The Palmer Museum of Art at Penn State is recruiting part-time guides towelcome visitors and introduceworks of art 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 athttps://palmermuseum.psu.edu/ . 

We areseekingdynamic, outgoingindividuals interested in art andconnecting with people of all backgrounds and experiences. Primary audiences include Penn State students and school groups from pre-K through 12th grade.Paidtraining will provideknowledge and develop skills inmuseum collections,art interpretation,andfacilitatingguided 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 placebetween August 26 - September 18, with approximately 12-18 hours per week (exact dates and times to bedetermined).

Duties include: 

• Conductingdiscussion-based tours ofapproximately60–90 minutes in length.Providing a welcoming,inclusive environment andarewarding learning experience to museum visitors through guided tours. 

• Conducting occasional tours ofthemuseum 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 exhibitions and tour programs. 

• Assisting at thewelcomedesk by providing information and wayfinding to museum visitors andsupporting Visitor Services staff in capturing patron demographics. 

• Assisting, on occasion, with special event programs that take place during or outside of museum public hours. 

Qualificationsinclude: 

• Mustbe18 or older. 

• High Schooldiplomaorequivalent,pluspost-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. 

• Flexible and adaptable, with excellent listeningskills and the ability todemonstrate empathy and understanding. 

• A commitment to accessibility, equity, and anti-oppression and alignment with the museum’s mission, vision, and goals. 

• Capable of learning new material rapidly, thinking critically, andfacilitating discussions that may include difficult or controversial content. 

• Able to work independently and able to accept supervision.  

• The ability to leadgroups through a multi-level, 73,000 square footmuseum; walking, using stairs, standing,and/orusing a mobility device for 60-90 minutes at a time.Some tours may include the outdoor sculpturepath and/ordigital exploration gallery. 

• Tours are primarily conducted in English. Those fluent in more than one language, including ASL, are encouraged to apply. 

• Prior knowledge of thePalmer Museum of Art is notrequired, butsuccessful candidates will havean interest in art and relevant coursework and/or experience inart, art education, art history, education, museum studies or similar. 

Pay:$15 per hour; part-time, hourlywageposition 

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

Candidates selected forinterviews will beasked tomake a short presentation ona work of art or other piece of visual media of their choice(detailedinstructions will be provided). 

Evidence ofequitable considerations, awareness, and practicewith regard to inclusive practices in educating diverse student bodies and working with a diverse faculty,staff or work population to cultivate a culture that supports success and enables all members of a community to thrive.