Museum Visitor Services Attendant
Washington & Lee University
Lexington, VA
Full-time
Hospitality
Posted on June 24, 2023
Job Description:
The Museum Visitor Services Attendant (VSA) reports to the Visitor Services and Retail Manager and is the first point of contact for patrons of the Museums at W&L. The VSA ensures a positive and welcoming Museum experience and environment for guests, and demonstrates the highest level of customer service, remaining professional, personable, and engaging to all museum visitors. The VSA greets and welcomes visitors, provides information, keeps abreast of current and upcoming programming and exhibits, as well as a wide variety of retail merchandise, directs and assists, processes admissions, maintains the safety and cleanliness of the galleries and buildings, ensures the artwork is protected and visitors follow museum rules, and performs tasks as needed.
Washington and Lee University actively promotes a dynamic and inclusive environment that allows students and employees of multiple backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives to learn, work, and thrive together. Successful candidates will contribute to that environment and exhibit potential for excellence in their areas of expertise.
Essential and Related Functions
- Staffs the welcome desk area, providing a pro-active, friendly, and professional welcome to visitors, answering queries, in person or over the phone, or referring visitors to the appropriate place or resource for additional information.
- Remains knowledgeable about exhibitions, programming, and educational opportunities for visitors. Refer inquiries to proper staff as needed or, in their absence, handles inquiries, referrals or problems as they arise.
- Monitors status of museum facilities and systems, ensuring public spaces are set-up and tidy for general operations, including performing occasional custodial tasks to ensure cleanliness and safety for visitors.
- Responsible for building evacuation and notification of staff during an emergency.
- Assists with retail projects. Maintains knowledge of merchandise and prices and assists in promoting museum merchandise when needed.
- Tracks and records daily attendance, receives visitor feedback, and collects visitor contact, marketing information, and process data in management system, AudienceView.
- Works special events, performances, opening receptions, public programs, and other programs as assigned.
- Assists groups or individuals with special needs (persons with disabilities, children, seniors, etc.).
- Provides clerical support to museum staff including assisting with preparation of documents such as folding brochures, research, basic data entry and assisting with special projects when needed.
- Welcomes groups and give short orientation tours when required.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Pay: $16.00
Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent GED plus a minimum of 1 year of front-line customer service experience required and a demonstrated passion and appreciation for art, history, culture, and a willingness to share it with the public. Previous museum/cultural organization experience preferred. College education in art history, and some museum or public/customer service work experience is preferred. Must be comfortable with technology and/or willing to learn virtual reality set ups and use of iPad. Ability to read, understand, and retain written information pertaining to the Museum, local history, and exhibits and ability to utilize these resources effectively. Must have exceptional verbal and written communication skills and the ability to clearly explain Museum policies and procedures. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, but also able to works well with others by showing courtesy and respect to colleagues and demonstrate skills such as diplomacy and empathy. Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and interface effectively with visitors; remain calm and effective during high-traffic times. Must be able to respond to security or emergency situations calmly and with good judgement. Must be able to wear PPE when necessary.
Application Instructions: Review of applications will begin immediately, and continue until the positions are filled. A resume and cover letter are requested. Upload both required documents to the Resume/CV upload section of the application. You will be asked to provide names and contact information for three professional references.
Physical Requirements
- Standing: Remaining upright on the feet, particularly for sustained periods of time.
- Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.
- Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires full use of the lower extremities and back
- Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with whole hand or arm as in handling.
- Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
- Repetitive motions: Making substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
Working Conditions: The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
The university requires that new employees beginning work prior to May 12 have received at least their first COVID-19 vaccination prior to their first day of work. Individuals may seek a medical or a religious exemption to the vaccination requirement. The university strongly recommends employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.