Garden Guide - Part Time
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens (PMG) has an opening for a part-time Garden Guide to begin in April 2019. PMG is an immersive mixed media art environment that is completely covered with mosaics. The creator, Isaiah Zagar, used handmade tiles, bottles, bicycle wheels, mirror, and international folk art to chronicle his life and influences. The space is made up of two indoor galleries and a bi-level outdoor sculpture garden. As a nonprofit museum, PMG celebrates art in its many forms through community outreach, public programs, hands-on activities, exhibitions, and tours. We welcome everyone to explore the space and embrace the possibility of self-expression.
Garden Guides are integral to the operation of PMG and responsible for opening/ closing the museum, interpreting the history and artworks of PMG for visitors, assisting with special events and exhibitions, and performing basic site upkeep. Garden Guides’ hours vary from 16-32 hours per week, and staff is expected to be punctual and presentable at all times. This position requires weekly availability of Saturdays and Sundays in addition to at least one weekday. PMG’s regular open hours are Monday, Wednesday – Sunday 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM. The museum is closed to the public on Tuesdays. Guides are often needed for evening public and private events. This position starts at $12/hour.
Responsibilities:
- Serve as a visitor services representative by greeting guests enthusiastically and informing them about the unique history of Isaiah Zagar and PMG (Garden Guides are expected to be eager to share this information)
- Operate and perform all register duties (Including: general admission, artwork sales, membership, event tickets, etc)
- Open and close Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, ensuring that all procedures (such as the Closing, Register, and Event Checklists) are completed as outlined in the Staff Procedures Manual
- Protect and maintain the site throughout the shift so that no trash, debris, or damaged materials are present
- Prevent visitors from damaging the artworks by ensuring children are under adult supervision and by routinely walking through the site
- Communicate clearly to visitors, community partners, and staff by answering phone calls, questions, and writing detailed email messages as needed
- Communicate with administrative staff about feedback, questions, concerns, and problems that occurred during shifts
- Assist with exhibition preparation and installation (preparing the space, hanging works, labeling)
- Assist with public events such as our Music & Mosaics concert series, our monthly Family Jams, our annual fundraiser, as well as some private events
- Lead Site and Walking tours for student and adult groups
- Find a replacement if he/she expects to be late to work or cannot perform a shift for any reason, as well as inform a supervisor of his/her absence
Qualifications / Requirements:
- A positive and friendly disposition
- Ability to provide excellent visitor service
- Spanish or French fluency preferred
- 1 -2 years of related customer/ visitor services experience
- Previous sales/cash handling experience
- Knowledge of visual arts and art history preferred
- Experience with Blackbaud or Altru preferred
- Some light lifting and physical labor occasionally required
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
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