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 Palmer Museum is the largest art museum collection between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia and the most significant academic art museum in Pennsylvania. A key element of Penn State’s land-grant mission of teaching, research, and public service, the Museum is a vital and accessible cultural resource for Penn State’s students, faculty, and scholars, as well as for all visitors to and from the entire central Pennsylvania region. Through its world-class objects, programs, and outreach, the Museum is a welcoming, inclusive, and vibrant forum for authentic arts experiences and cultivates meaningful dialogue about today’s most potent ideas and pressing concerns. More information about the museum and the permanent collection can be found at https://palmermuseum.psu.edu/ .  

We are seeking dynamic, outgoing individuals interested in art and connecting with people of all backgrounds and experiences. In-depth knowledge of or a degree in art and art history is not necessary. Paid training will provide knowledge and develop skills in museum collections, art interpretation, and facilitating guided presentation, dialogue and discussion. 

Scheduling is responsive to the demand of tour requests and may vary from 4-6 hours per week up to 10-15+ hours per week. Shifts will primarily take place within the museum’s public hours: 11:00am to 5:00pm, Wednesdays–Sundays, 11am-5pm, with additional hours until 8:00pm on Thursdays.

Duties include: 

• Providing a welcoming, inclusive environment and a rewarding learning experience to museum visitors through guided tours. 

• Conducting discussion-based tours of approximately 60–90 minutes in length.

• Conducting occasional tours of the museum and facilities (behind the scenes) for VIPs, special visiting groups, etc. 

• Greeting and welcoming groups upon their arrival. 

• Dealing skillfully with a variety of visitors under a variety of circumstances. Speaking comfortably to small and large groups of people of all ages and backgrounds, including varying levels of interest and knowledge of art and art history. 

• Continually keeping informed about changes in museum exhibitions and tour programs. 

• Assisting at the welcome desk by providing information and wayfinding to museum visitors and supporting Visitor Services staff in capturing patron demographics. 

• Assisting, on occasion, with special event programs that take place during or outside of museum public hours. 

Qualifications include: 

• 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; Enjoy meeting and interacting with other people, and able to speak comfortably in front of groups of people. 

• Reliable, responsible. 

• Flexible and adaptable, with excellent listening skills and the ability to demonstrate empathy and understanding. 

• A commitment to accessibility and equity, in alignment with the museum’s mission, vision, and goals. 

• Capable of learning new material rapidly, thinking critically, and facilitating discussions that may include difficult or controversial content. 

• Able to work independently and able to accept supervision.  

• The ability 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 exploration gallery. 

• Tours are primarily conducted in English, and those fluent in more than one language, including ASL, are encouraged to apply. 

• Prior knowledge of the Palmer Museum of Art is not , but successful candidates will have an interest in art and relevant coursework and/or experience in art, art education, art history, education, museum studies or similar. 

Pay: $15 per hour; part-time, hourly wage position, no benefits 

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 piece of visual media (detailed instructions will be provided). 

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.