Summary:

The word docent is derived from the Latin word “docent,” meaning “to teach.” A docent at the Fort Dalles Museum conducts tours, assists with walk-in museum guests and gallery/public programs for school groups, families, and other members of our community. In addition, Docents aid in the research and development of educational materials for visitors. Docents also assist with special workshops and activities for student and adult visitors. Docents provide tours for the Fort Dalles Museum, Anderson Homestead and the Transportation Exhibit building

Essential Functions (in a typical work week):

Representative of the Fort Dalles Museum

Enthusiastic attitude toward sharing learned material with visitors.

Monitoring and directing visitors while conducting tours (including students or children).

Ability to accurately handle money, prepare sales receipts, answer questions and phone calls.

Conducting museum tours on museum grounds and throughout all buildings

Be comfortable speaking to small and large groups of people of all ages.

Greet and welcome tour groups upon their arrival at the Museum.

Deal skillfully with a diversity of visitors under a variety of circumstances

Continually be aware of and informed about changes in the exhibits.

Assist staff by providing information to museum visitors and answering their questions about the Fort Dalles Museum and area history.

Assist with special event programs.

Be knowledgeable regarding Fort Dalles Museum's current and standing activities and printed material.

Engage visitors in conversations and dialogues regarding the museum’s collections and

temporary exhibitions.

Strive to provide memorable and positive visit, including the comfort and safety of visitors while fostering educational growth

Docents might wander through the exhibition galleries to engage individual visitors and families in impromptu tours or conversations.

Secondary Functions:

Perform cleaning duties, such as dusting, sweeping, cleaning restrooms, picking up and disposing of trash.

Attend and actively participate in ongoing docent training.

Learn the printed material provided during training.

Refer questions to the appropriate staff person.

Interact with program participants in a positive and engaging manner.

Serve as liaison between staff and visitors.

Ensure that program goals are met.

Ensure programs are delivered in a timely way.

Ensure program materials are properly handled and maintained.

Assist with the set-up and take down of program materials.

Contact Museum Director or Volunteer Coordinator in a timely manner if unable to meet scheduled commitments.

Accurately record your Docent hours.

The employee may be asked to work days, evenings and/or nights including weekends and holidays.

Other duties as assigned

Responsibility/Accountability:

This section of the job description describes the amount and breadth of responsibility and accountability that rests with the position, including the expected results of the position, the impact on County operations and activities, and the responsibility for budget.

Moderate, but distinct impact on organization operations, program outcomes, revenue, and expense or budgetary outcomes. Responsibility for the prudent use of assets, including assigned equipment, material, or labor, is moderate and often includes responsibility for others' use of organization assets. Some program or policy development affecting the organization and its offerings is part of the job responsibility. “Customer” service is an important part of the job and actions would likely impact user's sense of satisfaction.

Supervision of Employees:

This section of the job description describes the supervisory responsibility assigned including the range and types of supervisory functions performed, from directing work activities and delegating assignments to coaching, counseling, making disciplinary decisions, hiring, firing, salary actions, performance appraisal, training, etc. as well as the types of employees supervised.

Positions at this level are responsible for daily work or special project direction that is provided to personnel in similar job functions at comparable or subordinate levels. This work is usually limited in time and to only a few individuals. Position may participate in the hiring process. However, positions are not responsible for hiring, firing, disciplinary actions, etc.

Interpersonal Skills/Contacts:

This section of the job description describes the characteristics of personal interaction with others including the frequency of contacts with others, the breadth of interactions (within the County, outside the County, with vendors/contractors, dealing directly with the public, etc.), and the level of persons interacted with. Also, included in this section is the reason for contact such as gaining cooperation; use negotiation, tact, teamwork, and sensitivity; or the likelihood of dealing with disagreeable or hostile individuals.

Positions at this level have responsibility for contact with wide range of individuals including County employees, the public, and those with contractual or other relationships with County operations and programs. Internally, the primary contacts are made equally with the individual's own work group and other departments. The contacts are both of a routine and non‑routine nature and require some discussion or explanation. Some adverse or positive consequences may result from these interactions. Contacts can be in both one‑on‑one situations or group settings. Communication and interpersonal skills are fairly important and require some refinement for the successful completion of job responsibilities. Positions that have substantial contact with a wide range of individuals, but the contact is limited in scope, should also be placed at this level.

Working Conditions:

This section of the job descriptions outlines the work environment, conditions, and hazards that are encountered in the course of assigned work. This includes the personal risk, hazard, varying work schedules, level of interruptions, job pressure, and the need to frequently juggle priorities and work assignments. Also, exposure to unpleasant working conditions such as high noise levels, heat or cold, inside or outside work, exposure to electricity, chemicals, poor lighting, confinements, machinery, interactions with disturbed or dangerous individuals, personal attacks, contact with contagious disease, or situations where personal safely cannot be assured.

This level has a work environment that is usually well protected and free from hazards or obstacles. There is little element of personal risk or hazard. Job conditions are usually comfortable, with only occasional issues of confinement, temperature change, incident of noise, interactions of a disagreeable nature, interruptions, changes in job assignments that require adapting, etc.

Physical Requirements:

This section of the job description describes the physical effort and manual labor, such as sitting, standing, lifting, carrying, digging, operating equipment, performing with speed, etc., as well as the dexterity required to complete the job functions. The need for travel, extended hours, and situations of physical discomfort are also outlined here.

Positions rated at this level require occasional physical effort such as light lifting, carrying, or movement, etc. Physical capability involves use of office or power equipment where some dexterity is needed. Movement around the work space is not challenging, and there are little to no restrictions on mobility.

A valid driver’s license is required as an essential function of this position.

Education, Experience, and Certification/Licensure:

This section of the job description outlines the education, previous experience, professional licenses, certifications, and specific skills necessary to perform the assigned work.

Positions at this level require abilities, skills, training, and/or knowledge base equivalent to an entry level professional. Education including a four year degree beyond high school, or its equivalent, is typically required to learn and understand the information necessary to successfully complete job assignments. Positions require broad knowledge of a number of business/public sector areas, and/or the specialized knowledge of a professional discipline. Previous work experience of 2 years is required, but it may not be directly in the professional discipline. Three years of previous directly-related work experience may be substituted for academic training. Capabilities include the ability to think through complex situations, weigh alternatives and options, and make sound judgments on the basis of research or other factual considerations.

Below is an outline of the specific Education type, Experience type or licensure/certification that is required for this role. The County will also consider any equivalent combinations of the qualifying criteria.

• A Bachelor’s degree
• 2 years of experience
• No specific Licensure or Certification required for this role.

Equal access to programs, services and employment opportunities are available to all persons, in regards to age, ancestry, color disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, medical condition, military veteran status, national origin, race, religion sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, and any other basis protected by federal, state and/or local law.

In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act and/or applicable star and local laws, applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for the application and/or interview process should notify Human Resources.

Contact :

You may pick up an application packet in the Human Resources Office on the third floor, Room 302, at the County Courthouse.

Please return the completed forms either by email, mail or in person to:

Email: application@co.wasco.or.us
Address: Wasco County, Human Resources
511 Washington St. Suite 302
The Dalles, OR 97058

Deadline for Applying : Open until filled