Part-Time Museum Guide

The Pennsylvania State University • University Park, FL

2d • $15 • Onsite

About The Position

The Palmer Museum of Art at Penn State is recruiting part-time guides to welcome visitors and introduce works of ar t from the permanent collection and special exhibitions . The Palmer Museum is the largest art museum collection between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia and the most significant academic art museum in Pennsylvania. A key element of Penn State’s land-grant mission of teaching, research, and public service, the Museum is a vital and accessible cultural resource for Penn State’s students, faculty, and scholars, as well as for all visitors to and from the entire central Pennsylvania region. Through its world-class objects, programs, and outreach, the Museum is a welcoming, inclusive, and vibrant forum for authentic arts experiences and cultivates meaningful dialogue about today’s most potent ideas and pressing concerns. More information about the museum and the permanent collection can be found at https://palmermuseum.psu.edu/ . We are s eeking dynamic , outgoing individuals interested in art and connecting with people of all backgrounds and experiences . In-depth knowledge of or a degree in art and art history is not necessary . Paid t raining will provide knowledge and develop skills in museum collections, art interpretation, and facilitating guided presentation, dialogue and discussion . Scheduling is responsive to the demand of tour requests and may vary from 4-6 hours per week u p to 10-15+ hours per week. Shifts will primarily take place within the museum’s public hours: 11:00am to 5:00pm, Wednesdays – Sundays, 11am-5pm, with additional hours until 8:00pm on Thursdays.

Requirements

• Must be 18 or older .
• High School diploma or equivalent , plus post-secondary coursework
• 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 .
• F lexible and adaptable, with excellent listening skills and the ability to demonstrate empathy and understanding .
• A commitment to accessibility and equity, in alignment with the mu seum’s mission, vision, and goals .
• Capable of learning new material rapidly , thinking critically, and facilitating discussions that may incl ude difficult or controversial content .
• Able to work independently and able to accept supervision .
• The ability to lead groups through a multi-leve l, 7 3 ,000 square foot museum ; walking, using stairs, standing, and/ or using a mobility device for 60- 90 minutes at a time.
• Some tours may include the outdoor sculpture path and/or exploration gallery.

Nice To Haves

• BA degree preferred .
• Tours are primarily conducted in English, and those fluent in more than on e language, including ASL, are encouraged to apply.
• P rior knowledge of the Palmer Museum of Art is not , but successful candidates will have an interest in art and relevant coursework and/or experience in art, art education, art history, education, museum studies or similar.

Responsibilities

• Providi ng a welcoming, inclusive environment and a rewarding learning experience to museum visitors through guided tours.
• Conducting discussion-based tours of approximately 60 – 90 minutes in length.
• Conducting 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 exhibit ion s 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 .

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED