Employment Opportunities

Visitor Services Associate

Position Type: Part-time Temporary – Hourly, Non-exempt

Location: Onsite

Work Schedule: 15 – 20 hours/week (6 Months April 1, 2026 – September 30, 2026)

Availability on holidays is required. Schedule may vary based on operational needs. Work hours will be scheduled in advance in accordance with applicable California wage and hour laws.

Pay Range: $17.00 – $19.00/hour

About Us

The Arboretum is a 127-acre botanical garden and historical site in the heart of the historic Rancho Santa Anita in the San Gabriel Valley. More than 500,000 guests visit annually from around the world. Our mission is to cultivate our natural, horticultural, and historic resources for learning, enjoyment, and inspiration.

Position Summary:

The Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation is seeking a nature-loving and people-oriented Visitor Services Associate to deliver exceptional service to guests, members, volunteers, and all who visit the Arboretum. The ideal candidate is welcoming, attentive, and enjoys helping others engage with a beautiful outdoor environment. This is a non-exempt position and is eligible for overtime in accordance with California law. This temporary position is at-will and may be ended by either party at any time, with or without cause or advance notice, subject to applicable law.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Visitor Services Associate works under the direct guidance of the Visitors Services Lead and Visitor Services Manager.

Essential job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Create a welcoming environment for all Arboretum guests through excellent communication and hospitality and resolve guest concerns.
• Greet and assist guests and provide information on memberships, programs, garden features, and seasonal highlights, such as flowers in bloom, fall colors, birds, wildlife in the area, tours (both walking and tram) and historic sites.
• Process cash and electronic payments for ticketing and admission in our POS system, Altru.
• Maintain a complete understanding of department specific and institute policies and procedures.
• Support with special events as needed.
• Work scheduled weekends and holidays.

Required Skills and Experience

• Prior cashier or customer service experience, ideally in a nonprofit, museum, cultural institution, or similar setting.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work with diverse audiences.
• Adept at engaging, assisting and providing service to all visitors at point of entry.
• Maintain effective interaction by answering questions, orienting visitors through the property and resolving issues.
• Ability to use technology to process admissions, verify membership, and manage guest flow.
• Knowledge of information databases and POS systems.
• Experience handling phone and email communications professionally.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
• Team player with strong problem-solving and multitasking skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Google Docs; intermediate

Preferred

• High school diploma or equivalent required; some college coursework preferred.
• Experience working in outdoor or public garden settings is a plus.

Working Environment and Physical Requirements

• Work is conducted in both indoor and outdoor settings in various weather conditions.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation. The Foundation will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.
• Schedule may vary based on operational needs. Work hours will be scheduled in advance in accordance with applicable California wage and hour laws.
• This is an on-site only position.

Benefits

• Paid sick leave in accordance with California law.

How to Apply

• Please submit your cover letter and resume to billingsley@arboretum.org

The Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and over), sexual orientation, or any other status protected by California or federal law.