Job Location: Catskill, NY

Job Title: Museum Guide

Institution: Thomas Cole National Historic Site

Institution Website: thomascole.org

About the Institution: Thomas Cole's home and studio in Catskill, NY

Job Description:

Museum Guides

The Thomas Cole National Historic Site seeks seasonal museum guides at the historic site from July through November 2022 for four to five days per week. Additional opportunities for approximately three days per week through January are possible, programming-dependent. The position offers the opportunity to join a dynamic team at a beautiful historic site in Catskill, New York, in the scenic Hudson Valley. Hourly rates range from $13.50-$18.50, based on experience.

Essential functions and responsibilities include becoming skilled in the following:

Facilitate self-guided experiences for visitors at the home and studios of Thomas Cole, maintaining a level of knowledge in order to substantively inform the public and respond accurately to their questions

Lead guided tours of the site

Lead and/or assist with school programs, both on and off-site

Facilitate positive visitor experiences for visitors, school groups, and other audiences in a confident and professional manner

Act as the tour staff’s ‘go-to person’ on a rotating basis along with other guides to ensure daily tour operations are running smoothly. This includes tasks like managing unforeseen emergencies, and facilitating large group visits.

Lead activities at events

Participate in group discussions to brainstorm innovative methods of historic site interpretation

Keep informed about special offers, events/programming, and the surrounding area of Catskill and be able to communicate this information to visitors

Keep informed about our policies, our operations, the structure of the season, and be able to communicate this information to visitors

Run the Visitor Center by greeting and orienting visitors, operating the cash register and online ticketing system for sales and reservations, and keeping the shop and desk area neat

Logistics of security, and opening/closing procedures

Help with small tasks around the site such as refilling brochures, wiping down interpretive panels, and maintaining visitor writing/art areas.

Qualifications:

The position requires a comfort and natural ability with speaking in front of a group, a passion for learning about history, and the desire to communicate this knowledge and passion with others. The ideal candidate will enjoy working as part of a team, can problem-solve effectively and take initiative when needed, and can calmly handle many different kinds of situations with patience, and with a smile. It is critical that the candidate be punctual, reliable, and responsible, as well as open to constructive feedback and new ideas. The position requires moderate physical activity including climbing stairs and moving about the historic site in hot summers and cool spring and fall weather. Flexibility in schedule is preferred.

This Position is: In-Person

Position Type: Seasonal

Salary range: $13.50-18.50

Benefits: None

How to Apply: Send resume and cover letter to employment@thomascole.org

Job Closing Date: 8/1/2022