Customer Svcs Specialist -Travel Counselor

Job Description

**Job Details**
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**Working Title: Travel Counselor**

**Job Class: Customer Service Specialist**

**Agency: Explore Minnesota**

* **Job ID**: 79219
* **Location**: Albert Lea
* **Telework Eligible**: No
* **Full/Part Time**: Part-Time
* **Regular/Temporary**: Unlimited
* **Who May Apply**: Open to all qualified job seekers
* **Date Posted**: 08/08/2024
* **Closing Date**: 08/14/2024
* **Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit**: Explore Minnesota / Explore MN Tourism – AFS 206
* **Division/Unit**: Explore Minnesota Tourism / Tourism-Albert Lea
* **Work Shift/Work Hours**: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
* **Days of Work**: Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
* **Travel Required**: No
* **Salary Range:** $20.02 – $25.03 / hourly
* **Classified Status**: Classified
* **Bargaining Unit/Union**: 206 – Clerical/AFSCME
* **Work Area**: Albert Lea Welcome Center
* **FLSA Status**: Nonexempt
* Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

### **The work you’ll do is more than just a job.**

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

**Job Summary**
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This position exists to provide travel information services. Activities under this position must support Explore Minnesota’s mission to support Minnesota’s economy and promote sustainable travel by welcoming all to experience our diverse cultures and destinations through innovative marketing, industry partnerships and unique storytelling.

If you love interacting with new people and enjoy meeting world travelers, consider a new career at Explore Minnesota. This position is a fun, fast paced, non-traditional office setting that engages with visitors and promotes Minnesota travel and tourism opportunities to people from all over the world that stop in the Albert Lea Welcome Center. Whether face to face, on-line, or on the telephone, our goal is to provide Minnesota tourism information in an easy-to-use format for expanding visitor itineraries.

In scope this position includes:

Assist Southern Welcome Centers Supervisor in daily operations of Albert Lea Welcome Center

This position exists to provide travel information services and to promote travel in Minnesota to the public and potential visitors to benefit the state’s economy.

This is a perfect position for an outgoing, friendly, energetic, patient person who has never met a stranger and enjoys talking with new people.

This position is Part-Time benefit eligible

This position will be required to work some Holidays

**Job duties include, but are not limited to:**

* This position provides quality customer service and promotion of Minnesota destinations.
* Represent Explore Minnesota as well as the State of Minnesota.
* Promote sustainable travel by welcoming all to experience our diverse cultures and destinations throughout Minnesota.
* Perform other duties as assigned to meet the needs required to maintain an efficient operation and reach Explore MN goals and objectives

**Qualifications**
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### **Minimum Qualifications**

* Customer service skills to provide prompt, courteous, and accurate information to customers in person, on the phone and through e-mail.
* Ability to provide in-person customer service skills sufficient to answers questions and provide clear information.
* Ability to effectively communicate with colleagues and customers from different backgrounds.
* Knowledge of Microsoft Suite (specifically Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook)
* Knowledge of PowerPoint

### **Preferred Qualifications**

* Ability to multi-task.
* Knowledge of Cisco Finesse System
* Foreign language skills.
* Skills in map reading to provide assistance to travelers.
* Knowledge of Minnesota resources, culture, and trends to make suggestions to travelers and willingness to continuously learn about the Minnesota tourism industry.
* Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

### **Physical Requirements**

* Maintain a stationary position for long periods of time.
* Move items weighing up to 35 pounds while unpacking, packing, and stocking brochures and other supplies.

### **Additional Requirements**

This position requires successful completion of the following:

Resumes of all applicants to this posting will be evaluated against the Minimum Qualifications stated above. If your skills match the required skills for this position, the department may contact you. Employee reference checks will be conducted on all finalists. This may include a review of documentation related to job performance and education. It includes contact with the applicant’s current and/or former employers.

A Criminal Background Check will be conducted on all finalists for this position. A criminal conviction will not automatically remove you from consideration for employment.

When the position requires travel and the applicant drives a state owned or leased vehicle, a driver’s license record check will be conducted.

Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).

**Application Details**
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### **How to Apply**

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

### **Contact**

If you have questions about this position, contact Roxanne Lane at roxanne.lane@state.mn.us

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Roxanne Lane at roxanne.lane@state.mn.us.

### **About Explore Minnesota**

The mission of Explore Minnesota is to support Minnesota’s economy and promote sustainable travel by welcoming all to experience our diverse cultures and destinations through innovative marketing, industry partnerships and unique storytelling.

#### **Working together to improve the state we love.**

What do Minnesota’s State employees have in common?

* A sense of purpose in their work
* Connection with their coworkers and communities
* Opportunities for personal and professional growth

#### **Benefits**

As an employee, you’ll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

#### **Your benefits may include:**

* Paid vacation and sick leave
* 12 paid holidays each year
* Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
+ Fertility care, including IVF
+ Diabetes care
+ Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
* 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
* Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
* Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
* Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
* Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
* Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

#### **Support to help you reach your career goals:**

* Training, classes, and professional development
* Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

#### **Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:**

* A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
* Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
* Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

**Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies** based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

**EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS**

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

**APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES**

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.