University Overview
The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.
Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.
Posted Job Title
Visitor Experience Associate, Morris Arboretum & Gardens
Job Profile Title
Customer Service AssistantVisitor Experience Associates serve as the primary point of contact for the more than 150,000 guests who visit Morris Arboretum & Gardens each year. As ambassadors for the Arboretum, Visitor Experience Associates play a critical role in creating a welcoming, informative, and memorable experience for visitors while supporting admissions, retail, membership, and guest services operations.
This position offers the opportunity to work in a world-renowned public garden while contributing to the Arboretum’s mission of education, research, and horticultural display. Visitor Experience Associates support daily operations through exceptional customer service, admissions processing, retail sales, membership promotion, and visitor engagement.
This is a year-round, part-time position averaging approximately 18 hours per week. Hours vary seasonally, with increased scheduling needs during peak visitation periods. Weekend and holiday availability is required.
Key Responsibilities
Welcome and assist visitors, members, and guests, ensuring a positive and engaging experience.
Process admissions and parking transactions accurately and efficiently.
Operate the gift shop, including retail sales, inventory support, and customer assistance.
Promote and sell Arboretum memberships and provide information about member benefits.
Answer visitor questions regarding gardens, programs, events, and Arboretum amenities.
Provide exceptional customer service and assist with resolving visitor concerns.
Handle cash, credit card transactions, and point-of-sale systems with accuracy.
Maintain a professional and welcoming environment in visitor-facing areas.
Support special events and seasonal programming as needed.
Perform additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications
High school diploma or GED required.
0–1 years of customer service experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Friendly, customer-focused demeanor and commitment to providing exceptional service.
Experience in customer-facing environments preferred.
Strong attention to detail and cash-handling skills.
Ability to communicate information clearly and professionally.
Ability to remain calm and effective in a fast-paced environment.
Comfortable working with computers, tablets, and point-of-sale systems.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Valid driver’s license required.
Ability to work weekends and holidays as required.
Application Requirement: A resume/CV is required for consideration.
About Morris Arboretum & Gardens
Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania inspires an understanding of the relationship between plants and people through education, research, and horticultural displays. Located in the Northwest section of Philadelphia, Morris Arboretum is a destination for plant enthusiasts and is home to a collection of more than 13,000 woody plants. The Arboretum also hosts special and educational events, serving as a vital part of Penn and a hub for botany, horticulture, and urban forestry.
For more information about Morris Arboretum & Gardens, visit: https://www.morrisarboretum.org
About the Division of Business Services
The Business Services Division (BSD) supports the individual and collective needs of the Penn community by promoting a hospitable, customer-friendly campus environment and providing mission-critical services and essential operations. BSD is dedicated to delivering high-quality service in a fiscally responsible manner. Currently, the Division focuses on three major initiatives:
Revenue growth and retention through improved marketing efforts, extended services, and the development of new distribution channels.
Driving productivity for the Division and its customers through the better use of technology.
Enhancing service offerings through upgrades and expansions of facilities.
For more information about the Division of Business Services, visit: https://www.business-services.upenn.edu
Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Department / School
Morris Arboretum
Pay Range
Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin(including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protectedunder applicable federal, state or local law
Special Requirements
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.
University Benefits
Health and Life Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare.
Retirement Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
Time Away from Work Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.
Long-Term Care Insurance In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
Wellness and Work-life Resources Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
University Resources As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
Discounts and Special Services From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
Flexible Work Hours Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
