Visitor Services Staff (Clerk 2)

About Us

Since 1908, the Gallery has been a gateway for the visual arts in Atlantic Canada by engaging people with art. It is committed to this mission as an agency of the Province of Nova Scotia and one of the premier arts institutions in Canada. At its core, the Gallery is responsible for acquiring, preserving and exhibiting works of art, and for providing education in the visual arts.

The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia seeks to present the most vital and engaging contemporary art from around the world. We will embrace tradition and the past by applying a contemporary viewpoint that addresses relevant issues and challenges perspectives.

We are an inclusive public gathering place that connects people with art to inspire thinking.

Please note, due to legislative changes, as of January 1, 2023, Art Gallery of Nova Scotia (AGNS) employees are no longer Civil Servants and are instead direct employees of the AGNS

About Our Opportunity

The Visitor Experience Associate exemplifies a high standard of customer service and provides visitors with information in accordance with the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia’s (AGNS) mission statement, brand and goals and can exceed the expectations of the visitors by providing a warm welcome and accurate and timely information about its programs, products and services.

Working between the Welcome Desk and Gallery Shop, the Visitor Experience Associate is the first point of contact for all visitors to the Gallery. They are responsible to meet and greet the public, to sell admissions, programs, memberships and Gallery Shop products. The Visitor Experience Associate provides a presence in exhibition spaces by monitoring the artwork, condition of the space and provides visitors with high level information about the work on view/collection. The Visitor Experience Associate assists with facility rentals and special events at the Gallery and is prepared to answer questions or seek answers related to the Gallery’s permanent collection, temporary exhibitions, Shop products and featured artists/makers, and other cultural and visitor attractions throughout the province.

Primary Accountabilities

• Ensures excellent customer service to all visitors by communicating information to provide an engaging visitor experience by delivering orientations that includes proper greeting, providing maps/promotional material and communicates Gallery rules; acknowledging every visitor with a welcoming tone and solid knowledge of products offered that encourages repeat visits.
• Performs reception duties that include responding to emails, phone calls, voice messages, and face to face enquiries at the Welcome Desk and Gallery Shop.
• Operates Point of Sale (POS) systems to process sales, related financial transactions (admissions, memberships, programs, Gallery Shop product)
• Maintains a knowledge base of the artists represented in the Gallery’s exhibitions, collection and Shop.
• Collects and records visitor statistics and feedback.
• Contributes to ensuring the safety of visitors by staying informed of fire and emergency procedures and knows how to respond appropriately in emergency situations; able to locate and use fire extinguishers and first aid kits.
• Ensures Gallery Shop products are stocked, displayed and pricing/signage is accurate and inventory controls are adhered to.
• Processes, prepares and ships online and wholesale orders in the Gallery Shop.
• Assists the Gallery Shop Coordinator by receiving and stocking inventory and with product sourcing/research and Gallery Shop best practice.

Qualifications and Experience

To be successful in this role completed high school and have 3 years related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience such as training/certification in tourism, hospitality, museum/gallery studies, or retail environment.

As the successful candidate, you are dependable and able to deliver high standards of customer service. You are a team player, have a flexible attitude and possess the ability to quickly adapt to changes in information and priorities.

You are proficient using Microsoft Office programs (Word, Outlook, Excel, Power-Point), and have exceptional communication skills (written and verbal). You are also proficient in Point of Sale and/or customer relationship management database systems.

Assets considered for this role include:

• An understanding and interest in the visual arts
• A sound general knowledge and interest in local culture and heritage
• A second language
First aid certification

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and Union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Click here to learn more about our various benefits offering and eligibility criteria.

Working Conditions

This opportunity requires an individual who can work over a seven-day week including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Additional Information

This an eight (8) month opportunity with anticipated start date for May 22, 2024 until January 11, 2025.

Three (3) part-time, temporary positions are available.

The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• Engaging workplace. Our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Countless Career Paths.
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules.