Retail Operations Supervisor

Location: Gooseberry Falls State Park
Full-time, permanent position with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

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. It 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 for resource management and interpretive projects.

Hours are typically 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, but may vary to include weekends and holidays based on park needs. Travel is required up to 25% of the time.

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 displays for new stores, resets, or remodels at other state parks.
• Determine and monitor the budget for the Gooseberry Falls State Park merchandise program, including staffing, fixtures, and product expenses, to meet visitor expectations and generate profit.
• Direct inventory management using proper receiving and distribution procedures and current inventory control software.
• Administer merchandise and vehicle permit sales during shoulder seasons 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 or advanced degree in Retail Management Operations, Business Management, Business Administration, Marketing, Visual Merchandising and Communications, or a closely related field may substitute for experience (6 months for an Associate’s degree, 1 year for a Bachelor’s or advanced degree).
• 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 skills to convey work requirements to individuals and groups, and to draft work plans, proposals, and reports.
• Customer service skills to conduct visitor services and public relations activities, ensuring a positive visitor experience.
• Organizational and administrative skills to manage diverse work elements within administrative requirements.
• Proficiency in word processing (e.g., drafting letters, memos) and spreadsheets (e.g., creating, editing, modifying).
• 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/records 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.
• Understanding of natural, cultural, and recreational resources to develop park-specific merchandise.
• Knowledge of legal boundaries on artwork production, such as copyright and trademark issues.
• 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 per hour; $62,305 - $90,535 annually.

Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• 12 paid holidays per 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 of 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.
• Resources promoting physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being.
• 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.

Benefits eligibility varies based on employment type, agency, funding availability, union agreements, location, and length of service.