Part-Time Seasonal Museum Assistant (Fall 2026)

International Association of Operative Millers (IAOM); Joliet (IL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

Joliet Area Historical Museum (JAHM) seeks enthusiastic Museum Assistants for the fall season. The role involves welcoming guests across multiple sites, learning site histories, guiding visitors, and handling gift shop sales with accuracy.

Position runs mid-August to mid-November with potential spring rejoin. Strong communication, cash handling, and customer service are essential for delivering a world‑class guest experience at four unique museum sites.

Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with internal and external customers.
• Basic computer proficiency and familiarity with Apple devices and iPads.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and provide exemplary customer service.
• High school diploma or GED and a valid state ID or driver’s license for applicants 18+ years.
• Guest service experience is highly preferred; cashier experience beneficial but not required.
• Must have basic cash handling experience and be able to make correct change.

Responsibilities

• Greet guests in an upbeat and positive manner.
• Address guest issues/inquiries and proactively offer assistance.
• Complete assigned site-specific duties.
• Report for assigned shift on time and ready to work in uniform.
• Maintain assigned workstation and keep areas neat and orderly.
• Adhere to SOPs for gift shop sales, inventory, cash, and card transactions.
• Ensure opening and closing duties are performed to standards.
• Maintain compliance with all policies and procedures.
• Report safety concerns to Museum Leadership Team.
• Maintain an excellent attendance record for scheduled shifts.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Guest service

Cash handling

Basic computer skills

Independent work

Education

High school diploma or GED

Valid state ID or Driver’s License

Tools

Apple devices

iPad proficiency

Job description

Part-Time Seasonal Museum Assistant (Fall 2026)

TheJoliet Area Historical Museum(JAHM) is a fully interactive, modern museum facility located in the heart of Joliet’s historic City Center. JAHM is seeking enthusiastic, resourceful, and reliable individuals to serve asMuseum Assistants(MA). As well as our main museum campus, JAHM staff also coordinate all activities and tours at the Old Joliet Prison (OJP) Historic Site, the Martin & Emma Planinsek Grocery and Meat Market Museum, and the Joliet Railroad Museum. Background check required.

Work Locations:Old Joliet Prison Historic Site, Joliet Area Historical Museum

Division/Department:100

Reports to:Shift Leads and Operations Coordinator

The Position will be needed from Mid-August to Mid-November. Opportunity to re-join our team in the spring is available dependant on performance during fall season.

This position is:

Position Summary:

The Museum Assistant (MA) at JAHM is a front-line staff member whose primary job is to ensure that guests who are visiting the Joliet Area Historical Museum and other affiliated museum sites have a world class experience. Museum Assistants accomplish this by being outgoing and welcoming to guests across our four unique museum sites, each offering a distinct experience. They become knowledgeable about the history, exhibits, and key stories specific to each location to confidently answer questions and enhance the visitor experience. Museum Assistants proactively engage both museum and Route 66 guests, offering guidance, directions, and recommendations tailored to the site they are visiting. They also efficiently complete gift shop sales transactions, ensuring accuracy and excellent customer service while adapting to the pace and needs of each individual location.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Greet all guests in an upbeat and positive manner.
• Address guest issues/inquiries appropriately and proactively offer assistance.
• Complete assigned site-specific duties.
• Report for assigned shift on time and ready to work in assigned uniform.
• Maintain assigned workstation. (Do not leave station without alerting Shift Lead or unless asked to by a member of Leadership.)
• Maintain work areas in a neat and orderly manner.
• Adhere to standard operating procedures for gift shop sales, inventory, cash, and credit card transactions.
• Ensure opening and closing duties are performed to specified standards.
• Maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures.
• Report safety concerns to Museum Leadership Team.
• Maintain an excellent record of attendance for scheduled shifts.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to effectively communicate with internal and external customers. This includes the ability to answer and direct phone calls to the appropriate parties.
• Basic computer proficiency, as well as basic knowledge of Apple devices. (Microsoft basic as well as knowledge of iPads)
• Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, while maintaining a positive attitude and providing exemplary customer service.
• Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices.
• High school diploma or GED as well as a valid state ID or Driver’s License is required for applicants over 18 years of age. Applicants 16-18 years of age are eligible with valid ID or Driver's License.
• Guest service experience highly preferred.
• Previous cashier experience is beneficial but not required.
• Must have basic cash handling experience and be able to make correct change at a register.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to perform the essential job functions consistently, safely, and successfully with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.

• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to exchange information effectively with guests and staff, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must be able to work outdoors and remain standing for much of the scheduled work shift.