Program Assistant, Visitor Services

Minnesota Historical Society; Onamia (MN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State Employee Insurance Program

Employer retirement contribution

Generous vacation and sick time

Additional paid holidays

Job summary

The Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) seeks applicants to support the daily Visitor Services operations at the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post, including ticketing, field trips, workshops and special events, as well as retail operations. Summary of work outlines leadership for daily visitor services, assistance with retail operations, and support for interpretive programs and seasonal events.

Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma, two years in retail/sales/event

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Two years experience in a retail, sales, or event planning environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse audiences of varying cultural backgrounds, ages, and abilities in an educational or customer service environment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to multitask, work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines, prioritize and adapt to changing priorities.
• Experience respectfully assisting customers through complaints and difficult situations.
• Strong computer skills necessary to develop quality project and program documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and take individual initiative while also being able to collaborate effectively and contribute positively in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to think imaginatively and problem solve.
• Basic math and accounting skills.
• Ability to work a varied and flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to bend, crouch, kneel, reach, push and pull.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for daily visitor services operations.
• Assist with the daily retail operations.
• Assist with the site’s interpretive programs, workshops, seasonal demonstrations and special events.

Skills

Retail experience

Customer service

Oral and written communication

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Team collaboration

Computer skills

Problem solving

Basic math

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

POS software

Google Suite

Job description

JOB TITLE: Program Assistant, Visitor Services

STARTING PAY: $23.52 - $25.69 hourly

STATUS & HOURS: Full-time, regular (approximately 2080 annual hours) position.

BENEFITS: Eligible to participate in the State Employee Group Insurance Program and a retirement program with employer contribution. Generous vacation and sick time accruals with additional paid holidays.

DESIGNATION: Bargaining Unit AFSCME Local 3173

POSTING DATE: October 19, 2026

DEADLINE DATE: Open until filled with review priority given to those who submit before November 9, 2026.

DESCRIPTION:

The Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) seeks applicants to support the daily Visitor Services operations at the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post, including ticketing, field trips, workshops and special events, as well as retail operations.

SUMMARY OF WORK:

1) Provide leadership for daily visitor services operations; 2) Assist with the daily retail operations; 3) Assist with the site’s interpretive programs, workshops, seasonal demonstrations and special events.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

High School diploma or equivalent.

Two years experience in a retail, sales, or event planning environment.

Demonstrated ability to work with diverse audiences of varying cultural backgrounds, ages, and abilities in an educational or customer service environment.

Strong oral and written communication skills.

Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.

Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Demonstrated ability to multitask, work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines, prioritize and adapt to changing priorities.

Experience respectfully assisting customers through complaints and difficult situations.

Strong computer skills necessary to develop quality project and program documentation.

Demonstrated ability to work independently and take individual initiative while also being able to collaborate effectively and contribute positively in a team environment.

Demonstrated ability to think imaginatively and problem solve.

Basic math and accounting skills.

Ability to work a varied and flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays.

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.

Ability to bend, crouch, kneel, reach, push and pull.

Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Familiarity with Google Suite.

Knowledge of American Indian history, culture and art.

Strong knowledge of Minnesota history.

Experience with ticketing and Point of Sale (POS) software and a willingness to troubleshoot when issues arise.

At MNHS, we don’t just accept difference we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on diversity for the benefit of our employees, our products and services, and our community. The Minnesota Historical Society believes that an inclusive culture among our team members is critical to our success as a historical society and museum, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The Minnesota Historical Society is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and employer.