remains open, and when coverage is needed during weekdays.

What We Need

The successful candidate will have formal training beyond a HS diploma of 6 month to 1 year. Three years of experience in customer service, in a museum or similar setting.

• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.

• Excellent customer service and oral/written communication skills.

• Must enjoy working with the public of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

• Basic clerical skills including filing, phone operation, office equipment, working knowledge of Microsoft Suite, Zoom, Google Suite, Qualtrics, and other online platforms.

• Ability to work independently and learn new technologies.

• Must be flexible, show initiative, manage priorities, and maintain positivity with visitors and when unplanned.

• Have knowledge of, or willingness to learn about, the Lab's history, programs, research, and resources available to visitors.

• Must exercise good judgment in emergency situations either in the building or on the trails.

• Knowledge of North American birds and regional natural history.

• Obtain and maintain PCI compliance training.

• Required to be available on weekends and, if able, fill in on an emergency basis.

• Must have demonstrated ability for working collaboratively and inclusively. Proven ability to work in a team environment where cooperation between colleagues and flexibility to different styles and approaches is required.

Preferably the successful candidate will also have the following;

• Bachelor's degree or other formal training.

• Expertise in bird identification and biology.

• Experience in environmental education and outreach, a museum, or a similar setting.

• Knowledgeable about the local area and Finger Lakes region.

• Experience in providing scientific content to the general public.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

This is a casual temporary position without benefits.

University Job Title:

Job Family:

Level:

Pay Rate Type:

Pay Range:

Remote Option Availability:

Company:

Contact Name:

Contact Email:

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

• Unique applicable skills

• Academic Discipline

To learn more about Cornell's non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell's union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

Current Employees:

If you currently work at Cornell University, please exit this website and log in to Workday using your Net ID and password. Select the Career icon on your Home dashboard to view jobs at Cornell.

Online Submission Guidelines:

Most positions at Cornell will require you to apply online and submit both a resume/CV and cover letter. You can upload documents either by "dragging and dropping" them into the dropbox or by using the "upload" icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website.

Employment Assistance:

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu.

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu.

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing mycareer@cornell.edu.

Notice to Applicants:

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEO Statement:

Cornellwelcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of "... any person ... any study." No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeksjob candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. Wehire based on merit, andencourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.