Museum Visitor Services Attendant

Washington and Lee University actively promotes a dynamic and welcoming environment that allows students and employees of multiple backgrounds and perspectives to learn, work, and thrive together. Successful candidates will contribute to that environment and exhibit potential for excellence in their areas of expertise.

Responsibilities

• Provide a proactive, friendly, and professional welcome to all visitors, field trip groups, and adult tours at orientation areas and across exhibition galleries.
• Facilitate guided tours and/or gallery talks as assigned, adapting interpretation methods to varied audiences (including children, seniors, non-native English speakers, and visitors with disabilities).
• Follow and enforce provided policies and manuals for visitor engagement, safety, and operations.
• Maintain a working knowledge of current exhibitions, basic institutional history, and the department's ongoing educational programming.
• Act as a conduit for visitor feedback and inquiries; resolve issues using established protocols and training.
• Monitor the status of museum facilities, ensuring public spaces, tour routes, and event spaces are clean, safe, and appropriately set up. Perform light custodial or room preparation tasks as needed.
• Ensure guest safety and artifact preservation in coordination with Public Safety officers and museum staff.
• Support special events, private rentals, receptions, and public programs. Assist with event logistics, guest check-in, directional staffing, venue setup/breakdown, and vendor oversight during after-hours functions.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent GED plus a minimum of 1 year of front-line customer service experience required.
• Demonstrated passion and appreciation for art, history, culture, and a willingness to share it with the public.
• Previous museum/cultural organization experience is preferred.
• College education in art history, and some museum or public/customer service work experience is preferred.
• Must be comfortable with technology and/or willing to learn.
• Ability to read, understand, and retain written information pertaining to the Museum, local history, and exhibits and ability to utilize these resources effectively.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills and the ability to clearly explain Museum policies and procedures.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, but also works well with others by showing courtesy and respect to colleagues and demonstrate skills such as diplomacy and empathy.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and interface effectively with visitors; remain calm and effective during high-traffic times.
• Must be able to respond to security or emergency situations calmly and with good judgement.

Schedule

Work hours fall within Chapel operating times (Wednesday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.), some nights and weekends as needed for event support. Attendants typically work 10-12 hours per week. This is a part-time, non-benefit eligible position with a maximum of 29 hours per week and fewer than 999 hours per anniversary year.

Pay

The hourly pay for this position is $17.00.