• Job Description

  Req#: 505774

  Visitor and Property Specialist at PHS Meadowbrook Farm

  Title: Visitor and Property Specialist

  Position Type: 40 hours/week

  Department: Public Gardens and Landscapes

  Reports To: Director of PHS Meadowbrook Farm

  ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY:

  PHS Meadowbrook Farm is a 21-acre property where visitors can come to enjoy gardens, seasonal plantings, and an extremely diverse plant palette. Originally the home of J. Liddon Pennock and Alice Herkness Pennock, the property was bequeathed to PHS in 2003. PHS Meadowbrook Farm now welcomes thousands of visitors every year at this free public garden offering a variety of gardens.

  Mission: The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society connects people with horticulture, and together we create beautiful, healthy, and sustainable communities.

  POSITION SUMMARY

  This position is primarily a frontline ambassador for PHS Meadowbrook Farm with the responsibility of creating enjoyable and positive experiences for all visitors. Additional responsibilities include daily walk about of property to identify any issues related to property buildings and infrastructure. Responsible for minor repairs and projects as scoped by the Director of MBF. Oversees seasonal visitor engagement staff. In the off-season, works with the Director to create a plan to improve all aspects of the visitor experience and complete any necessary property/infrastructure projects. Essential attributes for this role include outgoing and pleasant demeanor, strong planning, and organizational skills, efficient in work processes and project management, flexible to changing priorities, enjoys being part of a team, strong collaboration skills, and comfortable working independently.

  ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

  • Provides superior customer service to visitors while the garden is open to the public.

  (mid-April to mid-October)

  • Engages with, and educates, visitors about broader PHS mission and programs and informs visitors about volunteer opportunities and membership benefits and encourages visitors to share names and email addresses for Marketing and Membership purposes.

  • Provides guidance to seasonal Visitor Specialist staff.
  • Along with seasonal visitor staff, monitor the grounds to ensure all visitor guidelines are being followed by guests.
  • Electronically captures attendance to monitor daily visitor counts and trends in visitor attendance.
  • Maintains Visitor Center including general cleaning and ordering of supplies.
  • Monitors phone and email messages and provides prompt follow-up.
  • Coordinates with Marketing, Creative Services, Development & Events teams to ensure all electronic and paper communications are accurate and up to date.
  • Comfortable working with laptop and iPad and visitor sign-in software and other cloud-based programs.
  • Provides direction and assistance to visitors for scheduled PHS-sponsored activations.
  • Performs minor maintenance requests and coordinates with contractors at the direction of the MBF Director.
  • Checks daily all non-greenhouse buildings and other areas of the property and reports issues to the Director of Meadowbrook Farm.
  • Provides the garden team with assistance, when needed.
  • Provides general administrative support to the MBF Director.
  • In-season schedule is Tuesday – Saturday; off-season schedule is Monday – Friday.
  • Able to work on non-scheduled days occasionally including holidays, as needed.

  QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS REQUIRED

  • Excellent customer service skills with an engaging and welcoming personality.
  • Knowledgeable ambassador of MBF property and PHS’s mission, programs, volunteer, and membership opportunities.
  • Flexible to adapt to new work assignments, as needed.
  • Professional manner and appearance.
  • Ability to work independently and be self-motivated.
  • Occasional bending, stooping, reaching, crouching, or light lifting (up to 50 lbs.).
  • Able to stand and walk for most of the day during in-season schedule.
  • Willing to learn how to provide basic repairs and maintenance of the property infrastructure.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license.
  • Must be able to accommodate a variable schedule. In-season schedule: Tuesday – Saturday in the months of April – October. Off-season: Monday-Friday in the months of November – March.

  EEO NOTICE

  • PHS is an equal opportunity employer.

  DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION

  The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society firmly believes in diversity, equity, and inclusion as the means to empower all employees, stakeholders, and partners in achieving our mission to connect people with horticulture and create beautiful, healthy, sustainable communities.

• About the company

  The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society uses horticulture to advance the health and well-being of the Greater Philadelphia region.

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