Jobs

Home » About ECHO » Jobs
Previous slide
Next slide
Guest Services & Membership Manager

Reports to: Director of Sales & Guest Services

Details:  Full time, year-round role. This position is scheduled Sunday – Thursday. Must be okay working occasional evenings or adjusting schedule to accommodate business needs.

Accepting applications: Applications are open until filled. Candidates must submit cover letter and resume.

Location: This is an in-person, on-site role. Candidates must be able to commute to 1 College Street, Burlington, VT. Parking is provided.  

Description: ECHO inspires and engages families in the joy of scientific discovery, wonder of nature, and care of Lake Champlain. ECHO is a dynamic, nationally acclaimed science center committed to engaging diverse public audiences and providing experiential, relevant, and lifelong educational experiences for all our guests. ECHO employees are expected to contribute to a productive, respectful, inclusive workplace by modeling humor, communication, collaboration, and accountability to our colleagues, animals, and guests. Our Guest Services & Membership Manager is responsible for overseeing our Guest Services team (the first faces of ECHO), success of our museum store, scheduling for our summer ice cream truck, and growing and enhancing the ECHO membership experience.  

Responsibilities Include:  

Guest Services Management

  • Support an inclusive work environment that ensures positive employee relations, staff high performance and accountability.
  • Create schedule for all front desk staff. 
  • Providing leadership to elevate the staff to higher levels of performance and a team-focused approach to work and problem solving.
  • Monitor staffing levels and schedule Guest Services staff to fit the needs of daily operations.
  • Coach and counsel staff on performance related issues, host quarterly performance check in meetings with staff.
  • Support front end staffing, hiring and training.
  • Role model exceptional customer service at all times.
  • Support the collection and monitoring of customer feedback. Manage online reviews from Google, including reporting out reviews, responding to negative reviews.
  • Seasonally create the schedule for ECHO’s Creemee Stand.
  • Work closely with the Director of Guest Services on industry trends and planning.
  • Manage day-to-day admission activities, including opening/closing, ticketing, parking, theater management, merchandise sales, cash management and sales reporting.
  • Demonstrates excellent customer service skills, including skills in handling customer interactions that may become tense, with a calm, friendly, helpful demeanor.
  • Assist in daily guest service operational responsibilities as needed.
  • Coordinate the resolution of customer registration issues.
  • Ensure the presence and quality of basic guest amenities, including coat racks, eating space, seating etc. 
  • Respond timely to email inquiries.
  • Collaborate with ECHO’s cross-departmental guest experience committee to track issues and build improvement loops.
  • Serve as a Floor Admiral to assist in oversight of daily operations and problem solve any issues as they arise including AV systems, customer feedback, daily schedule.
  • Will provide direct support to front desk staff by covering shifts on the desk.

Membership

  • Work with Development and Creative Departments to create and implement membership strategy aimed at supporting, engaging, and growing ECHO’s membership.
  • Manage ECHO’s membership database; generating reports, serve as point of contact for members with membership questions, data correction and input.
  • Manage community-supporting membership programs such as Open Door, Library Passes, etc.  
  • Process new memberships and renewals for families of the partner preschool classrooms (ECHO Open Door).
  • Provide reporting support related to all facets of membership and admissions.
  • Host quarterly membership events either before or after regular ECHO operating hours.
  • Update renewals of staff and volunteer memberships.

Other duties as assigned

Essential Skills:

  • High school diploma.
  • 5 years experience in Customer Service, preferably in roles of increasing responsibility.
  • POS and cash handling experience.
  • Experience in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
  • Strong computer skills.
  • Experience working collaboratively with multiple departments.
  • Strong communication skills, applicable both within ECHO and in relation to external contacts.
  • Comfortable de-escalating challenging situations.

Instructions for Applying: 

To be considered a candidate for this position, please send your resume and cover letter to jobs@echovermont.org

If you require assistance with the application process, or need a different form of application, please contact Katelyn Olson (she/her/hers) by email or phone (kolson@echovermont.org / 802-864-1848 Ext.116).

ECHO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or Federal law.

Seasonal Guest Services Representative

Reports to: Guest Services Manager

Details:  Hourly, part-time role. Flexible part-time schedule, 20 hours per week. Weekends, evenings, and holidays are required. This role will begin mid-May and run through the end of August 2024.

Accepting applications: Applications are open until filled. Candidates must submit cover letter and resume.

Location: This is an in-person, on-site role. Candidates must be able to commute to 1 College Street, Burlington, VT.

