Guest Services Associate

Guest Services Associate

Location: West Palm Beach, FL Status: Part-Time | 16–20 hours per week | Non-Exempt

Mounts Botanical Garden (MBG) is Palm Beach County's oldest and largest public garden, offering visitors 20 acres of tropical and subtropical plants displayed in themed gardens. As the public face of MBG, our Guest Services team ensures that every visitor feels welcome, supported, and connected to the Garden's mission of inspiring and educating through nature.

Position Overview

The Guest Services Associate provides frontline coverage for the Welcome Center and Garden Shop, assisting guests with admissions, memberships, event ticketing, and retail purchases. This role combines customer service with retail support, making it ideal for candidates who enjoy working with the public and creating a welcoming visitor experience.

Responsibilities

Guest Services & Retail Support

• Greet and assist visitors, providing a friendly and professional first impression.
• Provide accurate information about MBG's mission, exhibitions, events, and membership options.
• Accurately process admissions, memberships, and retail transactions using POS and CRM systems.
• Assist with receiving, stocking, and organizing Garden Shop merchandise to maintain an inviting and orderly environment.
• Answer phones for the Welcome Center and Garden Shop in a professional manner.
• Promote Garden memberships and special events during guest interactions.
• Resolve customer questions and concerns courteously, referring complex issues to a manager.

Operational Support & Professional Expectations

• Follow MBG policies and procedures while maintaining a professional appearance and conduct.
• Monitor inventory, notify manager of reorders, and keep work areas clean and organized.
• Perform daily housekeeping to ensure that the Welcome Center and Garden Shop are guest-ready.
• Support a positive workplace culture and represent MBG's values with staff, volunteers, and guests.
• Work a flexible schedule that may include weekdays, weekends, evenings, and special events.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support Garden operations.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1–3 years of experience in retail, hospitality, or customer service preferred.
• Experience in a cultural, nonprofit, or garden setting is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a welcoming, customer-focused attitude.
• Familiarity with POS systems and ability to handle cash and confidential information responsibly.
• Strong problem-solving and multitasking abilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to stand for long periods and remain active during shifts.
• Collaborative and flexible, able to work effectively with a variety of personalities.
• Bilingual English/Spanish helpful but not required.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

• Work performed in both indoor and outdoor settings, including exposure to Florida weather.
• Regular interaction with guests, families, and volunteers in a public-facing setting.
• Ability to lift and move up to 30 pounds, including merchandise and retail displays.
• May involve occasional exposure to dust, pollen, or cleaning supplies.
• Required to wear branded Garden apparel provided by MBG; employee provides base clothing (pants/shorts, footwear, etc.). Dressier attire may be required for special events.

Schedule & Hours

• Part-Time | 16–20 hours per week.
• Non-Exempt.
• Shifts are scheduled in four primary blocks:
• Tuesday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
• Tuesday–Friday, 12:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
• Thursday–Sunday, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
• Thursday–Sunday, 12:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
• Weekend availability is required, with occasional evenings & holidays for special events.

Conditions of Employment

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Employment is contingent upon satisfactory reference and background checks.

Compensation: $16.00 - $18.00 per hour

With a mission to inspire and educate through nature and a history spanning more than 40 years, Mounts Botanical is Palm Beach County's oldest and largest botanical garden. Located behind Palm Beach International Airport, the Garden is a hidden gem. Visitors to this 20-acre tropical oasis will see an acclaimed collection of 25 display gardens containing more than 7,000 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants, including Florida native plants, exotic and tropical fruit trees, ornamentals, herbs, palms, roses, cactus, succulents, bromeliads and much more.

Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment without regard to race, creed, color, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals who are authorized to work in the United States, regardless of citizenship status.