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4639 Sawmill Creek Road
Sitka, Alaska 99835
USA

907-747-3550

Fortress Of The Bear an educational bear rescue center located in Sitka, Alaska. We bring orphaned bears from all over the state of Alaska and find homes for them in zoos and sanctuaries internationally.  We currently have 8 resident orphaned bears in 3 separate enclosures.  These enclosures mimic the natural settings that they would normally be found.  Visitors view from above in a covered area and have the opportunity to observe and photographic their continuous antics.

Work With Us!

Would you like to join the Fortress of the Bear team? Check this page for our latest job opportunities!

Retail Associate - positions posted 01/14/2025

Please email Gerri for an application: gerri@fortressofthebear.org

Duration: Full-time and part-time positions available, seasonal (April/May - September/October)

Salary: $14 - $18 hourly, DOE

Reports to: Retail Supervisor

Job Summary: A retail associate will primarily work in the gift shop and strive to ensure every visitor has a good experience. The associate will use clear communication skills and a positive attitude to interact with visitors, to identify any needs, provide solutions, and answer questions about our products and services.

Minimum Age Requirement: 14

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES:

  • Greet and direct visitors

  • Answer questions about Fortress, the bears, merchandise, transportation, and other questions visitors may have (information will be provided)

  • Communicate in a timely fashion with other staff as needed

  • Quickly and accurately assist shoppers through the check-out lines

  • Rotate through a cleaning schedule with all other staff that includes bathrooms, floors, trashcans, countertops, and common touch areas

  • Assist with keeping merchandise and other areas well stocked and orderly

  • Document and record specific information correctly

SOFT SKILLS:

  • Possess basic reading, writing, math, and computer skills

  • Display an ability to learn and ask questions for clarification

  • Present excellent communication and interpersonal skills

  • Be able to engage in dialogue with strangers

  • Display a positive and friendly attitude

  • Be reliable, punctual, and adaptable to a flexible schedule

  • Commit to accuracy during all transactions

  • Must be honest, trustworthy, and hardworking

Retail Supervisor - position posted 01/14/2025

Please email Gerri for an application: gerri@fortressofthebear.org

Duration: Full time, seasonal (April/May - September/October)

Salary: DOE

Reports to: Retail & Production Manager

Supervises: Retail Associates

Job Summary: The Retail Supervisor oversees the day-to-day operations and functionality of the gift shop and online store to promote positive visitor experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES:

  • Set up and maintain all displays and retail merchandise

  • Work with seasonal staff, volunteers and other FoB staff to create a staff schedule to ensure gift shop coverage

  • Train and monitor retail associates to ensure positive promotion of Fortress and positive visitor experience

  • Actively participate in all areas of retail: operating POS systems at admission and gift shop, restocking, cleaning, data entry, inventory accuracy, visitor interactions and answering questions about Fortress, the bears and general operations (information will be provided)

  • Work to ensure the cleanliness and functionality of the entire main building, front exterior entry and outside restrooms

  • Interacts and communicates with other departments as needed to maintain the facility and its operations

  • Other duties as assigned by the Retail & Production Manager

SOFT SKILLS:

  • Friendly and outgoing

  • Ensures a welcoming spirit at Fortress

  • Ability to communicate positively via email, text, written, phone and in person

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with lots of public interaction

  • Inspire and support team members

  • Ability to work harmoniously with a dynamic staff, accepting and providing feedback and resolving issues in a constructive manner