JOB TITLE: Retail Assistant
DEPARTMENT: Guest Services
REPORTS TO: Gift Store & Purchasing Manager
SALARY TYPE: Part Time, 30 hours/week, 401k eligible
TIMING: Schedule includes weekends, some holidays, and occasional evenings for special
events. Trade shows, remote meetings, and competitor evaluations as needed.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Retail Assistant supports the Guest Services and Retail operations at Great Lakes Aquarium
by assisting in the daily supervision of the store, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, and
maintaining smooth front-end and gift store operations. This position acts as a bridge between
the Guest Service Team Leads and the Gift Store & Purchasing Manager, providing day-to-day
operational leadership, supporting merchandising and inventory tasks, and helping to train,
coach, and motivate team members.
The Retail Assistant is responsible for assisting with staffing, scheduling, and performance
support for Guest Service employees, maintaining accurate cash handling and reporting, and
ensuring the Aquarium’s retail spaces and admissions areas reflect the organization’s mission
and brand standards.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Guest Services & Retail Operations – 40%
• Assist in overseeing front-end and gift store operations to ensure smooth and efficient
daily function.
• Provide direct support to Guest Service Team Leads and staff, help with maintaining a
consistent presence on the floor.
• Assist with cash handling procedures including daily reconciliations, deposits, and
register troubleshooting.
• Serve as a point of contact for guest questions, comments, and concerns, resolving
issues professionally and efficiently.
• Monitor guest flow, admissions efficiency, and store traffic to optimize service levels
and staffing.
• Support the sales of memberships, tickets, and retail merchandise, ensuring staff are
confident and informed in all transactions.
• Ensure policies and procedures are upheld in all guest-facing areas, including safety and
security protocols.
• Assist with Planning, executing and running online store.
Retail Support & Merchandising – 30%
• Assist in maintaining accurate inventory records, merchandise tagging, and restocking.
• Support visual merchandising standards and store layout execution as directed by the
Gift Store & Purchasing Manager.
• Track product sales and assist with identifying bestsellers, slow-moving items, and guest
purchasing trends.
• Contribute to creative display ideas and seasonal presentation updates.
• Support online gift store operations as directed.
Administrative & Other Duties – 20%
• Know how to pull, read and utilize reports, sales tracking, and daily operational updates.
• Participate in department meetings and provide input on process improvements and
guest service initiatives.
• Assist with coordination of special events, membership promotions, and annual
fundraising activities as needed.
• Serve as back up to Manager on Duty (MOD), understand role & know resources.
• Other duties as assigned.
Staff Leadership & Development – 10%
• Assist with training new team members in both admissions and retail.
• Provide positive and supporting coaching and feedback to Guest Service staff and Team
Leads to support high performance and engagement. Discuss with GSM areas of ongoing
opportunities.
• Help with team schedules and shift coverage in coordination with the Guest Services
management.
• Support employee recognition, morale, and consistent communication between
departments.
• Act as a resource for Team Leads and Guest Services team when management is not
present.
SKILLS REQUIRED:
• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to motivate staff.
• Excellent customer service and conflict resolution abilities.
• Working knowledge of point-of-sale systems, cash handling, and inventory procedures.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with Square POS preferred.
• Organized and able to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced, public environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with diverse teams.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in retail or guest service, including some supervisory
or lead responsibilities required.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree/in progress preferred, or equivalent experience in
hospitality, retail, or business management.
• Experience in visual merchandising or inventory management a plus.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS and/or WORK ENVIRONMENT:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will regularly handle and lift boxes
weighing up to 30 lbs. Work areas include the gift store, ticketing counter, aquarium floor, and
occasional outdoor booth coverage. This role requires standing or walking for extended periods
on concrete floors and occasional use of step stools and ladders for display and cleaning. The
noise level in the work environment may be quiet to loud. Reasonable accommodation may be
made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EOAA STATEMENT:
Great Lakes Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer. Great Lakes Aquarium shall provide
equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to
race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public
assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
If you are a job seeker with a disability and require reasonable accommodation to apply for this
position, please contact Annie Thors, Director of Business Operations, athors@glaquarium.org,
#218-740-2001.
