Visitor Services Associate (Chesterwood)

JOB SUMMARY

Chesterwood is the Gilded Age summer residence, studio, and gardens of American sculptor Daniel Chester French (1850-1931). The buildings on the 122-acre estate showcase a vast collection of original sculptures, paintings, and furniture; the landscape offers stunning mountain views, formal gardens, and woodland trails. Guided tours and educational programs highlight French’s life and artistic achievements while contemporary art is advanced through special exhibitions, such as the annual outdoor sculpture show, and artist residencies. Chesterwood also presents a robust performance series (ArtsAlive!) and events/programs for children.

The Visitor Services Associate serves as an informed ambassador for Chesterwood and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, providing excellent customer service, conducting admissions and museum shop sales and support, as well as being the point person for welcoming individuals, group tours, special guests, etc. and informing the Tour Guide staff of the daily schedule.

DUTIES

• Provide a positive introductory experience for all visitors to the Admissions desk.
• Conduct opening procedures that prepare the Admissions/Gift Shop area to receive visitors and closing procedures that prepare the area for the following day.
• Set up the admissions desk and gift shop (preparing the register and cash drawer; restocking museum shop items as needed).
• Sell admissions tickets and sell gift shop merchandise.
• Close and balance the cash register each evening and generate closing reports to accompany the deposit for the day.
• Provide visitor orientation, answer visitor questions both in person and on the telephone. Provide exceptional customer service to all site guests and interact positively and professionally with site colleagues.
• Convey the mission of the individual site and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, including announcing current initiatives and upcoming programs and events.
• Assist in monitoring collections security (buildings, objects, grounds) and visitor safety, responding calmly and professionally to emergencies and promptly notifying supervisors of incidents or unsafe conditions.
• Assist as needed with site related activities and other additional duties and responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in retail establishments and the hospitality field preferred.
• Ability to properly operate cash register systems and complete transactions with visitors in a professional and timely manner.
• Previous experience in a museum or historic or cultural setting a plus.
• Effective and engaging interpersonal skills. Excellent verbal and written communication, with ability to speak and read English fluently.
• Basic problem-solving skills, including issue identification and prioritization.
• Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, including culturally diverse audiences, patrons and guests.
• Ability to adapt and be flexible in a dynamic work environment.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and skill set a plus.
• Regular and reliable attendance required.
• Minimum physical requirements include but are not limited to: Ability to stand or be active for periods up to 6 hours; lift book or merchandise boxes; walk over uneven terrain; climb stairs.
• BA or equivalent work experience required; studies in retail and hospitality – or historic site related – a plus.

DATES:
Chesterwood is open to the public from May 15 – October 31, 2026 from Wednesday-Monday (closed Tuesdays). The Visitor Services shift runs from 9:30am to 5:30pm (with a 30 minute lunch break) Each Visitor Services Associate is scheduled to work at least 1- 2 days a week and may be asked occasionally to fill in shifts on other days.

HOURLY RATE $20.00

DEADLINE: April 6, 2026

Benefits:

• Employee discount in Gift Shop
• Free Admission to special performances/lectures, etc.
• Complimentary admission passes
• Paid training

Schedule:

• 8-hour shift