Museum Assistant – Part Time

Primary purpose :

Historic Newton seeks an enthusiastic, personable, and self-motivated Museum Assistant for visitor services and special projects at our museums.

Staffs the visitor-services desk of Historic Newton museums (Jackson Homestead Museum and Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds).

The Assistant will perform self-directed work on special projects and train to deliver museum education content. (Projects will be determined based on the changing needs of the organization and the skills, strengths, and interests of the Assistant.)

Must be available and willing to work both weekend days.

Supervision :

Reports to the Director of Historic Newton.

Essential Functions :

• Greet, orient, and assist visitors and callers while maintaining a safe, welcoming museum environment.
• Address routine questions from the public.
• Staffs rentals, programs, and events as well general admissions.
• Project-based tasks which might include historical research, data entry, collections cataloging, helping to deliver educational programs, or event staffing.
• Support the Education Manager in delivering educational and public programming.
• Performs similar or related work as required, directed, or as situations dictate.

Qualifications :

Requirements include some college (minimum bachelor’s degree preferred); retail, reception, or guest services experience.

Expertise in customer service principles and practices required, in a museum setting preferred. Experience in museum education, particularly teaching and implementing programs, preferred.

The ability to work both independently and collaboratively; strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal);

a well-developed customer service ethic; a working knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and databases.

The ability to learn site-specific history for answering visitor questions and assisting with education groups. Knowledge and experience with basic museum functions, preferred.

A strong commitment to public service is required.

Work Environment and

The employee must be able to work both weekend days. The employee may be required to work beyond normal business hours to attend evening or weekend events or programs.

Operates computers, multi-line phone system, POS systems, and standard office equipment. Part-time position at a minimum of 14 hours per week with the possibility of additional hours.

Physical skills and effort

Able to lift and carry heavy objects (25 pounds), reach tall storage units, and bend to items stored on the floor.

Performance Standard

Employees are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and fulfill the mission, vision, and values of Historic Newton.

The successful candidate will possess initiative, attention to detail, and be reliable.

This is a non-benefited position