Visitor Services Associate at Carolina Raptor Center – Huntersville, North Carolina

Title: Visitor Services Associate

Accountability: Visitor Services Associate reports to the Development Manager in External Relations Department

Job Classification: Part-Time, Non-Exempt

Compensation: $12 per hour

Tentative Start Date: February 2, 2026

About: Carolina Raptor Center (CRC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Huntersville, NC dedicated to raptor rehabilitation, education, and conservation. Our mission is to ignite a passion for raptors and a responsibility for our shared natural world. Our vision is to foster communities where raptors and people thrive thanks to our unique blend of innovation, research, and education. We are a world-class destination for avian rehabilitation and our dedication to the birds in our care provides visitors with a gateway to the natural world.

Values: Excellence - Strive for trusted leadership in the field of raptor rehabilitation, exceptional welfare for our resident birds, and transformational experiences for every person we meet. Sustainability - Employ operational practices that benefit the environment and guarantee the organizational strength to serve the resident birds and our communities for generations to come. Empowerment - Create effective educational experiences that embolden our visitors and our diverse communities to take action in positively impacting our world.

Position Summary: The Visitor Services Associate plays a critical role in serving as the welcoming face of our organization, helping to create a positive and educational guest experience. This role is responsible for greeting visitors, processing ticket and merchandise sales, promoting memberships, answering questions, and maintaining the cleanliness and organization of the Visitor’s Center.

The Visitor Services Associate must be enthusiastic, customer-focused, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-energy environment. They should be able to work independently and as part of a team, with a genuine interest in wildlife, education, and guest service. Reliability, attention to detail, and a positive attitude are essential. The successful applicant is comfortable engaging with guests of all ages, especially families and children, and remain composed during high-traffic periods, including weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities:

• Understands the importance of each guest to Carolina Raptor Center and drives Greet and assist visitors, providing a warm and professional first impression.
• Sells admission tickets, memberships, and retail merchandise using a POS system.
• Promotes memberships and donation opportunities to guests.
• Maintains the cleanliness and presentation of public spaces, including restrooms, lobby, and retail areas.
• Restocks and organizes merchandise displays.
• Answers questions about the Carolina Raptor Center's exhibits, programs, and mission.
• Supports special events, group visits, and occasional outreach activities.
• Assists with opening and closing duties as assigned.
• Manages high guest volume while maintaining friendly, helpful interactions.
• Exemplifies the Carolina Raptor Center’s Mission Statement and supports staff, departments and leadership in pursuing and achieving goals.
• Performs any other duties needed to help drive to our vision, fulfill our mission, and abide by our values.

• Must have a passion for the mission of Carolina Raptor Center.
• Must submit a standard criminal background check conducted by CRC.
• No visa sponsorship is available for this role.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must possess reliable transportation.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in a busy, occasionally loud environment.
• Ability to work weekends and federal holidays.
• Must be willing to serve all guests equally regardless of their race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, gender identity and/or sexual orientation.
• Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• - Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus
• - Frequent sitting, talking and listening to their surroundings
• - Regular walking, bending, standing, and lifting items up to 50 lbs.
• - Must be comfortable interacting with large crowds, children, and occasionally noisy or chaotic environments
• - Ability to work around sick and injured birds, potentially hazardous materials, cleaning chemicals, gas anesthetics, zoonotic diseases, and unpleasant odors. If you are immunocompromised or pregnant/planning to become pregnant, you should obtain medical clearance from your physician.

Education & Experience:

• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
• Basic computer skills and experience with point-of-sale systems.
• Ability to provide a quality customer service experience in fast-paced environments.
• Ability to follow procedures for handling money, tickets, and merchandise.
• Comfortable interacting with children and large family groups.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and manage time appropriately.
• Interest in birds of prey, wildlife, or environmental education.

Work Location & Environment: The Visitor Services Associate works in the Visitors Center located at the Carolina Raptor Center’s facilities in Huntersville, North Carolina. The schedule is flexible up to 20 hours a week, with weekend availability preferred. The work environment involves occasional exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the position. All employees may have other duties assigned at any time. Carolina Raptor Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type.