Description: ECHO seeks an individual experienced in customer service with a positive and welcoming personality. This position will be responsible for selling admission tickets, memberships, movie tickets, and cafe items. The Guest Service Representative is also responsible for providing guests with information about ECHO, its mission and exhibits as well as restocking the gift shop, helping with receiving new toy orders, assisting with events as well as answering general questions about the area. The ideal candidate will be customer service focused, organized and able to stay on point while multitasking during periods of high activity.

Responsibilities Include:  

Front Desk

  • Open front desk including computers, cash drawer counting, and turning on all monitors and open cafe in time for guest arrival.
  • Meet and greet ECHO walk-up guests and scheduled groups.
  • Create a positive first impression of ECHO.
  • Process front desk admission, film and membership sales.
  • Stay informed about ECHO exhibits, programs, and gift shop merchandise.
  • Help sell ECHO products by explaining annual membership benefits, movies, and suggesting gift shop merchandise.
  • Set up event spaces with birthday party supplies.
  • Set up cafe space including brewing coffee, stocking snacks and cups, setting up chairs.
  • Answer guest questions about ECHO and Burlington area or guide them to where they will get the question answered.
  • Serve as first point of contact for guest injuries or complaints; report incidents or complaints to the proper Manager and/or Director.
  • Make daily announcements and keep guests informed about activities, demos and public programs.
  • Answer phone questions directed to the Front Desk.
  • Close all drawers and prepare daily cash-out.
  • Perform reception duties (receive express mail packages, greet ECHO staff guests, keep front desk neat and organized, etc.)
  • Monitor parking as needed.
  • Assist in daily floor closing procedures and clean-up.

Gift Shop

  • Process gift shop merchandise sales.
  • Assists in gift shop inventory count.
  • Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Events

  • Serve as ECHO representative in the front-desk area for events scheduled outside of regular operating hours.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • At least six months of customer service experience.
  • Retail and cash-handling experience.
  • Knowledge or interest in the ECHO mission.
  • High School or GED.

Essential Job Skills and Abilities: 

  • Ability to operate a cash register and learn ticketing system.
  • Attention to detail, facility with numbers.
  • Excellent computer skills and ability to learn new programs and systems.
  • Ability to work with changing coworker team including volunteers, interns and seasonal staff.
  • Can-do attitude and willingness to take on additional responsibility.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with others.
  • Skilled in customer service.

Work Environment: 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Work is performed in an active public setting in our lobby, at our front desk and gift shop. The Customer Service Representative must be able to work at the front desk and work at a computer for several hours at a time. The position also requires the individual to effectively communicate ECHO information and work regular weekend and holiday hours.

Instructions for Applying: 

To be considered a candidate for this position, please send your resume and cover letter to jobs@echovermont.org

If you require assistance with the application process, or need a different form of application, please contact Katelyn Olson (she/her/hers) by email or phone (kolson@echovermont.org / 802-864-1848 Ext.116).

ECHO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or Federal law.

Seasonal Ice Cream Specialist

Reports to: Guest Services Manager/Director of Sales & Guest Services

Details:  Hourly, part-time role. Flexible part-time schedule, 20 hours per week. Weekends, evenings, and holidays are required. This role will begin mid-May and run through the end of August, 2024.

Accepting applications: Applications are open until filled. Candidates must submit cover letter and resume.

Location: This is an in-person, on-site role.  Candidates must be able to commute to 1 College Street, Burlington, VT.

Description: ECHO seeks an individual experienced in customer service or food service, looking to serve as one of our Ice Cream Specialists, serving the waterfront’s most anticipated creemees at Champ’s Legendary Creemees, located outside ECHO. This position will be responsible for taking customer ice cream orders, processing transactions with our POS system, selling and restocking both merchandise and food service products as well as maintaining a clean environment. The Ice Cream Specialist also is responsible for providing guests with information about ECHO, its mission and exhibits. The ideal candidate will be customer service-focused, organized and willing to learn.

Responsibilities Include:  

  • Receive and complete orders from customers for ice cream and retail items.
  • Complete opening and closing procedures including POS, cash drawer counting, turning on/off all monitors, lights and music as well as starting food prep and cleaning.
  • Keep all items stocked behind the counter as well as in the retail space.
  • Create a positive and welcoming first impression of ECHO.
  • Stay informed about ECHO exhibits, programs, and gift shop merchandise.
  • Answer guest questions about ECHO and Burlington area or guide them to where they will get the question answered.
  • Close all cash drawers and prepare daily cash-out deposits.
  • Perform routine cleaning throughout the food trailer and assist in weekly deep clean of the ice cream machines.
  • Communicate with ECHO’s Retail Manager when stock is low on retail items, food items or serviceware.
  • Understands and follows all policies and procedures,
  • Assists in ensuring a safe working environment throughout the food trailer.
  • Open to learning new tasks.
  • May be asked to work in Guest Services inside ECHO during inclement weather.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • At least six months of customer service experience.
  • Retail and cash-handling experience.
  • Knowledge or interest in the ECHO mission.
  • Minimum of 16 years of age.
  • ServeSafe Certification is a plus, will provide if you do not have it.

