Seasonal Merchandise Supervisor

Supervisor – Merchandise Services

Location: New York Aquarium

Department: Merchandise Services

Employment Type: Temporary

Status: Non-Exempt

Starting Pay: $19/hour (commensurate with experience)

Reports To: Food & Retail Management Team

Schedule:Must be available weekends and holidays; weekday hours also available

Hours: Vary based on weather and guest attendance; subject to change throughout spring and summer

Position Summary:

As part of the Wildlife Conservation Society, the New York Aquarium inspires people to value nature through meaningful, mission-driven guest experiences. Our Merchandise Services team plays a vital role in that mission by connecting guests to our animals, exhibits, and conservation story through high-quality products and exceptional service.

We are seeking a committed and enthusiastic Supervisor who will help lead daily retail operations, support staff development, and uphold the high standards of WCS. This role is key to driving sales performance, strengthening guest engagement, maintaining inventory integrity, and ensuring visually inspiring retail spaces that reflect WCS's conservation commitment.

The ideal candidate is a proactive leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about delivering memorable guest experiences that support the overall mission of WCS.

Core Responsibilities

Supporting WCS Mission & Guest Engagement:

• Ensures every guest interaction reflects WCS values of respect, collaboration, integrity, inclusion, innovation, and accountability.
• Helps create a welcoming, educational retail environment that supports and enhances each guest's conservation experience.
• Communicates the connection between merchandise sales and WCS's global conservation efforts.

Builds Talent & Leads by Example:

• Coaches and trains associates to deliver best-in-class service that supports WCS guest experience standards.
• Reinforces selling skills with a focus on conservation messaging, per-cap performance, and guest connection.
• Provides ongoing feedback and documentation to help staff grow and meet expectations.
• Supports a positive, inclusive, and collaborative team culture.

Sales & Service Excellence:

• Models strong selling techniques and guest-focused behavior.
• Ensures active floor coverage to maintain smooth guest flow and operational readiness.
• Drives merchandise standards that elevate visual appeal and support sales goals.
• Shares guest feedback, trends, and opportunities with leadership to strengthen retail performance.

Presentation & Visual Standards:

• Maintains a clean, engaging, and mission-aligned retail space.
• Ensures merchandise is well stocked, polished, and aligned with seasonal themes, conservation stories, and exhibit synergy.
• Upholds WCS visual, branding, and signage standards across all product displays.

Inventory & Cash Controls:

• Executes all cash handling and POS procedures accurately and responsibly.
• Ensures precise receiving, transferring, and documentation of inventory.
• Helps maintain accurate stock levels and identifies discrepancies with urgency and attention to detail.
• Supports year-end physical inventory and promotes accuracy through staff training.
• Reinforces strong cash control practices, register accuracy, and accountability.

Operational Standards & Safety:

• Maintains appropriate supply levels and contributes to smooth daily operations.
• Identifies and escalates maintenance or safety concerns promptly.
• Ensures adherence to WCS loss prevention standards and operational guidelines.
• Supports payroll stewardship and other controllable expense monitoring.