Part-Time Customer Experience Associate

Role OverviewFlinn Scientific is the industry leader in enabling science teachers to inspire young minds. Our Customer Experience team is the heartbeat of our company and we need someone who genuinely enjoys helping people, can think on their feet, and takes pride in finding solutions. If you love talking with people, digging into a problem, and walking away knowing you made a teacher's day easier, this might be the right fit. This role has real depth to it. The more you learn, the more valuable you become.Because our business is seasonal, hours will flex with demand. Part-time team members typically work around 20 hours per week during slower months (November – June), increasing to 30 hours in July and October and 40 hours in August and September.ResponsibilitiesHandle customer inquiries across phone, email, and live chat. No scripts--just real conversations with real people.Produce quotes and place orders to ensure timely, accurate serviceProcess credit card payments in compliance with PCI standardsSet up and maintain new customer accounts within our CRM, including school and district linkagesCoordinate with suppliers to expedite orders and arrange shipments using the most efficient and cost-effective methods - across finished goods, bulk, and repack supply itemsPerform back-office tasks and ad-hoc requests as neededWhat Success Looks LikeConsistently delivers accurate and timely resolutions, minimizing errors in orders, quotes, and account setupEffectively manages high volumes of customer interactions while maintaining quality and professionalismDemonstrates the ability to work independently after training, confidently navigating systems and processesPrioritizes and adapts workload to meet changing demands, especially during peak seasonsExercises sound judgment in ambiguous situations, balancing policy with a customer-first approachTakes full ownership of customer issues, ensuring follow-through and closureCollaborates effectively with internal teams to resolve issues quickly and reduce delaysShows continuous improvement by applying feedback and avoiding repeated mistakesQualificationsProficient in computer systems, including data entry, internet navigation, and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)High school diploma required; bachelor's degree preferredPrior experience in customer service, retail, or hospitality environments preferredStrong verbal and written communication skillsAbility to learn new systems and processes in a structured environmentDemonstrated ability to stay organized and manage multiple tasksWork EnvironmentThis position is based primarily at our headquarters in Batavia, Illinois, with the expectation of being onsite 100% of the time, depending on the needs of the business. The role operates in a collaborative, team-oriented office environment, with regular in-person interaction and planning. The workspace is shared and dynamic, with a steady flow of meetings, conversations, and cross-functional collaboration.Physical RequirementsThis role is fully on-site and requires continuous in-person interaction with customers and team members. Candidates should be comfortable standing and walking for extended periods, supporting daily operations in a fast-paced environment. The position includes regular movement across the facility and occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds, while maintaining a professional and energetic presence.How We Work: The Flinn FormulaSuccess at Flinn isn't just about what you achieve, but how you achieve it. Our cultural framework, the Flinn Formula, defines the behaviors that fuel our transformation:Solution-Oriented: You don't just flag problems , you propose paths forward.Curious: You ask "why" and "what if," pushing for smarter ways to work.Customer-Obsessed: You keep educators and students at the heart of every decision.Collaborative: You bring people together, even when perspectives differ.Resilient: You stay steady and push through challenges with urgency and grit.Invested: You own outcomes, follow through, and hold others to the same standard.These behaviors are not aspirational, they are core expectations. Consistent misalignment with the Flinn Formula is considered a performance issue.We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. We value diversity and believe it strengthens our team and the communities we serve.