Position Summary
This position is responsible for greeting and assisting callers, including members and guests, answering a wide range of questions, processing transactions, and providing exceptional customer service. This position serves as a point of contact for both Member Services and guest inquiries, responding to phone calls, emails, and in-person requests related to guest experience, membership, events, and general information The Florida Aquarium (TFA). This position requires strong multitasking skills, attention to detail, and a flexible schedule that includes weekends.
Essential Position Functions
- Serve as a primary point of contact for inbound communications to Guest Services (e.g., phone, email, etc.)
- Answer incoming calls, transfer calls as needed and deliver messages via email
- Respond to general questions about Aquarium programs, products, events, hours of operation, directions, parking information, dwell time, animal collection, and other guest experience inquiries
- Calmly and professionally assist guests in stressful situations, handling refunds, rescheduling inquiries, and other guest-related transactions
- Maintain the Aquarium’s general and membership email inboxes, responding to inquiries and forwarding messages as appropriate
- Promptly return voicemails, emails, requests, and any other inquiries, providing status updates as needed
- Assist in training Guest Service Associates rotating into guest correspondence on days this position is not scheduled to work
- Oversee and maintain accurate data entry and membership fulfillment processes for on-site, phone, and online transactions
- Maintain organized files and records for membership and guest correspondence activities
- Promote and sell Memberships and Added Value Experiences (AVEs) in the lobby, over the phone, and at off-site events as needed; eligible to earn commissions on qualifying sales
- Update and maintain Guest Correspondence Manual, records, and reports, documenting key information for team member reference
- Record informational material for reception information logs and share recorded information with Guest Services, Marketing, Business Intelligence, etc.
- Produce a weekly summary of guest correspondence by topic and type, identifying trends and recurring themes
- Communicate urgent guest inquiries, requests, and concerns to appropriate team members and provide timely updates to support coordinated resolution
- Work closely with Business Intelligence and TFA Receptionist to identify aligned guest feedback trends
- Perform a variety of complex administrative and clerical functions in accordance with established procedures (e.g. database maintenance projects, coordinate and schedule meetings, etc.)
- Collaborate with Guest Services to provide extraordinary customer service and ensure a seamless, high-quality experience for all Aquarium members, guests, and internal customers
- Serve as liaison for guests requesting to speak with a team member or specific department
- Interact with vendors, team members, guests, members, job applicants, and board members as required
- Assist with various projects and tasks as assigned by both Membership and Guest Services teams
- Adhere to all Florida Aquarium guidelines for cash-handling personnel
- Embrace and actively demonstrate TFA’s Core Values, ensuring they guide daily decision-making, professional conduct, and collaboration across all teams
- Support TFA’s Shared Purpose by participating in a Conservation Day of Action shift on an annual basis
- Other duties as assigned
Education Requirements and Technical Skills
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.
- Minimum of two years of experience in customer service, retail, ticket sales, or as a receptionist/switchboard operator.
- Familiarity with database software (e.g. Altru/Ticketure POS) experience preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office software (Outlook, Word and Excel).
- Typing skills of 45 wpm minimum.
- Bilingual or proficiency in Spanish is a plus.
Competencies
- Customer Focus – Demonstrates courtesy, cooperation and friendliness with staff, volunteers and customers. Actively listens, anticipates and evaluates the customer’s needs. Ensures that customer satisfaction is a priority in all areas of responsibility. Actively engages our customers while fulfilling job responsibilities.
- Interpersonal Skills/Teamwork – Demonstrates the ability to work collaboratively within a team and across departments for organizational success. Demonstrates a positive attitude and initiative, seeks to understand before being understood. Fosters a positive, supportive and encouraging work environment. Demonstrates respect for other’s opinions, trusts in their abilities and recognizes their contributions.
- Professional/Technical Knowledge — Remains current on developments in the field within and outside the organization; maintains proficiencies.
- Customer Service Orientation — Listening and understanding the customer (both internal and external) and anticipating and evaluating the customer’s needs; making the customer’s satisfaction a high priority in all areas of responsibility.
- Judgment — Deciding on and committing to an action on the examination of the facts at hand; finding creative solutions to situations and opportunities that arise; taking strategic risks when necessary.
- Teamwork — Supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities that promote team effectiveness; demonstrating sensitivity for the feelings and needs of team members and supporting team goals.
- Concern for Detail — Pays attention to every portion of any task, down to the smallest item
- Initiative — Taking actions to achieve goals; self-starting and proactive; asserting oneself to support others in the achievement of their goals; originating action rather than responding only to the actions of others; anticipating the needs of both internal and external constituencies.
Typical Physical Requirements
- Sitting (up to 8 hours per day)
- Standing / Walking (up to 4 hours per day)
- Lifting / Carrying (up to 15 lbs.) — Occasionally
- Bending/Stooping/Squatting — Occasionally
- Climbing stairs — Occasionally
- Reaching above shoulders — Occasionally
- Kneeling/Pushing/Pulling — Occasionally
- Using hands for repetitive movements — Both left & right
- Computer usage (typing and monitor viewing) for extended periods
- More than normal talking (in person and telephone)
- Excellent vision for proofing and detail work
- Coping with demands (stresses that are associated with the job and/or the work environment) so that acceptable levels of performance and overall contribution are maintained
- Potential exposure to marked changes in temperature and humidity
- Flexibility in working weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed
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