Gift Shop Sales Clerk, Part-Time

Company: National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Location: Socorro
Posted on: April 7, 2026

Job Description:

National Radio Astronomy Observatory Title: Gift Shop Sales Clerk, Part-Time Location: NRAO Very Large Array, 183 VLA RD, Magdalena, New Mexico, United States of America- Old Hwy 60, New Mexico, USA Requisition Number: 180 Job Family: Visitor Support Pay Type: Hourly Required Education: SLS Position Description: Position Summary The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is an exciting and prestigious research facility that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. The Observatory operates a variety of radio telescopes that span the globe, including the famous Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico, the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia, and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile. These telescopes are among the most advanced in the world, allowing astronomers to explore the universe in unprecedented detail. At NRAO we are seeking a The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) announces an opportunity for a part-time Gift Shop Sales Clerk. The Sales Clerk is responsible for providing excellent customer service and accurately processing sales transactions. The position will be based at the Very Large Array site, 50 miles west of Socorro, NM. What You Will be Doing: * Welcoming Visitors. * Answering questions in person or on phone about NRAO and the VLA; directing more detailed questions to appropriate sources. * Processing storefront sales using point of sale system, Altru. * Processing online sales, by preparing shipment and shipping labels * Monitoring and maintaining stock on sales floor, places new merchandise on shelves, racks and/or stands. Keeps stock orderly and dusted. * Assisting with physical inventory counts. Reporting problems in a timely manner. * Performing clean-up in gift shop, visitor center, and facilities as needed during hours of operation. Opens and Secures gift shop at beginning and end of day. * Directing customer service and sales activities in store; resolves customer issues and concerns. * Proactively complying with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in own work area is expected. * The VLA Gift Shop is open daily and employees will work one weekend day a week and holidays. Exclude Thanksgiving Day, Christmas eve and Christmas day. Work Environment The VLA Site is a remote scientific/industrial facility at 7000 feet elevation. Works in retail environment, must be able to work at a computer with detailed and complex alpha and numerical information. Who You Are: * You have a high school diploma or GED * You have at least one year of experience in retail and working with the public. Competency Summary Must be able to work independently and reliably. Prior experience with credit card processing software and Point of Sale software preferred. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking; and the ability to communicate comfortably and effectively with the public, educators, students, senior managers. Additional Requirement * Must have a valid driver's license * Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. Background Check The selected candidate must successfully pass a post-offer, pre-employment background and credit check as a condition of employment Total Rewards: Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) offers a comprehensive total rewards package for this position, subject to eligibility requirements. We are committed to serving our employees and their families with an extensive and competitive compensation and benefits package that supports our employees' overall well-being and career growth. Compensation AUI strives to attract and retain dedicated, highly qualified, competent, and motivated employees by offering competitive compensation and recognition for performance. The starting rate of pay is $15.00 per hour. The NRAO strives to attract and retain dedicated, highly qualified, competent, and motivated employees by offering competitive compensation and recognition for performance. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include; education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions. Benefits: AUI's benefits package addresses the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment. AUI provides excellent paid time off. Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment. AUI's retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant's base pay with no required employee contribution; we also offer an optional supplemental, tax-deferred plan for employee retirement contributions. Application Instructions: Select the "Apply Now" button. Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the position Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit https://public.nrao.edu/careers/ . If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to resumes@nrao.edu . PM20 Compensation details: 15-15 Hourly Wage PI5894aa68cb94-29400-40078312

Keywords: National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Albuquerque , Gift Shop Sales Clerk, Part-Time, Seasonal Jobs , Socorro, New Mexico