Docent / Museum Educator

Wallowacountychamber; Oregon, Northern (WI, KY); Hybrid; USD 22,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Safe, supportive workplace

Professional growth opportunities

Direct access to leadership

Job summary

Maxville Heritage Interpretive Center (MHIC) in Joseph, OR is seeking a passionate, community-minded Docent / Museum Educator to welcome visitors, host tours, and bring our arts and science exhibits to life.

You will read your audience, adapt discussions for different ages, maintain daily visitor logs, and help ensure safety and preservation of the collections.

Qualifications

• Experience in education, museum services, customer relations or public speaking preferred but not required.
• Clear speaking voice and engaging manner essential.
• Inclusive and respectful attitude toward diverse visitors.
• Attention to detail and reliable in operations and safety.
• Willingness to learn and adapt as needed.

Responsibilities

• Host visitors and tailor tours to different ages and learning styles.
• Guide and interpret arts and science exhibits.
• Help monitor exhibits, ensure security and safety.
• Maintain daily visitor logs and follow policies.
• Adhere to shift schedule and participate in staff briefings.

Skills

Public speaking

Customer relations

Communication skills

Reading audience

Education

Education or related field

Job description

Join our team at Maxville Heritage Interpretive Center (MHIC)! We provide the public with engaging, hands-on Arts & Science exhibits and curriculum. We are seeking a passionate, community-minded individual to serve as a key "front-line" representative of our museum, welcoming visitors, managing floor operations, and bringing our collections to life. Position Summary The Docent / Museum Educator is a paid position responsible for hosting, interpretation, and public education. Your primary goal is to actively involve museum visitors, giving them tools for visual literacy and helping them connect our exhibits to their own lives. The ideal candidate is an engaging communicator who thrives on public interaction and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, educational environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Visitor Experience & Hosting: Welcome guests warmly to create an inviting atmosphere. Read your audience effectively to adapt tours and discussions for different age levels, learning styles, and backgrounds.
• Exhibit Interpretation & Education: Actively guide and interpret arts and science exhibitions objectively. Encourage visitors to think for themselves rather than imposing personal opinions.
• Collection Security & Preservation: Assist in preserving museum collections by providing auxiliary security, monitoring exhibition areas, and maintaining safety protocols.
• Operational Reliability: Adhere strictly to the assigned shift schedule. Review all provided exhibition materials, participate in mandatory staff meetings, and attend ongoing briefings.
• Daily Administration: Maintain accurate daily logs of visitor engagement and follow all policies outlined in the Employee Handbook.

Qualifications & Characteristics

• Education & Experience: Prior experience in education, museum services, customer relations, public speaking, or a related field is highly preferred but not required.
• Strong Communication: A clear speaking voice, engaging body language, and an interactive approach that encourages full audience participation.
• Professional Attributes: Promptness, excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and strong judgment during regular operations or emergency situations.
• Inclusivity & Respect: An open-minded, tolerant attitude sensitive to visitors' diverse cultural backgrounds and special needs.
• Humility & Growth Mindset: A willingness to admit when you do not know a piece of historical or scientific data and a proactive drive to help the visitor find the answer.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to remain stationary or move about the museum floor for extended periods while welcoming guests and guiding tours.

Position Details & Schedule

• Employment Type: Part-Time
• Schedule: 30 hours/week. Shifts are scheduled during regular museum operating hours: Wednesday through Saturday.
• Compensation: $16.82 / hour
• Reports To: Executive Director / Museum Manager
• Location: Joseph, OR
• Deadline: Position open until filled.

What MHIC Offers

• A safe, supportive, and professional workplace emphasizing active inquiry, constructive debate, and meaningful community interaction.
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth in museum administration and public history.
• A collaborative environment with direct, one-on-one access to leadership and staff.