Retail Associate (Part Time Seasonal)

Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists’ Residency is an 115-year old organization which connects artists to: a network of creative resources, people, and ideas; an energizing natural environment; and a rich artistic history and vital future. 

The Retail Associate will assist customers in our on-campus gift shop and coffee house. The Associate assists with store operations, including providing coffee service to customers. The Associate will make cappuccino, latte, and espresso drinks, and clean and sanitize cups and equipment at the end of each shift. The Retail Associate will be TIP certified and run the bar for Friday Night Open Studio events.  Keeping the store clean, organized, and aesthetically pleasing, the Associate will report when inventory and/or supplies are running low. The Associate provides excellent customer service, representing Ox-Bow in a positive light and playing an important role in the store's overall success. The Associate will be a strong communicator who is knowledgeable and enthusiastic about Ox-Bow’s programs and mission, and will be comfortable working both independently and as part of a team. The Associate works directly with the Manager of Ox-Bow House, the Deputy Director, and other staff to ensure a cohesive working environment.

On-site housing is not available for this position. This position will run from early-June to late-August, and will include evening and weekend hours. This position is a 1-season contract with the option for annual renewal up to 3-seasons pending satisfactory performance review.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work set hours in the on-campus Shop 
• Use Square POS system to ring up sales
• Make and serve espresso drinks
• The Retail Associate will be TIPs certified 
• Clean and organize stock in the Tuck Shop
• Clean and beautify the shop and surrounding outdoor areas
• Answer questions about merchandise and Ox-Bow in general
• Occasional support of retail and/or programming at Ox-Bow House as assigned by the Manager of Retail Programs
• Other project- and event-based support as determined by the Manager of Retail Programs and Deputy Director; including but not limited to office, housekeeping, maintenance, and hospitality support

EDUCATION/JOB EXPERIENCE/CERTIFICATION

• Though previous retail or barista and bar experience is encouraged, anyone with a passion for art and customer service is welcome to apply.

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of Square POS system preferred
• Experience in espresso service preferred
• High level of customer service
• Essential basic computer skills
• Effective and positive communicator
• Express enthusiasm for Ox-Bow’s mission
• Keen sense of professionalism
• Highly organized and reliable
• A savvy multi-tasker
• Finds inspiration in the distinctive or idiosyncratic
• Comfortable taking creative risks
• Thrives in dynamic environments
• An eye for detail
• Must be a team player, able to work independently as well as in a group
• Must be innovative, reliable, patient, tenacious
• A passion for the arts preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time and be able to move about in indoor and outdoor environments. 
• Operate computer, tools, and vehicles and must have the ability to use hands to move, set up, adjust, assemble, control, operate, or feel objects, tools or controls and reach with hands and arms.  
• Must be able to traverse uneven terrain and stairs
• Constantly communicate and exchange information with team members and must be able to effectively communicate correct information
• Read/comprehend, write, communicate orally, reasoning, and analytical abilities, and mental flexibility
• Frequently move objects up to 50 pounds
• The employee will routinely climb, bend, squat, kneel, crouch, and reach above shoulder
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus to compare and distinguish administrative data.  
• Hearing ability to perceive the nature of sounds at normal speaking level with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication and to make discriminations in sound. 

Work Environment: 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly working in an indoor and outdoor work environment, at times in high heat and humidity
• Working environments will sometimes involve hazardous materials and loud noise
• Requires wearing common protective and safety equipment
• Position may involve extended work hours, weekends and holidays
  

Working At Ox-Bow

Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists’ Residency, founded in 1910, offers a wide range of opportunities for artists at all stages of their careers. Our campus is nestled on a peninsular interdunal wetland in Saugatuck, MI. With programs that target degree-seeking students, professional artists and those new to the field, Ox-Bow builds a supportive frame in which artists can push their practices in new directions. Ox-Bow’s community is expansive and ever-evolving. Working at Ox-Bow is a unique experience. Our staff consists of both year-round and seasonal positions. Some staff live on campus during their working months, while others commute or work remotely both within the state of Michigan and beyond. 

Working at Ox-Bow is working at the intersection of education, hospitality and culture. Together we seek to create a welcoming environment that nurtures the creative process while building community across generations, career stages, disciplines and identities. With over 100 years of arts education behind us, we have a vast community of alumni, including staff, students, resident artists, faculty, and community supporters, who love and care for Ox-Bow. Working at Ox-Bow is to become part of that community, and help sustain a historic non-profit arts organization for current and future generations of artists and art lovers. 

At Ox-Bow we have a vision to be a place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, lend their creativity, and work in support of an evolving, yet historic, art school. We pride ourselves on thinking and acting creatively, and recognize that part of what makes us a unique place for both our staff and students, is the talent and dedication of our employees. 

Ox-Bow is committed to diversity and inclusion, we believe deeply in diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity and national origin and work to reflect that in our classrooms, programming, faculty, staff and board.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists' Residency is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for its students, visitors, faculty, and staff, and to ensuring that educational and employment decisions are based on an individual’s abilities and qualifications. Ox-Bow does not tolerate unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or former military status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law, in its programs and activities, public accommodations or employment practices.

Salary : $15