Discovery Center Coordinator

## Description

Southern California Mountains Foundation

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| Job Title: | Discovery Center Coordinator |

| Reports to: | Discovery Center Manager |

| Direct Reports: | None; provides training, scheduling, and daily work direction to seasonal staff, interns, and volunteers. |

| Status: | Full-time, nonexempt, at-will employment |

| Hours: | Thursday through Monday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Regular weekend and holiday availability is required. The Discovery Center is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Occasional evening or adjusted hours may be required for programs and special events. |

| Location: | Big Bear Discovery Center, 40971 Hwy 38/North Shore Drive, Fawnskin, CA |

Introduction to the Organization

The Southern California Mountains Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that connects communities to public lands through conservation, education, recreation, and responsible stewardship. The Foundation employs approximately 45 full-time staff members, 75–100 part-time employees, and engages approximately 450 volunteers.

Our mission is carried out through seven programs: Urban Conservation Corps of the Inland Empire, Big Bear Discovery Center, Off-Highway Vehicles, Fire Lookouts, National Children’s Forest/Great Seeds Restoration, Music in the Mountains, and Big Bear Trails.

Introduction to the Discovery Center

Opened in 1998, the Big Bear Discovery Center is the largest visitor center in the Big Bear Valley and welcomes more than 100,000 visitors annually. The facility offers exhibits, visitor information, educational programs, eco-tours, volunteer opportunities, and special events in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service.

Job Description

The Discovery Center Coordinator supports the daily operations of the Big Bear Discovery Center, with primary responsibility for gift store management and visitor services. Responsibilities include retail sales, merchandising, inventory management, online orders, volunteer coordination, front desk operations, and educational program scheduling and support.

Essential Functions and Duties

Gift Store Operations

• Oversee all aspects of gift store operations, including merchandising, inventory management, retail sales, cash handling, reconciliation, and other financial transactions.
• Manage Point of Sale (POS) system for merchandise sales, memberships, concert tickets, and eco-tour bookings.
• Manage online store sales, maintain accurate inventory designated for online sales, add inventory to online store and fulfill online orders.
• Monitor inventory levels, receive and price merchandise, prepare recommended orders, and reorder approved merchandise within established budgets and purchasing procedures.
• Develop and implement sales strategies to increase revenue and enhance customer experience.
• Maintain organized surplus inventory and keep storage areas clean and orderly.
• Complete quarterly inventory reviews and reconcile discrepancies.
• Train, schedule, and provide daily work direction to gift store volunteers, interns, and seasonal staff.
• Work alongside and motivate volunteers and interns of all ages and demographics to enhance the visitor experience in the gift store.

Visitor Services Management

• Manage the visitor information desk, ensuring guests receive accurate information about the Discovery Center, San Bernardino National Forest, and local recreation opportunities.
• Respond to public inquiries via phone, email, and in-person interactions.
• Promote Discovery Center programs, concerts, eco-tours, and volunteer opportunities.
• Coordinate routine facility needs for the Nature Discovery Zone, SCMF offices, gift store, visitor areas, exhibits, and program spaces. Identify maintenance and safety concerns and communicate facility needs to the Discovery Center Manager and U.S. Forest Service staff as appropriate.

Volunteer Coordination

• Recruit, train and oversee volunteers at the Discovery Center.
• Provide ongoing support and guidance for volunteers.
• Ensure volunteers are trained to support various operational areas, including visitor services, exhibits and education, special events, development, and administration.
• Serve as the staff liaison to the Discovery Center Volunteer Advisory Council. Provide guidance, advice, and direction to the council and ensure its activities align with the missions, policies, and priorities of SCMF and the U.S. Forest Service.

Administrative Duties

• Maintain accurate sales and inventory records using Clover, Google Drive, and Microsoft Excel.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and organizational policies.
• Maintain accurate records on accomplishments and interpretive program participation.
• Assist with maintaining inventories of office and program supplies and request orders as needed.

Customer Service and Community Engagement

• Deliver excellent customer service and foster a welcoming environment for all visitors.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the organization’s mission.

## Qualifications