Essential Job Skills and Abilities: 

  • Ability to work a flexible schedule.
  • Proficient cash handling.
  • Ability to operate a cash register and POS system.
  • Can-do attitude and willingness to take on additional responsibility.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with others.
  • Skilled in customer service.
  • Ability to reach, bend, stoop, push and/or pull and frequently lift up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift/move up to 50 pounds.
  • Able to stand for multiple hours within a tight space.

Work Environment: 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Work is performed in an active public setting outside of ECHO in a food truck. The Ice Cream Specialist must be able to work and stand in the food truck for several hours at a time. The position also requires the individual to effectively communicate ECHO information and work regular weekend, evening and holiday hours. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. 

Instructions for Applying: 

To be considered a candidate for this position, please send your resume and cover letter to jobs@echovermont.org

If you require assistance with the application process, or need a different form of application, please contact Katelyn Olson (she/her/hers) by email or phone (kolson@echovermont.org / 802-864-1848 Ext.116).

ECHO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or Federal law.

Summer Camp Program Assistant

Reports to: Early Learning Coordinator

Pay Rate: $15.00/hour

Start Date: on/around June 13, 2024

End Date: August 23, 2024

Accepting Applications: Until position is filled. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. 

Location: ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, 1 College St., Burlington, VT 05401

Description:  The Camp Program Assistant will work to deliver exceptional educational experiences for children participating in ECHO summer camps. ECHO summer camps host youth entering grades 1-3 to explore hands-on science in and around our facility on the shores of Lake Champlain. The Camp Program Assistant will work with a team of camp staff to deliver week-long science, stewardship, and engineering design themed camps to 21 children weekly from June to August, 2024. Including training days, this position runs June 13-August 23.

ECHO’s mission is to inspire and engage families in the joy of scientific discovery, the wonder of nature, and the care of Lake Champlain. ECHO is a dynamic learning and teaching community committed to engaging diverse public audiences in dialogue; providing experiential, relevant and lifelong educational experiences to guests; and inspiring environmental stewardship of the Lake Champlain Basin. ECHO employees are expected to contribute to a productive, respectful workplace by modeling good humor, communication, collaboration and accountability to our colleagues, creatures, and guests. 

Responsibilities Include:

  • Support and implement ECHO’s mission in the camp environment.
  • Help lead science and engineering activities, group games, and crafts for groups of up to 21 children.
  • Facilitate check-in, check-out, and other logistics as needed.
  • Ensure participant safety.
  • Keep the camp space clean and organized throughout the day.

Essential Skills/Training:

  • Ability to lead science and recreational activities.
  • First Aid/CPR Certified.
  • Strong behavior management skills.
  • Talent for building memorable camp experiences.
  • Strong work ethic, dependable, flexible, and punctual.
  • Excellent team player.
  • Must pass criminal background check.
  • Commitment to cultural responsiveness.

Time Commitment:

  • June through August, although timeline could be extended for the right applicant.
  • 40 hours per week, daytime hours only.
  • The ideal applicant will have availability for all weeks, without planned time off.

If seeking Academic Credit: Intern is responsible for arranging this through their university. Any requirements (paperwork, contracts, etc.) must be presented before the start of internship to ensure Intern and ECHO staff can and will meet all requirements.

Instructions for Applying: To be considered a candidate for this position, please send resume and cover letter to jobs@echovermont.org.  Applications will only be considered if they include a resume and cover letter.

If you require assistance with the application process, or need a different form of application, please contact Katelyn Olson (she/her/hers) by email or phone (kolson@echovermont.org / 802-864-1848 Ext.116).

ECHO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or Federal law.

About ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
ECHO is a dynamic, nationally acclaimed, science and museum center committed to engaging diverse public audiences and providing experiential, relevant and lifelong educational experiences for all our guests. Founded in 2003, ECHO houses more than 70 species of live animal ambassadors in Vermont’s first LEED certified building. This innovative science center and aquarium displays life in the Champlain Basin and inspires visitors to positively impact the world around them. ECHO is the public face of the Patrick and Marcelle Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, a 2.7 acre environmental campus on the Burlington Waterfront.

