Gallery Interpreter, Part-Time

OVERVIEW:

The Gallery Interpreter, as part of the Interpretation team, works part-time to assist with delivering experiences within the galleries. The Interpreter provides the immersive and interactive experiences for children and families. The incumbent researches and performs informal interactions, tours, costumed characters, and storytelling as well as assists with gallery maintenance. The Interpreter works in their designated galleries as well as remaining cross-trained across other museum galleries.

The Children’s Museum is fiercely devoted to our Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) efforts. Together we are building and sustaining an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates differences. 

REPORTS TO: Interpretation Supervisor

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides exceptional service and experiences to the visitors and guests of the museum. Maintains general knowledge of all museum galleries and in-depth knowledge of interpretation programs for designated galleries.
2. Interacts positively with visitors and respond to questions and concerns. Resolves visitor concerns quickly and tactfully. Responds to visitor needs for first aid and lost children. Remains visible and approachable in designated galleries. Knows and adheres to museum policies and procedures.
3. Provides facilitation primarily in their designated gallery spaces. Must have general knowledge of museum spaces and in-depth knowledge of interpretation programs for designated galleries. Maintains a high level of content knowledge for designated galleries in order to provide high quality experiences both formally and informally.
4. Completes training in museum interpretation standards. Attends all gallery trainings for changing exhibit. Learns changing exhibit content, activities, scripts and facilitated programs.
5. Prepares for the presentation of specifically designated interpretation programs by researching subject matter, memorizing scripts, and honing presentation techniques and skills.
6. Prepares gallery spaces daily for visitors. Maintains a safe and inviting atmosphere. Greets visitors. Provides daily care and cleaning of exhibit and activities. Completes checklists and report all maintenance and safety concerns. Sets up and takes down sets, props, or furniture used in rehearsal and performance spaces.
7. Presents programs and interacts directly with visitors between 6-7 hours per day, including set up and take down of sets, props and seating; gathering audiences and conducting post performance discussion. Participates in evaluating staff and audience response to presentations.
8. Maintains cleanliness of costumes and uniforms, and notify their Supervisor/Lead or Operations Manager of larger needs. Maintains daily audience attendance records.
9. Engages with visitors to help them understand gallery concepts and content. Implements educational interpretive experiences in assigned galleries to achieve the goals and objectives of the exhibit, and to help explain the main messages and exhibit concepts to visitors.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. High School diploma or GED equivalent.
2. Strong presentation and customer service skills. Experience working with children and youth in formal and informal environments.
3. Theater experience preferred.
4. Must work a flexible weekday, weekend, evening and some holidays schedule, including 1-2 evenings per month covering special events. The Museum is open 6-7 days per week.
5. Must be able to work in a fast paced environment that values diversity and is child-centric.
6. Interact with visitors and co-workers in a supportive, positive, and friendly manner.
7. Maintain behavior patterns acceptable to co-workers and the general museum culture.

ADA REQUIREMENTS:

1. Required to review log sheets, keep track of visitors and materials in gallery.
2. Must be able to view activities and exhibit components, observe gallery space, and frequently use computers.
3. Must be able to engage in heavy verbal, electronic and public presentation communication as well as present ideas and information to large audiences.
4. Required to manipulate activities, clean and maintain exhibit spaces and use dexterity. Must be able to traverse and navigate the museum building and campus adeptly several times daily.
5. Must be able to stand, walk and sit for extended periods, bending, kneeling, climbing and reaching. Requires ability to lift 45 pounds. Must be able to tolerate dust in the environment.