Full-Time Trader in Ganado, Arizona

ABOUT US:

WNPA is a nonprofit education partner of the National Park Service. WNPA supports parks across the West, developing products, services, and programs that enhance the visitor experience, understanding, and appreciation of national parks. WNPA is committed to our mission and culture. Learn more at wnpa.org.

Hubbell Trading Post is the oldest continuously operating trading post in the American Southwest, and is more than a special place. Hubbell’s (as it is affectionately known) is about the culture, tradition, and artistry of a place that is steeped in the history of the West while continuing today as a living, thriving, active trading post. Hubbell Trading Post is operated by Western National Parks Association (WNPA), a nonprofit education partner of the National Park Service.

The Trader at Hubbell Trading Post will be an experienced supervisor with respect and appreciation for the history, beliefs, and aspirations of the Navajo people. The Trader will establish harmonious relationships with artisans, co-workers, customers, vendors and visitors by embracing the Navajo culture—and in this spirit will answer general inquiries about the park, the Navajo Nation and Four Corners area, and specific products in support of WNPA’s mission.

The Trader must have significant experience working with Native American artisans and as a trader of Native American arts and crafts. A background that includes forming mutually supportive relationships with artists and artisans while respecting their traditions, and providing a welcoming environment is required. The Trader must speak and understand the Navajo language.

The Trader reports to the WNPA Operations Manager and oversees a variety of tasks associated with managing the historic property, inventory, cash flow, and the training and leadership of WNPA staff. Cooperation and camaraderie at Hubbell’s is highly valued. To be successful, this individual must be able to carry out each essential task and responsibility satisfactorily within the parameters listed below

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

This role is responsible for completing the following tasks and any related tasks as assigned:

• Responsible for the operation of Hubbell Trading Post in accordance with applicable federal, state, and tribal laws, WNPA instructions, National Park Service (NPS) guidelines, and professional business practices.
• Complies with all guidelines established by the CEO and Board of Directors.
• Practices superior customer service skills, uses diplomacy in all situations, and ensures staff members practice superior customer service skills.
• Develops and maintains positive professional relationships with WNPA staff and board members, NPS staff, visitors, artists, vendors, and members of the general public.
• Oversees hiring, training, and management of the Assistant Trader, Weaver, and Data Entry positions.
• Manages and assists in the training of the Park Store Manager, Assistant Park Store Manager, and Sales and Information Associates.
• Buys/sells Native American made handcrafts from tribal members.
• Assists customers with selection and education of merchandise and other transactions.
• Effectively conveys to visitors basic characteristics of Native American crafted goods.
• Collects, secures, and deposits all cash and cash equivalents for all sales and transactions.
• Maintains and ensures security of records for all cash transactions, petty cash, and change fund accounts.
• Provides Assistant Trader with bills/invoices, purchase orders, and receiving records in a timely fashion.
• Oversees and controls overall inventory levels for all merchandise.
• Cooperates with Assistant Trader and Operations Manager in keeping the trading post’s financial and inventory records accurate and up to date.
• Safeguards all stock, cash, and WNPA-controlled property in accordance with approved WNPA security standards.
• Works with the Operations Manager to oversee inventory, ensuring the accuracy of prices.
• Accurately maintains appropriate inventory levels to achieve at least two turns per year.
• Cooperates with the Park Store Manager in preparation of accurate and timely reports to the home office.
• Ensures that phone and mail orders are processed promptly with a focus on customer service.
• Ensures the trading post is neat, clean, and orderly.
• Maintains staffing levels and schedules in accordance with NPS hours.
• Performs periodic maintenance of trading post equipment and contacts the appropriate person or service provider for assistance, as needed.
• Monitors grocery operations to comply with applicable health standards.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

This role must possess advanced to expert knowledge of, skill in, and/or ability in the following:

• Analyze and solve practical problems and deal with a variety of situations where only limited standardization exists. Situations may include, but are not limited to, difficulties with credit card machine, cash register, computer, and inventory management.
• Handle occasional high-pressure situations in a positive manner.
• Interpret a variety of instructions provided orally and in writing, and in the form of a diagram or schedule.
• Prioritize and accomplish many tasks simultaneously.
• Make independent judgments in the performance of duties.
• Work alone and in a team environment.
• Accept direction and coaching from supervisor.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with all NPS and WNPA personnel, volunteers, members of the local community, and the public.
• Must possess experience with Microsoft Office suite products to include, but not limited to, internet, email, word processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint, and databases.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This role must be able to meet the following physical demands with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Most work tasks are performed indoors, where the temperature is moderate and controlled by office environmental systems. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet but may become loud during high customer volume or special events. Occasional work may be performed outside under natural conditions (special events, etc.). Environment will vary when outside work or travel is required.
• Must be able to sit at a desk or stand for up to 4-8 hours per day. Walking and standing are frequently required.
• Requires grasping, writing, standing, sitting, walking, repetitive motions, listening, hearing ability, and visual acuity.
• Talking and hearing occur continuously in the process of communicating with customers, volunteers, supervisors, directors, and co-workers.
• Must have common visual functions including near vision, depth perception, and color vision.
• Regularly required to bend, stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• Ability to work primarily with fingers to pick, pinch, type, and carry out substantial movements (motions) of the wrists and hands as well.
• Requires manual and finger dexterity to operate equipment such as, but not limited to, computers, printers, 10-key adding machine, multi-line touch-tone phone, filing cabinets, FAX machines, photocopiers, dolly, and other office equipment as needed.
• Occasionally required to lift or move up to 50 pounds, as well as push and pull up to 50 pounds a distance of about 25 feet.

TRAVEL

Occasional to frequent travel may be required to various local events or speaking engagements. Additionally, occasional overnight trips may be required.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

This role must have the following qualifications and/or experience unless otherwise noted:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Working knowledge of Navajo language (an ability to speak and understand) is required.
• Three years  of experience managing a retail store or equivalent.
• Three years of supervisory experience, preferably in a retail environment.
• Five years of experience in dealing with Native American artisans, particularly Navajo.
• Three years of experience as a trader of Native American arts/crafts, particularly Navajo.
• Valid driver’s license and satisfactory motor vehicle record.
• Ability to pass NPS background check to obtain necessary security clearance.
• Current Food Handlers Permit is a plus. (WNPA will provide or support appropriate training to acquire this permit.)

WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU

We are committed to providing you with an outstanding employee benefits package and support. As a full-time employee, you will be eligible for:

• Choice of 3 premium subsidized PPO Medical plans with built-in HSA or HRA, PPO Dental, Vision, Flex Medical Savings Plan, Dependent Care Savings Plan, Optional Voluntary Term Life, and 403(b) Retirement Plan with a fully vested 100% match up to 8.33% of income after 6 months service.
• Company Paid Benefits include: Short- & Long-Term Disability, a $50,000 Employee Group Life policy, EAP, and Health & Wellness resources.
• Eleven paid holidays, additional paid floating holiday, accrued paid vacation, and sick time.
• Employee Appreciation: 15% Discount on employee purchases in-store.
• Employee Referral Bonuses

(This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions that an employee in this position may be asked to perform from time to time.)

Western National Parks Association is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.  We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristics as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.  WNPA makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.