Temporary Event Specialist

Reports to: Event & Community Partnership Coordinator/Director of Sales & Guest Services

Details:  Hourly, part-time role. Candidates MUST be available mid-May through end of October, 2024. 20 hours per week, including Friday and Saturday evenings to support events.

Accepting applications: Applications are open until filled. Candidates must submit cover letter and resume.

Location: This is an in-person, on-site role. Candidates must be able to commute to 1 College Street, Burlington, VT.

Description: This position will provide direct support to our event operations for our busy summer and fall season. Work will focus mainly on supporting weddings, corporate events and birthday parties.

Responsibilities Include:  

  • Manage and support client relationships by providing excellent customer service.
  • Communicating both verbally and written to address client questions on an ongoing basis.
  • Providing event tours to potential clients when needed.
  • Maintains positive relationship with ECHO’s exclusive caterer.
  • Attends weekly event meetings with exclusive catering team.
  • Serves as an on-site event manager during events.
  • Coordinate on site vendors by communicating load in plans, expectations and accommodations.
  • Ensures that event spaces are set to floor plan expectations.
  • Greet event guests and provide direction to event location, answer questions.
  • Assist in decoration set up prior to events.
  • Assist in wedding ceremony rehearsals, coordinating logistics and taking detailed notes.
  • Attends final walk-throughs for events and notes all final details needed for the event.
  • Set up audio and visuals for event clients or arrange for ECHO’s IT/AV Manager to be on site for more complex AV needs.
  • Work with external event partners such as Sugarsnap, Vermont Weddings, Vermont Tent.
  • Build working knowledge of ECHO to be able to support problem solving during events.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Two years of experience in hospitality or customer service.
  • Interest in or experience with event management.

Essential Job Skills and Abilities: 

  • Must be detail oriented.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Excellent computer skills.
  • Working knowledge of Google suite.
  • Knowledge of AV systems.
  • Able to problem solve under pressure.

Work Environment: 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Work is completed in an indoor and outdoor setting. This job entails lifting, bending, using stairs and can be potentially noisy. 

Instructions for Applying: 

To be considered a candidate for this position, please send your resume and cover letter to jobs@echovermont.org

If you require assistance with the application process, or need a different form of application, please contact Katelyn Olson (she/her/hers) by email or phone (kolson@echovermont.org / 802-864-1848 Ext.116).

ECHO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or Federal law.

Toy Store Sales Associate

Reports to: Store Manager

Details: Hourly, part-time role. Flexible part-time schedule, 12 – 20 hours per week. Weekends, evenings, and holidays are required. This role begins mid-May 2024.

Accepting applications: Applications are open until filled. Candidates must submit cover letter and resume.

Location: This is an in-person, on-site role.  Candidates must be able to commute to 210 College Street, Burlington, VT.

Description: Located at 210 College Street, The Tinkering Turtle is Burlington’s premiere location for high quality educational and fun toys, games, and activities. In partnership with Vermont Teddy Bear, ECHO has expanded their popular gift shop to Burlington’s core. We are looking for part time sales associates to help us surprise and delight our customers.

Responsibilities Include:  

  • Prepare the store for daily opening: open register, ensure product is stocked, and morning cleaning tasks are complete.
  • Greet each customer and provide excellent customer service.
  • Restock product as needed throughout the day.
  • Assist guests with Design Studio bears, including sewing bears closed.
  • Process transactions accurately and demonstrate proper cash handling.
  • Clean and tidy as needed including dusting, vacuuming, washing windows, and removing trash.
  • Answer questions in person or via phone.
  • Prepare birthday party room with supplies, greet guests, assist with activities, help clean up.
  • Sell ECHO memberships; answer questions about the museum and benefits of membership.
  • Make recommendations and upsell appropriately.
  • Perform closing duties as assigned.
  • Assist with web orders, including processing, packing, and shipping as requested.
  • Wrap packages, when gift wrap is offered.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Essential Skills:

  • Minimum 2 years of customer service experience.
  • Retail and cash handling experience.
  • Knowledge of and interest in ECHO’s mission and working with children.
  • Currently enrolled in high school or HS Diploma/GED required.
  • Ability to operate a cash register and learn ticketing system.
  • Physical dexterity and ability to learn to sew bears closed using needle and thread.
  • Attention to detail, facility with numbers.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with changing coworker team and variety of customers.
  • Light cleaning (dusting, vacuuming, taking out trash, washing windows).

Instructions for Applying: 

To be considered a candidate for this position, please send your resume and cover letter to jobs@echovermont.org

If you require assistance with the application process, or need a different form of application, please contact Katelyn Olson (she/her/hers) by email or phone (kolson@echovermont.org / 802-864-1848 Ext.116).

ECHO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or Federal law.

Scroll to Top