Crystal Cave is the longest cave in Wisconsin. Above ground there are 100 acres of forest, prairie, and farm fields. Our main lodge houses a gift store with rocks, fossils, jewelry, and other educational items. Cave tours and programs are offered to schools, summer camps, and the general public. We strive to educate our guests about the importance of caves to the environment but no geology degree is required as we have a comprehensive training program.
Working at Crystal Cave in the experience of a lifetime. Enjoy your work day in a cool cave. Join in the fun staff events such as picnics, cave explorations, and mini golf games.
It is critical that the successful candidate embrace the teaching of scientifically accepted facts of geology, biology, and conservation as well as the guest centric approach. Must enjoying talking and interacting with people. All positions will work some weekends and holidays.
Crystal Cave is located in Spring Valley, a rural town located between River Falls Wisconsin and Menomonie Wisconsin and only 1hour from Minneapolis / St. Paul Minnesota.
Current Job Openings
Gift Store Manager
Job Description:
This is a full time, year-round position
The gift store manager is responsible for the day-to-day running of gift shop, minigolf, and scheduling cave tours at Crystal Cave. The gift store manager will ensure that excellent customer care standards are met through the supervising of staff and meeting the objectives of Crystal Cave. Managers will also be able to provide an educational yet entertaining (scripted) one hour tour of Crystal Cave as need; training is provided.
The successful candidate must have prior experience managing staff, preferable in a retail, hospitality, zoo, or science center. No previous experience with caves is needed.
The position will work some weekends during our season. This is a full time, year-round position. Even though we are closed to the general public and groups during the winter our main offices are open year-round. We are flexible for winter vacations.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
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- Willingness to learn about the scientifically accepted facts of geology, biology, and conservation. Previous geology background is not required as training is provided.
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- Assist in cave tour training for new staff. Assist in teaching and facilitating non-tour educational programs.
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- Supervising gift store staff, and assist in managing our gift store, and managing inventories.
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- Communicate job expectations, assign jobs and tours to staff and evaluate job results.
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- Liaison with schools and summer camps.
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- Assist at ticket counter / retail POS
Secondary Duties:
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- To conduct an informative, educational and entertaining tour of Crystal Cave (comprehensive training in provided).
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- Assist in the general maintenance and upkeep of the grounds, gift shop and cave.
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- Perform other tasks as identified by Executive Director or General Manager
Minimum Requirements:
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- At least two years previous experience managing staff, preferable in a retail, restaurant, hospitality, zoo or science center.
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- High degree of organizational skills
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- Enjoy working with the general public and school groups.
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- Have excellent verbal communication skills, ability to be pleasant, confident and engaging.
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- Must be in good physical condition to be able to descend and ascend several flights of stairs and ramps several times each day, stand for extended periods of time, lift a minimum of 30 pounds.
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- Comfortable underground.
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- Available daily (including weekends and holidays when we are open to the public)
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- Must be able to pass background checks.
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- Job Type: Full-time, year round
Out of State Applicants: Crystal Cave has a limited number of fully furnished, non-smoking rooms available for staff housing! If you require housing please contact us for more information and availability.
Employment FAQ
How old do you have to be to work at Crystal Cave?
The minimum age for working at Crystal Cave is 16.
How can I apply for a position?
You can fill out this online application (pressed link on online application).
What if I have previously worked at Crystal Cave?
Please email us at hr@acoolcave.org to let us know you are looking for return employment.
What are your hours of operation?
We operate 7 days a week, including holidays. Since we are a tourist attraction all shifts typically start mid-morning and are usually 6 to 8 hours in length.
Are you a college student? We have flexible scheduling and we can work around class schedules.
If you would like to talk to us about the possibility of working around your current school schedule or other scheduling questions please call us at 715-778-4414 or email hr@acoolcave.org.
Is the cave open on holidays?
Yes, the cave is open on all holidays between April and October. However, shift are in the middle of the day so you will have plenty of time to enjoy a holiday party or 4th of July fireworks after work.
Do you hire for summer only employment?
Yes, we offer flexible start and end dates to accommodate school year end and start dates. Students in school can also choose to only work during the weekend in the spring and fall as well.
Do you have any internships available?
Yes, we offer internships for a variety of areas of study including geology, environmental sciences, tourism and hospitality, biology, theatre and outdoor education. Be sure to contact us for additional information on our internships.
Do you have more information about the housing for out of area applicants?
The staff housing is individual rooms in fully furnished houses. We would be happy to discuss the staff housing and availably with you in more detail.
I have additional questions; how can you be contacted in regards to employment?
We are happy to answer any questions that you may have about working at Crystal Cave. Please email or call us.