Parking Associate, IS-0303-05

Department: National Air and Space Museum

Location: Udvar‑Hazy Center, Chantilly, VA

Compensation: $22.33 – $29.03 per hour

Overview

The Parking Associate position is located within the Business Operations Unit of the National Air and Space Museum (NASM), Smithsonian Institution. NASM is one of the world’s premier centers for the study of aviation, spaceflight, planetary science, and Earth sciences. The museum attracts more than 9 million visitors annually across its two locations: the National Mall Building in Washington, DC, and the Steven F. Udvar‑Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. Organized into six major departments, NASM employs approximately 280 full‑time and 90 part‑time staff and operates with an annual budget of about $35 million. The museum is currently undertaking a major transformation initiative to raise an additional $250 million to modernize and reimagine exhibit galleries and public spaces. This position contributes to the operational success of one of the Smithsonian Institution’s largest and most visited museums.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with the day‑to‑day operations of the parking facility.
• Ensure effective and safe entrance and exit of vehicles through parking gates.
• Independently and accurately operate a POS cash register.
• Collect both credit and cash parking charges from customers, returning correct change and receipts.
• Communicate cash overages or shortages to the Supervisor.
• Work in a highly effective team environment with other Associates and Supervisors.
• Communicate and collaborate with visitor services, store, IT, and other museum staff.
• Document opening and closing till amounts.
• Adhere to SOPs surrounding cash handling, opening, and closing duties.
• Abide by uniform standards and dress codes.
• Patrol parking areas and report safety concerns or hazards to security.
• Provide traffic control as needed (rarely).
• Assist in removal of snow and ice from vehicle entry lanes as needed (rarely).
• Complete and submit a written report of accident damage to vehicle or equipment malfunction (rarely).
• Provide friendly customer service and direction to customers entering and exiting the parking facility.
• Discuss the museum experience if a visitor shows interest, ask about their visit that day, and encourage a return.
• Direct customers to ensure smooth traffic flow throughout the parking lot.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Experience with the practices, methods, and processes of day‑to‑day operations of a parking program to support the Business Operations Unit.
• Knowledge of cash‑handling and reconciliation procedures, including operating a cash register and ensuring accurate accounting of funds and transactions.
• Ability to investigate and reconcile discrepancies related to receipt control, parking charge issues, or safety concerns.
• Capacity to work with others and provide high‑quality, efficient customer service to meet customer needs.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in a fast‑paced environment, assisting customers, addressing concerns, and handling a variety of situations with tact and sound judgment.

Benefits

• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Transit/Commuter Benefits
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Annual and Sick Leave
• Family Friendly Leave
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores, and Restaurants
• Credit Union
• Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care)
• Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care)

Schedule

Multiple work schedules are available, including full‑time, part‑time, and on‑call appointments. Applicants should specify their preferred schedule in their application materials.