Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance

Job Title: Museum Guide

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

Division/Department: Library & Museum Programming, Education Department

Reports To: Michael Madeja, Head of Education Programs

Essential Functions

• Greeting and welcoming diverse visitors from around the world.

• Orienting visitors to Philosophical Hall, the Society’s historic headquarters located on Independence Square and the site of our exhibition gallery.

• Interpreting the exhibition and answering visitors’ questions.

• Monitoring and light cleaning of the gallery to ensure the safety of our visitors, facilities, collections, and exhibition.

• Assisting with (and opportunities to create) public programs, educating guests about program topics and providing instruction

• Mastering and sharing new information and content related to the exhibitions and APS collections in a friendly, accessible manner.

• Handling money (cash and via Square) and inventory for sales and daily administration (currently using a timed-ticketing system through Eventbrite).

• Offering occasional guided gallery tours to small, pre-arranged groups, conference attendees, and other visitors to Philadelphia.

Job Requirements and Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent

• Must have some visitor experience, customer service, or hospitality training (museum experience preferred but not required)

• Must be comfortable utilizing technology (iPads, Eventbrite/ticketing, Square POS, Google Suite)

• APS requires all its staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

• Enthusiasm to learn more about the humanities, sciences, education, and museum studies very desirable.

• We are looking for a team-player with a good sense of humor who can contribute to a flexible team.

• No need to be an extrovert. We do, however, ask for personable, approachable, and friendly Guides.

Pay and Hours:

This is a paid, part-time, seasonal hourly position, April through December (with paid training in March). The pay rate is $15/hr with opportunities for advancement. Guides are expected to work at least one day a week (between 6-8 hours/shift) and cannot exceed 25 hours/week.

We are looking for an individual willing to work a flexible schedule on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Museum hours are 10:00am to 5:00pm; some evenings and holidays required. Museum hours and open days subject to change based on health and safety procedures.

Other information:

Museum Guides report directly to the Head of Education Programs.
Guides often stand, sit, and occasionally lift boxes/heavy objects (approx. 20 pounds) throughout a single shift.
The interview will be with the Head of Education Programs, Museum Education Coordinator, and, if available, the Museum Managers in a standard format (questions and conversation). If this changes, those asked to interview will be informed.
Criminal background checks required upon hire. If you have not done these in the past, staff will assist you with the process. Any costs can be reimbursed.
After February 15, certain applicants will be invited to interview. Hoping to have new team members solidified by early March. Orientation and Training (both paid) begin in mid- to late March.

The APS values diversity in its many forms and seeks to recruit a diverse cohort of Museum Guides.

Need help with your resume or cover letter? The Free Library of Philadelphia has many free resources to explore and, here’s where you can find what we’re looking for in a cover letter.

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.