Oregon Historical Society Learning Guide

Lewis & Clark College; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 19,000 - 27,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-Study eligible

On-site role

Job summary

Oregon Historical Society is seeking a Learning Guide to support K–12 school groups during museum visits in Portland. You will help run tours, lead discussions, and foster connections with Oregon history through engaging activities.

Ideal candidates are current students eligible for Federal Work Study, with strong communication and teamwork skills. Training is provided and you’ll work with educators and volunteers to deliver quality experiences.

Qualifications

• Federal Work Study required.
• Experience with group tours or education is helpful but not required.
• Currently enrolled at a college or university.

Responsibilities

• Welcome, orient, and support K–12 school groups during museum visits.
• Facilitate school tours and lead discussions to connect students with exhibits.
• Create a welcoming, inclusive learning environment for all visitors.
• Communicate tour expectations and procedures to students and chaperones.
• Collaborate with educators and volunteers to deliver high-quality experiences.

Skills

Public speaking

Facilitation

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Enrolled student

Job description

WHO WILL I REPORT TO? Oregon Historical Society

WHAT DEPARTMENT IS THIS IN? 5470 FWS Off‑Campus, Oregon Historical Society

WHEN DOES THIS POSITION BEGIN (AND END, IF APPLICABLE? 2026‑09‑21

JOB PURPOSE

The Education Department at the Oregon Historical Society (OHS) connects learners of all ages with Oregon's history through engaging museum experiences, educational programming, and community partnerships. The department is committed to creating welcoming, inclusive learning environments where every visitor feels valued. The Learning Guide supports the Education Department by facilitating engaging experiences for K–12 students during school tours. Working alongside museum educators and volunteers, Learning Guides help students connect with Oregon's history through discussion, reflection, and interactive learning while ensuring tours run smoothly and safely. This position provides meaningful professional experience in museum education, youth engagement, facilitation, public speaking, leadership, and nonprofit work. Students will develop transferable skills that support future careers in education, museums, public history, nonprofit organizations, communications, and other people-centered professions. Interviews will be conducted between 9/1 - 9/4/2026.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Welcome, orient, and support K–12 school groups during museum visits.
• Facilitate self‑guided and guided school tours by helping groups move through museum spaces according to schedule.
• Lead discussions and reflection activities that help students engage with museum exhibits.
• Create a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for all visitors.
• Communicate museum expectations and school tour procedures to students, educators, and chaperones.
• Participate in training related to museum education, facilitation techniques, group management, and Oregon history.
• Complete assigned readings and tour preparation prior to working with students.
• Collaborate with Museum Educators, Volunteer Educators, and other OHS staff to deliver high-quality educational experiences.
• Provide tour reports and communicate regularly with supervisors regarding tour operations.
• Support OHS's mission, values, and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and respectful collaboration.
• Assist during emergencies by following established museum procedures.
• Fulfill other duties as assigned.

SCHEDULE

Shifts available: 10am-2pm or 9:30am-1:30pm, plus 2 hours weekly for tour related readings, tour prep, and team meetings (day TBD). Fridays preferred. Transportation to and from OHS is required, not provided.

RATE OF PAY

$16.80 / hour

REQUIREMENTS

• Apply with cover letter
• Passing a background check
• Covid-19 vaccination

PREFERENCES

• Experience working with children or youth is helpful but not required.
• Interest in museum education, history, public history, or teaching.
• Spanish or additional language proficiency is appreciated but not required.
• Creative, adaptable, and eager to learn.
• Strong interpersonal skills and sound judgment.
• Ability to remain calm and organized while managing groups in a public setting.

WORK STUDY REQUIREMENT

Federal Work Study required

The three core competencies gained through this role include:

• Teamwork: Collaborate effectively with others, valuing diverse perspectives and contributing to shared goals.
• Equity & Inclusion: Recognize and respect diverse identities and foster inclusive environments.
• Communication: Clearly and effectively exchange information with others through written, verbal, and non‑verbal methods.

Lewis & Clark College adheres to a nondiscriminatory policy with respect to educational programs, activities, employment, and admission. We do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, sex, religion, age, marital status, national origin, the presence of any physical or sensory disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, and local laws. The Associate Vice President of Human Resources has been designated to handle inquiries regarding employment- and disability-related non‑discrimination policies. Title IX inquiries may be directed to the Title IX coordinator or deputy Title IX coordinators. (https://www.lclark.edu/about/title_ix_compliance)

Reasonable Accommodation Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

Eligibility to Work In order to comply with US Homeland Security Department regulations, all employees must complete an I-9 form in Workday prior to or no later than the first day of work and bring originals (no photocopies) of their supporting documentation to Human Resources no later than the 3rd business day of employment. Failure to have a completed I-9 form on file with the College will result in immediate termination of employment.

At Lewis & Clark College, we’re excited to offer a variety of student positions tailored for our current students! Most of these opportunities are available exclusively to those with a Federal Work‑Study (FWS) or Lewis & Clark Work‑Study (LCWS) award included in their financial aid package. If you have an FWS award, you’re welcome to apply for any jobs posted. If you have an LCWS award, you can apply for both Lewis & Clark positions and non‑work‑study roles. For our non‑work‑study students, there are also great opportunities available—just look for the jobs that specify they don’t require work‑study eligibility. Remember, all student positions require you to be currently enrolled, so make sure you check each posting for specific details!

Student work not only helps you earn money but also equips you with valuable skills and experiences that can enhance your resume and support your future career goals. Whether you're gaining hands‑on experience in your field of study or developing essential soft skills, these positions are stepping stones to your professional journey.

If you’re interested in agency or off‑campus work‑study opportunities, those options are also available to eligible students.

We can’t wait to see you thrive in these positions!

We are located at 615 S. Palatine Hill Road, Portland, OR 97219.