Museum Visitor Services Attendant

This position ensures a positive and welcoming museum experience and environment for guests, demonstrating the highest level of customer service while remaining professional, personable, and engaging to all museum visitors. Washington and Lee University promotes a dynamic and welcoming environment that allows students and employees of diverse backgrounds and perspectives to learn, work, and thrive together.

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.
• Always ensure guest safety and artifact preservation in coordination with Public Safety officers and museum staff.
• Support special events, private rentals, receptions, and public programs, assisting with event logistics, guest check‑in, directional staffing, venue setup/breakdown, and vendor oversight during after‑hours functions.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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 or cultural organization experience preferred.
• College education in art history and some museum or public/customer service work experience preferred.
• Comfortable with technology or willing to learn.
• Ability to read, understand, and retain written information pertaining to the museum, local history, and exhibits, and to utilize these resources effectively.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to clearly explain museum policies and procedures.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, while also collaborating respectfully with colleagues, demonstrating diplomacy and empathy.
• Capability to work in a fast‑paced environment, remain calm during high‑traffic times, and respond to security or emergency situations with good judgment.

Pay

The hourly pay for this position is $17.00.

Schedule

Work hours fall within Chapel operating times (Wednesday‑Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.), with 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.