Desert of Maine

Intro

The Desert of Maine is an iconic destination located in Freeport, Maine going through a total revitalization under new ownership. After two incredible seasons in 2022 and 2023 that included opening our new mini golf course, new exhibits across our property, new cabins in our campground, and an overhaul of our operations, we are heading into our 2024 season with ambitious plans to build on this momentum, with more additions to the campground and more offerings for visitors. We are seeking a passionate group of staff who can commit to our entire season, from May through October to help us deliver a world-class experience for our visitors.

You would become a core member of our small, close-knit team. What we are trying to pull off is ambitious, so we move fast and we occasionally break things. We operate more like a startup than the 100-year-old business we are, but we offset the inevitable weeks of hard work and moments of stress with a deep appreciation for workplace humor. We are looking for someone who wants to be part of (re)building something special. Breathing new life into this beloved destination gets us out of bed every day because we think the stories that echo here, stories of sustainable land use and environmental resilience, are particularly pressing now. We hope you will be drawn to the magic of this place and help us create a (not-so-hidden) gem on Maine’s coast for tourists and locals alike.

The Role

Reporting to the Director of Operations, our Visitor Experience staff cross-train on many of the visitor-focused duties at the Desert of Maine including welcoming visitors at our Welcome Center; operating our retail store, snack bar, and mini golf course; and orienting visitors and answering questions throughout the property. The role also includes the possibility to drive our 1800s-style electric train and facilitate our Sand Art activity, though scheduling for those two roles are subject to staff meeting certain requirements and training.

Admissions and Retail

  • Sell admission tickets and annual passes, answer questions about the history, exhibits, and campground. Direct visitors to additional resources when needed.
  • Execute opening and closing to keep the Welcome Center operating smoothly
  • Assess retail inventory, restock and re-organize displays regularly, assist visitors with retail purchases

Snack Bar

  • Prepare and serve items from our limited menu including scooped ice cream, grilled sausage, kettle corn, fresh-made lemonade and more.
  • Maintain a clean and organized work environment. Prepare the snack bar for opening or closing and ensure all cleaning protocols have been followed.

Mini Golf

  • Greet visitors, sell tickets, interact with them after their round of mini golf
  • Manage the inventory of putters, balls, and other supplies; ensure all features of the course are operating correctly

Train Driver (only for interested staff with valid drivers license and 1 year driving experience)

  • Greet and welcome visitors, answer questions, and assist visitors in getting on and off the train as needed
  • Safely transport visitors from one stop to the next while being mindful of surroundings

Sand Art Facilitation

  • Independently setup and break down supplies for regular Sand Art activity
  • Facilitate Sand Art for all ages, assist visitors in creating a take-home bottle


Qualifications

  • Experience in retail, hospitality, tourism, food service, or cultural institutions
  • Experience with and enthusiasm for working in a team environment
  • Off-the-charts customer service, communications, and interpersonal skills with ability to interact with diverse audiences
  • Comfortable operating POS systems, computers, and phones
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and followthrough
  • A long history of over-achievement, attention to detail, and consistent personal growth throughout your entire school and work history.
  • A burning desire to make an impact at a mission-driven organization. It may alternate between being exhilarating and a little overwhelming, but the right candidate will relish the challenge.

Other Information

This position will start part-time in May and move to full-time June through October, with required weekend shifts throughout the season. The hourly rate will range between $15-$20 per hour. Access to reliable transportation is required. Please note that this position does not include housing. As part of the role, we need someone who can lift boxes (up to 30lbs), operate a small golf cart EV, walk across loose sand, climb our various exhibits, perform tasks which include fine motor skills such as applying barcode labels and preparing food, and operate a laptop computer and Point of Sale device. This work will involve some repeated lifting and bending.

The Desert of Maine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals and in which personnel processes and hiring practices are inclusive, fair, and merit-based. 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 other characteristics protected by law.

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