Visitor Services Associate (Chesterwood) Seasonal-PT

National Trust for Historic Preservation; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization as a Visitor Services Associate at a historic site, where you will provide exceptional customer service and create memorable experiences for visitors. In this engaging role, you will manage admissions, assist with museum shop sales, and ensure a welcoming environment for all guests. This position offers a unique opportunity to work in a beautiful setting, surrounded by art and history, while contributing to the mission of preserving cultural heritage. If you are passionate about history and enjoy interacting with diverse audiences, this seasonal position is perfect for you.

Benefits

Employee discount in Gift Shop

Free Admission to special performances/lectures

Complimentary admission passes

Paid training

Qualifications

• Experience in retail and hospitality preferred.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills required.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent customer service at the Admissions desk.
• Conduct opening and closing procedures for the Gift Shop.
• Sell admissions tickets and merchandise.

Skills

Customer Service

Interpersonal Skills

Problem-Solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience

Tools

Cash Register Systems

Job description

Work at the National Trust for Historic Preservation

Visitor Services Associate (Chesterwood) Seasonal-PT

Department: Historic Sites

Location: Stockbridge, MA

JOB SUMMARY
Chesterwood is the Gilded Age home, studio, and gardens of American sculptor Daniel Chester French (1850-1931). The 122-acre landscape contains mountain views, formal gardens, and woodland trails as well as a vast collection of original sculptures, paintings, and furniture. French’s life and artistic achievements are explored through guided tours and educational programs, while contemporary artists are supported and advanced through residencies and sculpture exhibitions.

The Visitor Services Associate serves as an informed ambassador for Chesterwood and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, providing excellent customer service, conducting admissions and museum shop sales and support, as well as being the point person for welcoming individuals, group tours, special guests, etc. and informing the Tour Guide staff of the daily schedule.

TO APPLY: Send your cover letter and resume with “Visitor Services Associate” in the subject line to [e-mail]

DO NOT APPLY BELOW.

DUTIES

• Provide a positive introductory experience for all visitors to the Admissions desk.
• Conduct opening procedures that prepare the Admissions/Gift Shop area to receive visitors and closing procedures that prepare the area for the following day.
• Set up the admissions desk and gift shop (preparing the register and cash drawer; restocking museum shop items as needed).
• Sell admissions tickets and gift shop merchandise.
• Close and balance the cash register each evening and generate closing reports to accompany the deposit for the day.
• Provide visitor orientation, answer visitor questions both in person and on the telephone. Provide exceptional customer service to all site guests and interact positively and professionally with site colleagues.
• Convey the mission of the individual site and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, including announcing current initiatives and upcoming programs and events.
• Assist in monitoring collections security (buildings, objects, grounds) and visitor safety, responding calmly and professionally to emergencies and promptly notifying supervisors of incidents or unsafe conditions.
• Assist as needed with site-related activities and other additional duties and responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in retail establishments and the hospitality field preferred.
• Ability to properly operate cash register systems and complete transactions with visitors in a professional and timely manner.
• Previous experience in a museum or historic or cultural setting is a plus.
• Effective and engaging interpersonal skills. Excellent verbal and written communication, with the ability to speak and read English fluently.
• Basic problem-solving skills, including issue identification and prioritization.
• Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, including culturally diverse audiences, patrons, and guests.
• Ability to adapt and be flexible in a dynamic work environment.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and skill set a plus.
• Regular and reliable attendance required.
• Minimum physical requirements include but are not limited to: Ability to stand or be active for periods up to 6 hours; lift book or merchandise boxes; walk over uneven terrain; climb stairs.
• BA or equivalent work experience required; studies in retail and hospitality – or historic site related – a plus.

DATES:
Chesterwood is open to the public from May 14 – October 31, 2025 from Wednesday-Monday (closed Tuesdays). The Visitor Services shift runs from 9:30am to 5:30pm (with a 30-minute lunch break). Each Visitor Services Associate is scheduled to work at least 1-2 days a week and may be asked occasionally to fill in shifts on other days.
HOURLY RATE: $20.00

DEADLINE: April 1, 2025
Job Types: Temporary, Seasonal
Pay: $20.00 per hour

Benefits

• Employee discount in Gift Shop
• Free Admission to special performances/lectures, etc.
• Complimentary admission passes
• Paid training

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is an equal opportunity organization and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, or disability.