CMNH Gallery Associate

Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh•Pittsburgh, PA

22h•Onsite

About The Position

There's no cultural organization in the world quite like Carnegie Museums. With a legacy of discovery and outreach dating back to 1895, today we are a family of four diverse, dynamic museums; Carnegie Museum of Art, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Carnegie Science Center, and The Andy Warhol Museum. We're committed to being inclusive, both onsite and online, and to exploring with our audiences the big ideas and issues of our time. Carnegie Museums is interested in candidates who, through their experience and collaborations, will contribute to diversity and excellence of the Carnegie Museums community. This Part-Time position is eligible for many of the Carnegie Museums' Benefits. Please scroll to the bottom of this page to see information on the starting pay rate. This is a union position. The CMNH Gallery Associate is responsible for welcoming individuals and groups at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and serving as an approachable and enthusiastic presence throughout the museum during operational and open hours as well as special events, while protecting the collection and helping to keep the collection safe from damage. Familiarity with all the areas of the Visitor & Museum Services Department to ensure smooth daily operation and a positive visitor experience. Demonstrate the highest level of customer service; protect the scientific collection; observe visitor behavior while circulating in specific areas or galleries; monitor for restricted items and touching of collection; provide visitors with information regarding current exhibitions and upcoming programs; ensure visitors follow museum policies; perform admission transactions using a computerized ticketing system for upcharge exhibits and events; sell memberships; provide information concerning the facility, collection and exhibitions; oversee coat check; monitor lunchroom for school groups; take responsibility for each visitor’s experience by meeting and, where possible, exceeding visitor expectations. Fulfill visitor accommodation requests, including sighted guide, limited ASL assistance, and providing wheelchairs.

Requirements

Excellent customer service and communication skills.
Basic computer skills and ability to be trained on Siriusware ticketing system.
Ability to handle cash and credit card transactions and balance cash drawer.
Weekend and evening hours required.
A love of museums and an interest in natural history is required.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Previous experience, minimum of one year, in retail or other public contact employment.
Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance.
Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check.
FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

Nice To Haves

Cash handling experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Welcome individuals and groups at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.
Serve as an approachable and enthusiastic presence throughout the museum during operational and open hours as well as special events.
Protect the collection and help to keep the collection safe from damage.
Ensure smooth daily operation and a positive visitor experience through familiarity with all areas of the Visitor & Museum Services Department.
Demonstrate the highest level of customer service.
Protect the scientific collection.
Observe visitor behavior while circulating in specific areas or galleries.
Monitor for restricted items and touching of collection.
Provide visitors with information regarding current exhibitions and upcoming programs.
Ensure visitors follow museum policies.
Perform admission transactions using a computerized ticketing system for upcharge exhibits and events.
Sell memberships.
Provide information concerning the facility, collection and exhibitions.
Oversee coat check.
Monitor lunchroom for school groups.
Take responsibility for each visitor’s experience by meeting and, where possible, exceeding visitor expectations.
Fulfill visitor accommodation requests, including sighted guide, limited ASL assistance, and providing wheelchairs.
Acquire, through meetings, on-going training, and individual initiative, all information, product knowledge and interpersonal and communication skill development necessary for successful performance in a front-line staff position and as a monitor and steward of the museums on view collection and exhibitions.
Actively participate in regular trainings with Conservation and Exhibitions department staff and demonstrate and improve knowledge of best practices for protecting and monitoring the CMNH collection and exhibitions on view at the museum.
Learn how to keep collection safe from damage and how to investigate, observe, and report unusual conditions, including tampering or damage to scientific collection and displays.
Actively participate in regular trainings with Conservation and Exhibition staff and demonstrate general knowledge of the content of current and upcoming exhibitions and permanent collection installations, as well as upcoming talks and programs.
Attend training and demonstrate competency in accessibility-related visitor service, including sighted guide, best practices for transactions, and limited, useful ASL communication.
Attend emergency preparedness training and demonstrate understanding of Oakland emergency procedures.
Respond to emergency situations (such as accidents, illness, fire, building evacuation, and disorderly patrons) in accordance with prescribed Security Department policies.
Communicate with the public in a courteous and sensitive manner, projecting a positive and professional image of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.
Demonstrate commitment to inclusion and accessibility efforts at the museum.
Explain museum’s visitor policies regarding food or drink in the galleries and current Carnegie Museum guidelines, including those regarding COVID-19.
Patrol and monitor assigned areas to assure safety and security of the collection, the public and the building.
Follow security routines in opening and closing galleries daily including turning lights on and off, exhibition set-up as necessary.
Cooperate as a front-line team with all staff to provide seamless visitor service across the museum.
Demonstrate respect and dignity to co-workers and visitors.
Act in a proactive manner to maintain a safe environment and notify all appropriate personnel regarding safety hazards and concerns.
Explain admission policies and operate the Ticketing and Reservation System to receive group and individual admissions.
Be responsible for the accuracy of the admissions monies.
Count and sign for correct amounts of money needed for cash operating funds.
Conduct a double count of cash operating funds with appointed Visitor & Museum Services supervisor at the end of the day and balance the daily batch.
Assist in wayfinding; provide directions and suggested routes of travel throughout the museum.
Act as greeter to proactively welcome visitors to the museum and galleries.
Answer questions; provide assistance; and offer suggestions to enhance the visitor experience.
Provide all requested information and assistance to visitors and act to resolve their special requests, problems or concerns to achieve mutual satisfaction.
Complete transactions as needed.
Provide onsite support for members with concerns or requests.
Greet school groups and assist in the delivery of coats and lunches to the coatroom.
Monitor Lunchroom to keep groups on schedule.
Keep in-gallery exhibition materials stocked and orderly.
Keep admission desk in a clean and orderly manner.
Perform operator-level maintenance on TRS, including changing printer tapes.
Keep necessary forms and materials stocked.
Perform other duties as assigned.