Museum Guide

Location: American Philosophical Society (104 S. 5th Street)
Division/Department: Museum Exhibition Program
Reports To: Deanna Johnson, Visitor Services Coordinator

Job Summary

The APS Library & Museum seeks reliable and friendly Museum Guides to engage, educate, and inform guests in the gallery of our Museum’s exhibitions and through public programs.

Our 2023 upcoming exhibition is Pursuit and Persistence: 300 Years of Women in Science.

Essential Functions

  • Greeting and welcoming diverse visitors from around the world.
  • Orienting visitors to Philosophical Hall, the Society’s historic headquarters located on Independence Square and the site of our exhibition gallery.
  • Interpreting the exhibition and answering visitors’ questions.
  • Monitoring and light cleaning of the gallery to ensure the safety of our visitors, facilities, and exhibition.
  • Creating and assisting with primarily free public programs geared towards various intergenerational audiences, educating guests about program topics and providing instruction. Some examples include: guided birdwatching, an Old City architecture tour, craft your own Continental Currency, etc.
  • Continually learning and mastering information about the current exhibition and APS history.
  • Discussing and engaging exhibition content with visitors in a friendly, accessible manner.
  • Handling money (cash and via Square) and inventory for sales and daily administration.

Job Requirements and Qualifications

  • Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Must have some visitor experience, customer service, or hospitality training (museum experience preferred but not required).
  • Must be comfortable utilizing technology (iPads, Eventbrite/ticketing, Square POS, Google Suite).
  • Enthusiasm to learn more about the humanities, sciences, education, and museum studies very desirable.
  • We are looking for a team-player who can contribute to a flexible team. We like to have fun, so a good sense of humor helps!
  • No need to be an extrovert. We do, however, ask for personable, approachable, and friendly Guides.
  • APS requires all its staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (first dose, second dose, and one booster).
  • Must be able to pass background checks upon hire.

Pay and Hours:

This is a paid, part-time, seasonal hourly position, April through December (with paid training in March). The pay rate is $15.50/hr. Guides are expected to work at least two days a week (approximately 14 hours) and cannot exceed 25 hours/week.

We are looking for an individual willing to work a flexible schedule Thursday-Sunday. Museum hours are 10:00am to 5:00pm; some evenings and holidays required.

Other information:

  • Museum Guides report directly to the Visitor Services Coordinator and Head of Education Programs.
  • Guides often stand, sit, and occasionally lift boxes/heavy objects (approx. 20 pounds) throughout a single shift.
  • The interview will be with the Head of Education Programs, Museum Education Coordinator, and the Visitor Services Coordinator in a standard format (questions and conversation).
  • Criminal background checks required upon hire. If you have not done these in the past, staff will assist you with the process. Any costs can be reimbursed.
  • After January 30th, certain applicants will be invited to interview. New team members will be confirmed by early March. Orientation and Training (both paid) begin in mid-March.

To apply:

Please e-mail (as separate attachments):

  • A cover letter,
  • Resume, and
  • (Optional) a list of one to three references to:

Michael Madeja, Head of Education Programs, at [email protected].

Write in the subject of your email: “Museum Guide Application – Name.”

Applications will be accepted through Monday, January 30.

No phone calls. Applications received after that date (1/30) will not be accepted or reviewed.

 

Need help with your resume or cover letter? The Free Library of Philadelphia has many free resources to explore and, here’s where you can find what we’re looking for in a cover letter.

The American Philosophical Society reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time. We are an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment on any basis including race, creed, color, age, sex, religion or national origin.