Museum Attendant; Part-Time, Onsite

Overview

Part-Time: 16 hours per week up to 27 hours per week, availability must include weekends

A Museum Attendant (MA) is part of the Visitor Experience team and requires a combination of customer service, visitor engagement, and basic art protection skills.

MAs are the stewards of the visitor experience at MASS MoCA. They enthusiastically and confidently share their knowledge about exhibitions and artists; promote performing arts and public programs; explain MASS MoCA’s history and architecture; invite visitors to explore the North Adams community and the Berkshires at large; and impart any other information that provides visitors the best possible experience at the museum and in the surrounding community.

MAs are trained to interact with diverse audiences, foster connections between visitors and the works of art on view, and encourage dialogue.

MAs ensure that artworks are protected and that visitors follow museum policies regarding food or drink in the galleries, as well as photography of and contact with artwork.

Museum Attendants report to the Visitor Experience Manager, who collaborates with staff across the institution to provide oversight for all museum attendant functions and ensure that the visitor experience aligns with the museum’s mission.

The Museum Attendant will assist team members by working closely with the Visitor Experience Manager, Museum Attendant Coordinator and other department leads on current and new team training, scheduling changes, and other responsibilities as determined by the Visitor Experience leadership team.

• Demonstrates the highest level of guest service, remaining professional, personable, and engaging to all museum visitors and staff
• Assists with museum opening and/or closing operational procedures including, but not limited to: turning on artwork, projectors/monitors, gallery/building lights, refilling gallery guides, reviewing daily reservation systems, special exhibits preparations, and, when assigned, adjusting daily schedules and breaks
• Answers questions and provides exhibition content, museum information, and city history to visitors, helping visitors engage with the artwork, museum programs, and performances. After three months of employment and training, eligible to sign up to give public and/or private tours
• Ensures visitors are wearing proper admission stickers/wristbands
• Assists in training new team members
• Protects the artwork when posted in galleries, monitoring restricted items and visitor behavior for touching of art
• Completes daily art checks of exhibits and galleries
• Assists with exhibition reservations for specific installations (including using technology for reservations)
• Assists with managing visitor flow and control into exhibition reservation spaces for specific installations by ensuring efficient crowd control and line management
• Assists with way finding, providing directions and suggestions for best routes through the museum
• Works special events, performances, opening receptions, public programs, and other programs as assigned
• Promotes museum membership; understands any special promotions and changes
• The Museum Attendant may be cross-trained in other visitor experience roles, including for Box Office support, and may be assigned job-share shifts as needed to support institutional needs
• Attends all mandatory department and institutional training/meetings
• Performs other duties as assigned or needed

• Minimum 1-2 years of front-line customer service experience; museum/cultural organization preferred
• High school diploma, GED or equivalent
• Demonstrates ability to use iPad, virtual reality (VR) set ups and other technical equipment
• Outgoing personality and enthusiastic to interact with visitors and colleagues
• Capable of working in a fast-paced environment and interfacing effectively with visitors, remaining calm and effective during high-traffic times
• Acts as a team player who works well with others, and shows courtesy and respect to colleagues
• Demonstrates a passion and appreciation for art and willingness to share it with the public
• Commitment to providing excellent and impactful visitor experience
• General understanding…