Museum Guide

Job Title: Museum Guide

Location: American Philosophical Society (104 S. 5th Street)

Division/Department: Museum

Reports To: Deanna Johnson, Visitor Services Coordinator

Job Summary

The American Philosophical Society Library & Museum seeks reliable and friendly Museum Guides to engage, educate, and inform guests in our Museum gallery and through public programs. 

Our 2024 upcoming exhibition is Sketching Splendor: American Natural History, 1750-1850.

Duties Include:

  • Welcoming and orienting diverse visitors from around the world while multitasking front desk duties.
  • Discussing and engaging visitors through exhibition content in a friendly, accessible manner.
  • Continually learning and mastering information about the current exhibition and APS history.
  • Handling money (cash and Square) and logging inventory for sales and donations.
  • Creating and assisting with primarily free programs geared towards various intergenerational audiences, educating guests about program topics, and leading instruction. Some examples include: guided birdwatching, an Old City architecture tour, craft your own Continental currency, etc.
  • Monitoring and light cleaning of the gallery to ensure the safety of our visitors, facilities and collections.

Job Requirements and Qualifications

  • Must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
  • Must have some visitor experience, customer service, or hospitality training (museum experience preferred but not required).
  • Cash handling experience preferred, but not required.
  • Must be comfortable utilizing technology (Google Suite, iPads, Square Point of Sale).
  • Must have enthusiasm to learn more about the humanities, sciences, education, or museum studies.
  • 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.
  • 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 early April). The pay rate is $16/hr. Guides are expected to work 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.
  • Guides often stand or sit for long periods and occasionally lift boxes/heavy objects (approx. 20 pounds) throughout a single shift.
  • The interview will be with the Visitor Services Coordinator and the Head of Education Programs 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 will be reimbursed. 
  • After February 11, certain applicants will be invited to interview. New team members will be confirmed by early to mid-March. Orientation and Training (both paid) takes place in late March/early April over approximately six 3-4 hour sessions.

Please e-mail (as separate attachments) a cover letter, resume, and (optional) list of one to three references to: Deanna Johnson, Visitor Services Coordinator at [email protected]. Write in the subject of your email: “Museum Guide Application – Name.”

Applications will be accepted through Sunday, February 11.

No phone calls. Applications received after that date (2/11) 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. 

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.