Part-Time Museum Guide

Job Description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please
login to Workday
to complete the
internal application process
. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please

login to Workday
to complete the

student application process.
Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete
the application process for external applicants
.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see
Notice to Out of State Applicants
.

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 ar
t 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
s
eeking

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
t
raining 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 8 a.m. and 5 p.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 August 26 - September 18
, with approximately 12-18 hours per week (exact dates and times to be
determined).
Duties in
clude:

Conducting
discussion-based
tours of
approximately
60
-
90 minutes
in length.
Provid
ing
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
.

Continually keeping informed about changes in museum exhibit
ion
s
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
.

Q
ualifications

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
.

F
lexible
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 mu
seum's mission, vision, and goals
.

Capable of learning new material rapidly
, thinking critically, and
facilitating
discussions that may incl
ude difficult or controversial content
.

Able to work independently and able to accept supervision
.

The ability to
lead
groups through a multi-leve
l, 7
3
,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 on
e language, including ASL, are encouraged to apply.

P
rior 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

Please
submit

a cover
letter and resume to be considered for this position
.

Candidates selected for
interview
s will be
a
sked 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