Part-Time Museum Guide

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

The Palmer Museum of Art at Penn State is seeking part-time student-facing guides to welcome visitors and introduce works from the permanent collection and special exhibitions. You will lead discussion-based tours and create an inclusive, engaging learning environment.

Training will cover museum collections, art interpretation, and facilitating dialogue. Scheduling is flexible, with core shifts on Wednesdays to Fridays and occasional weekends; positions offer 15–20 hours per week depending on

Qualifications

• Must be 18 or older.
• High School diploma or equivalent, plus post-secondary coursework; BA degree preferred.
• Experience working with the public, especially in customer service or education.
• Personable, outgoing; Enjoy meeting and interacting with others, and able to speak in front of groups.
• Flexible and adaptable, with excellent listening skills and the ability to demonstrate empathy and understanding.
• A commitment to accessibility, equity, and anti‑oppression and alignment with the museum’s mission, vision, and goals.
• Capable of learning new material rapidly, thinking critically, and facilitating discussions that may include difficult or controversial content.
• Able to work independently and able to accept supervision.
• The ability to lead groups through a multi‑level, 73,000 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 digital exploration gallery.
• Tours are primarily conducted in English.
• Those fluent in more than one language, including ASL, are encouraged to apply.
• Prior knowledge of the Palmer Museum of Art is not required, 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

• Conducting discussion-based tours of approximately 60–90 minutes in length.
• Providing a welcoming, inclusive environment and a rewarding learning experience to museum visitors through guided tours.
• 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.
• Continuously keeping informed about changes in museum exhibitions 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.

Skills

Public speaking

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Art appreciation

Education

High School diploma

BA degree preferred

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Palmer Museum of Art at Penn State is recruiting part-time guides to welcome visitors and introduce works of art from the permanent collection and special exhibitions. As 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 community visitors 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. More information about the museum and the permanent collection can be found at https://palmermuseum.psu.edu/. We are seeking dynamic, outgoing individuals interested in art and connecting with people of all backgrounds and experiences. Primary audiences include Penn State students and school groups from pre-K through 12th grade. Paid training will provide knowledge and develop skills in museum collections, art interpretation, and facilitating guided presentation, dialogue and discussion. Scheduling is variable so as to accommodate tour requests, but the primary days and times for availability are Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays between 8a.m. and 5p.m., with occasional shifts on weekends. With multiple positions to fill, we are interested in recruiting people with varying needs/interests in the regular weekly time commitment - some may work 15-20 hours per week and others may be 6-8 hours per week or more periodic and variable schedules depending on tour requests. Initial training will take place between August26- September18, with approximately 12-18 hours per week (exact dates and times to be determined).

Duties include:

• Conducting discussion-based tours of approximately 60–90 minutes in length.
• Providing a welcoming, inclusive environment and a rewarding learning experience to museum visitors through guided tours.
• 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.
• Continuously keeping informed about changes in museum exhibitions 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.

Qualifications include:

• Must be 18 or older.
• High School diploma or equivalent, plus post‑secondary coursework; BA degree preferred.
• 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.
• Flexible and adaptable, with excellent listening skills and the ability to demonstrate empathy and understanding.
• A commitment to accessibility, equity, and anti‑oppression and alignment with the museum’s mission, vision, and goals.
• Capable of learning new material rapidly, thinking critically, and facilitating discussions that may include difficult or controversial content.
• Able to work independently and able to accept supervision.
• The ability to lead groups through a multi‑level, 73,000 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 digital exploration gallery.
• Tours are primarily conducted in English.
• Those fluent in more than one language, including ASL, are encouraged to apply.
• Prior knowledge of the Palmer Museum of Art is not required, 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.

Pay: $15 per hour; part‑time, hourly wage position

Candidates selected for interviews will be asked to make a short presentation on a work of art or other piece of visual media of their choice (detailed instructions will be provided).

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom – it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land-grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.