Retail Operations Supervisor

Location: Gooseberry Falls State Park

Full-time, permanent position. Hours typically 8:00am - 4:30pm, Monday through Friday, with possible weekends and holidays as needed.

About the role

This position develops, implements, monitors, and maintains a merchandise program for the Gooseberry Falls State Park Nature Store, including quality clothing, food, gift, and souvenir items. The role also supports the statewide merchandise program and other state park nature stores as requested. The program promotes Minnesota State Parks, provides educational merchandise to the public, and generates revenue to fund resource management and interpretive projects.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, interview, hire, train, supervise, delegate, evaluate, discipline, and reward employees to ensure the Nature Store and Travel Information Center operate efficiently, productively, and profitably.
• Purchase merchandise for resale at Gooseberry Falls State Park, focusing on natural and cultural resource themes of Minnesota State Parks. Products should generate profit, promote state parks, and provide convenience items to visitors.
• Consult with and purchase merchandise for other locations in the statewide Nature Store program as requested.
• Direct and implement visual merchandise displays at Gooseberry Falls State Park and assist with visual merchandising for new stores, resets, and remodels at other state parks.
• Determine and monitor the budget for the Gooseberry Falls State Park merchandise program, including staffing, fixtures, and product expenses. Provide input on the statewide merchandise budget.
• Direct inventory management using proper receiving and distribution procedures and current inventory control software.
• Administer merchandise and vehicle permit sales in the Nature Store during shoulder season or when short-staffed.
• Perform public contact and other duties as needed.

Requirements

• Three years of experience in a retail setting, including one year of professional experience in retail management, product development, market trends, business management, visual merchandising, pricing, or inventory management.
• An Associate’s degree in Retail Management Operations, Business Management, Business Administration, Marketing, Visual Merchandising and Communications, or a closely related field may substitute for 6 months of experience. A Bachelor’s or advanced degree may substitute for 1 year of experience.
• Leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills to direct, develop, motivate, and engage staff.
• Knowledge of budget policies, procedures, and regulations to manage and administer budgets cost-effectively.
• Strong communication and writing skills to convey work requirements, plans, proposals, and reports.
• Customer service skills to ensure a positive visitor experience.
• Organizational and administrative skills to manage diverse work elements within administrative requirements.
• Proficiency in word processing and spreadsheet software.
• Unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record.
• Ability to meet physical requirements and work in environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status.
• Background check required prior to employment, including conflict of interest review, criminal history check, education verification, employment reference check, and license/certification verification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Retail Management Operations, Business Management, Business Administration, Marketing, Visual Merchandising and Communications, or a closely related field.
• Experience supervising employees in a union environment.
• Knowledge of innovations in retail store design, displays, and merchandising for maximum visual and sales impact.
• Creative and artistic ability to conceptualize and design products.
• Knowledge of state purchasing procedures and legal boundaries on artwork production (e.g., copyright and trademark issues).
• Understanding of natural, cultural, and recreational resources to develop park-specific merchandise.
• Experience with Recreation Dynamics or other point-of-sale systems.
• Money management skills for daily cash handling and banking.
• Conflict management and de-escalation skills.
• First Aid/CPR/AED certification.

Pay

$29.84 - $43.36 hourly; $62,305 - $90,535 annually.

Schedule

• Day shift, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm.
• May include weekends and holidays depending on park needs.
• Travel required up to 25% of the time.

Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• 12 paid holidays each year.
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.
• Fertility care, including IVF, and diabetes care.
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children.
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children.
• Pension plan providing income after at least three years of service.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care.
• Training, classes, and professional development opportunities.
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility (for qualifying positions).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support, including mental health, relationship challenges, grief, finances, and legal issues.
• Daily living/convenience services, such as chore services, home repair, trip planning, and child/elder care.