Jobs for People with MS: National MS Society

Working Title: Gift Shop Associate

Job Class: Customer Service Specialist

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID : 84802

• Location : _Itasca State Park

• Telework Eligible : No

• Full/Part Time : Part-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Seasonal

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 3/14/2025

• Closing Date : 9/30/2025

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources

• Division/Unit : DNR Parks & Trails Reg 1 / Itasca State Park

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Rotating Shift

• Days of Work : Varies

• Travel Required : No

• Salary Range: $20.02 – $25.03 / hourly

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 206 - Clerical/AFSCME

• Work Area : Park Rapids, MN

• FLSA Status : Nonexempt

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

Established in 1891, Itasca is the oldest state park in Minnesota and one of the first state parks in the country. Home to the Headwaters of the Mississippi River, the park is one of the top tourism attractions in the Upper Midwest. Itasca State Park operates 7 days a week with visitors on-site 24 hours a day during peak operations.

This announcement will be used to fill multiple positions throughout the 2025 operating season at Itasca State Park.

The DNR is currently seeking multiple part-time Gift Shop Associates at Itasca State Park. The Gift Shop Associate is responsible for customer service, cashiering, bagging merchandise, opening and closing the store, receiving, pricing, merchandising, inventory, as well as maintaining organization and cleanliness of the gift shop. Normal anticipated season dates are from approximately May 21 st through October 19 th each year. Work hours vary, and workdays include evenings, holidays, and weekends. Housing may be available.

Responsibilities include:

• Greet and provide general information to visitors/customers.

• Assist customers in selection of merchandise.

• Enter sales on computerized cash register.

• Count and reconcile daily receipts and complete proper forms.

• Price, mark, and stock merchandise.

• Assist with display of merchandise.

• Assist in physical inventory of merchandise.

• Perform housekeeping duties in the store (i.e., clean shelves and cases, sweep floors, vacuum carpet, etc.).

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of customer service practices and principles sufficient to identify each customer’s needs, meet quality standards for service, and ensure customer satisfaction.

Knowledge of communication skills sufficient to communicate effectively with internal and external customers and understand and be understood during interactions with others.

Math skills sufficient to handle sales transactions, make change, apply simple formulas, calculate balances and amounts owed.

Knowledge of point-of-sale software sufficient to process merchandise sales.

Knowledge of safety and accident prevention measures sufficient to identify safety hazards, make necessary repairs, and/or alert appropriate personnel.

Ability to communicate in a variety of formats to gather and relay information with tact and diplomacy.

Ability to effectively gather and present information in one-on-one and group interactions, and to customers, clients, and other employees.

Skill in customer service sufficient to respectfully engage with clients, coworkers, and customers, when handling difficult or complex problems and resolving escalated complaints or disputes.

Preferred Qualifications

One (1) year of retail sales experience.

Visual merchandising skills sufficient to create effective retail displays to maximize ability to sell merchandise and capture customer interest.

Knowledge of park rules, policies, facilities, and other local points of interest.

First Aid and CPR training.

Additional Requirements

For positions that require driving responsibilities, an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record is required.

Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Conflict of Interest Review

• Criminal History Check

• Education Verification

• Employment Reference / Records Check

• License / Certification Verification

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.