Museum Guide

Job Description And Position Requirements

The Palmer Museum of Art at Penn State is recruiting part-time guides to welcome visitors and introduce works of art from the permanent collection and special exhibitions. The Museum plays a key role in the university’s land‑grant mission of teaching, research, and public service, serving Penn State students, faculty, and scholars, as well as community visitors from central Pennsylvania. The Museum is a welcoming, inclusive, and vibrant forum for authentic arts experiences.

We are seeking dynamic, outgoing individuals with an interest in art who can connect with people of all backgrounds and experiences. Primary audiences include Penn State students and school groups from pre‑K through 12th grade. Paid training will provide knowledge and develop skills in museum collections, art interpretation, and facilitating guided presentations, dialogue, and discussion.

Scheduling is variable to accommodate tour requests, with the primary days and times for availability being Wednesday, Thursday, Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., with occasional weekend shifts. Positions may require 6–8, 15–20, or more hours per week, depending on tour demand. Initial training will take place between August 26 and September 18, with approximately 12–18 hours per week.

• Conduct discussion‑based tours of approximately 60–90 minutes, providing a welcoming, inclusive environment and a rewarding learning experience.
• Conduct occasional tours of the museum and facilities (behind the scenes) for VIPs or special visiting groups.
• Greet and welcome groups upon arrival.
• Skillfully manage a variety of visitors under varying circumstances, speaking comfortably to small and large groups of all ages and backgrounds.
• Stay informed about changes in museum exhibitions and tour programs.
• Assist at the welcome desk by providing information and way finding to visitors and supporting Visitor Services staff in collecting patron demographics.
• Assist, on occasion, with special event programs that take place during or outside of museum public hours.

• Must be 18 or older.
• High School diploma or equivalent, plus post‑secondary coursework; BA degree preferred.
• Experience working with the public, especially in customer service or education.
• Personable, outgoing; enjoys meeting and interacting with others and can speak comfortably before groups.
• Reliable, responsible.
• Flexible and adaptable, with excellent listening skills, and the ability to demonstrate empathy and understanding.
• Commitment to accessibility, equity, and anti‑oppression, aligned with the museum’s mission, vision, and goals.
• Capable of learning new material rapidly, thinking critically, and facilitating discussions that may include challenging or controversial content.
• Able to work independently and accept supervision.
• Physically able to lead groups through a multi‑level, 73,000‑square‑foot museum, walking, using stairs, standing, and/or using a mobility device for 60–90 minutes at a time; some tours may include the outdoor sculpture path and/or digital exploration gallery.
• Tours are primarily conducted in English; fluency in additional languages, including ASL, is encouraged.
• Prior knowledge of the Palmer Museum of Art is not required, but an interest in art and relevant coursework or experience in art, art education, art history, museum studies, or similar is preferred.

Pay: $15 per hour; part‑time, hourly wage position.

Please submit a cover letter and resume to be considered for this position.

Candidates selected for interviews will be asked to make a short presentation on a work of art or other visual media of their choice.

Evidence of equitable considerations, awareness, and practice with 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.

• Position requires PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

Penn State is an equal opportunity…