Museum Guide

About the role

The Palmer Museum of Art at Penn State is recruiting part-time guides to welcome visitors and introduce works of art from the permanent collection and special exhibitions.

Responsibilities

• Conducting discussion-based tours of approximately 60–90 minutes in length.
• Providing a welcoming, inclusive environment and a rewarding learning experience to museum visitors through guided tours.
• Congducting occasional tours of the museum and facilities (behind the scenes) for VIPs, special visiting groups, etc.
• Greeting and welcoming groups upon their arrival.
• Dealing skillfully with a variety of visitors under a variety of circumstances.
• Speaking comfortably to small and large groups of people of all ages and backgrounds, including varying levels of interest and knowledge of art and art history.
• Continually keeping informed about changes in museum exhibitions and tour programs.
• Assisting at the welcome desk by providing information and wayfinding to museum visitors and supporting Visitor Services staff in capturing patron demographics.
• Assisting, on occasion, with special event programs that take place during or outside of museum public hours.

Requirements

• Must be 18 or older.
• High School diploma or equivalent, plus post-secondary coursework; BA degree preferred.
• Experience working with the public, especially in customer service or education.
• Personable, outgoing; Enjoy meeting and interacting with other people, and able to speak comfortably in front of groups of people.
• Reliable, responsible.
• Flexible and adaptable, with excellent listening skills and the ability to demonstrate empathy and understanding.
• A commitment to accessibility, equity, and anti-oppression and alignment with the museum’s mission, vision, and goals.
• Capable of learning new material rapidly, thinking critically, and facilitating discussions that may include difficult or controversial content.
• Able to work independently and able to accept supervision.
• The ability to lead groups through a multi-level, 73,000 square foot museum; walking, using stairs, standing, and/or using a mobility device for 60-90 minutes at a time.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 or older.
• High School diploma or equivalent, plus post-secondary coursework; BA degree preferred.
• Experience working with the public, especially in customer service or education.
• Personable, outgoing; Enjoy meeting and interacting with other people, and able to speak comfortably in front of groups of people.
• Reliable, responsible.
• Flexible and adaptable, with excellent listening skills and the ability to demonstrate empathy and understanding.
• A commitment to accessibility, equity, and anti-oppression and alignment with the museum’s mission, vision, and goals.
• Capable of learning new material rapidly, thinking critically, and facilitating discussions that may include difficult or controversial content.
• Able to work independently and able to accept supervision.
• The ability to lead groups through a multi-level, 73,000 square foot museum; walking, using stairs, standing, and/or using a mobility device for 60-90 minutes at a time.

Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of art history and museum practices.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing schedules and tour requests.

Benefits

The Palmer Museum of Art offers a competitive pay rate of $15 per hour for part-time, hourly wage positions.

Pay

Pay: $15 per hour; part-time, hourly wage position

Schedule

Scheduling is variable so as to accommodate tour requests, but the primary days and times for availability are Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., with occasional shifts on weekends.

Application Instructions

Please submit a cover letter and resume to be considered for this position. Candidates selected for interviews will be asked to make a short presentation on a work of art or other piece of visual media of their choice (detailed instructions will be provided).

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

Evidence of equitable considerations, awareness, and practice with regard to inclusive practices in educating diverse student bodies and working with a diverse faculty, staff or work population to cultivate a culture that supports success and enables all members of a community to thrive.

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

Campus Security Crime Statistics Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive.

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