Visitor Services Associate

Illinois Comptroller; Springfield, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Illinois State Museum in Springfield, IL seeks a Visitor Services Associate to welcome and assist visitors, process admissions, and provide information on local historic sites. You will engage with diverse audiences and support educational programming.

Under supervision, you will help coordinate volunteers and ensure safety while delivering excellent public service in a museum setting. Some travel for outreach may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a discipline relevant to the position.
• Two years of museum or cultural organization experience.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Serves as an ambassador for ISM with the public.
• Assists with educational and audience engagement programming.
• Engages with visitors at the Illinois State Museum.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned within the museum context.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Educational outreach

Public interaction

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

Microsoft 365

MS Word

MS Excel

Job description

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We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, 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, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at [e-mail] or call [phone] for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.

Working Title: Visitor Services Associate

Job Requisition ID: 58672Opening Date: 10/05/2026Closing Date: 10/20/2026Agency: Department of Natural ResourcesClass Title:MUSEUM TECHNICIAN I - 83449Skill Option:NoneBilingual Option:NoneSalary: Anticipated Starting Salary: $4,922 a month; Full Salary: $4,922-$6,762 a monthJob Type: SalariedCategory:Full TimeNumber of Vacancies: 2Bargaining Unit Code:RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCMEMerit Comp Code: N/A
Work Hours: See Footer
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: Not available, fully in office
Headquarter Location: 502 S Spring St, Springfield, Illinois, 62704Work County: SangamonAgency Contact: Vicky Fowler, [e-mail],217-785-5387

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

Under supervision, our Visitor Services Associates work with the public and are usually the first and last staff with whom our visitors interact. They extend a courteous and friendly greeting to visitors upon their arrival; process admissions for the general public, tour groups, and special events; orient visitors to the Museum; provide information on a wide range of topics related to their visit to the Museum; and make suitable recommendations to tourists on other local historic sites, venues, and businesses;

Additional duties include: Assist with educational and audience engagement programming; Ensure safety and security throughout the Museum; Route telephone calls and inquiries to appropriate staff; Serve as point of contact for outside deliveries to the Museum; and Assist with coordination and training of volunteers and interns.

Museum staff are impelled to engage in a regular cycle of professional development to maintain competence and currency in their areas of expertise or responsibility; and participate in relevant professional organizations. This position may occasionally travel locally, regionally, or statewide to participate in professional development, outreach events, and for general operational needs of their work site.

Each staff member is expected to create work that is visible to the residents of Illinois; work in a team environment across geographic locations and disciplines; perform at a level that reflects national standards and best practices of an accredited museum and brings state, national, and/or international recognition to the Museum; follow all relevant state and federal laws; and abide by professional museum ethics.

Essential Functions

• Serves as an ambassador for ISM with the public.
• Assists with educational and audience engagement programming.
• Engages with visitors at the Illinois State Museum.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a discipline relevant to the position or the Museum's mission.
• Two years of experience working in a museum or cultural institution or other not-for-profit organization relevant to the Museum's disciplines of art, anthropology, history, and natural history.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2-years' experience in visitor/customer services/education.
• Working knowledge of educational and engagement strategies.
• Working knowledge level of experience using Microsoft 365 / MS Office suite of software (primarily Word and Excel).
• Working knowledge level of experience posting content on various social media platforms.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Ability to occasionally travel for work-related requirements or professional development.

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

Agency and Division Statement

DNR Agency Statement

Charged with preserving, protecting, and promoting Illinois’ natural resources, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) employees oversee water, wildlife, wetlands and oil wells, parks, historic sites – and everything in between. Employment opportunities vary greatly, often providing employees the chance to work indoors and out in a dynamic yet relaxed environment. Working for the State of Illinois, IDNR employees receive excellent benefits, including health, vision and dental insurance; a retirement plan and deferred compensation options; state holidays and other time off; as well as pre‑tax benefit programs; flexible/remote work schedules may be available for certain positions.

Division Statement

The State Museum is a division of IDNR. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the Illinois State Museum system (ISM) includes the headquarters museum and ISM-Research & Collections Center both in Springfield with branch sites ISM-Dickson Mounds in Lewistown, and ISM-Lockport Gallery in Lockport. The ISM is dedicated to sharing Illinois stories, honoring its cultural and natural resources, and inspiring our future. Its extensive collections and research activities provide the foundation for exhibitions and public programs that tell the story of the land, life, people, and art of Illinois. The Illinois State Museum is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that is mindful of community stories and lived experiences.

Work Schedule:

*Position 1: Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 8:30am - 5:00pm; Sunday 11:30am-5:00pm. OFF Monday & Tuesday. Due to scheduled public programs or events, some overtime hours may be required.
*Position 2: Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday 8:30am - 5:00pm; Sunday 11:30am-5:00pm. OFF Wednesday and Thursday. Due to scheduled public programs or events, some overtime hours may be required.

This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).