What are the responsibilities and job description for the Exhibit Host (Temporary) position at Santa Monica Art Museum?
About the Santa Monica Art Museum
The Santa Monica Art Museum (SMAM), located on the vibrant Third Street Promenade, is dedicated to presenting innovative contemporary art and immersive cultural experiences. Our exhibitions invite visitors to connect with creativity, conversation, and community in fresh and meaningful ways.
Position Overview
We are seeking Exhibit Hosts to join our guest experience team. As the first point of contact for visitors, Exhibit Hosts play a vital role in ensuring a welcoming, safe, and memorable experience. This position is highly guest-facing, focusing on customer service, guiding visitors through interactive exhibits, supporting ticketing/retail operations, and maintaining a clean, organized facility.
Key Responsibilities
- Guest Engagement – Greet and welcome visitors, provide information about exhibitions, answer questions, and deliver excellent customer service.
- Experience Facilitation – Load and unload guests into interactive or immersive experiences, ensuring safety, flow, and comfort.
- Interpretation & Explanation – Offer engaging explanations of exhibition content, installations, and interactive features to help visitors connect with the art.
- Ticketing & Sales – Process admissions, handle cash/credit transactions, and manage ticketing systems accurately and efficiently.
- Retail & Merchandise – Assist guests with merchandise purchases, maintain inventory displays, and promote products in the museum shop.
- Cleaning & Facility Maintenance – Monitor gallery and lobby spaces to ensure they remain tidy, safe, and inviting. Wipe down surfaces, manage trash/recycling, restock supplies, and report any building maintenance needs to supervisors.
- Operational Support – Assist with visitor flow, line management, and general exhibit operations.
- Team Collaboration – Work closely with fellow hosts and supervisors to ensure smooth daily operations.
- Event Support – Provide assistance during special events, rentals, and programs as needed.
Qualifications
- Previous customer service, retail, or hospitality experience preferred (museum, attractions, or event settings a plus).
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills; comfortable assisting guests of all ages and backgrounds.
- Basic point-of-sale (POS) or cash-handling experience strongly preferred.
- Comfortable speaking to groups and explaining exhibitions in an engaging, professional manner.
- Reliable, punctual, and able to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and assist guests safely with entry/exit of experiences.
- Willingness to support cleaning and light maintenance tasks as part of daily responsibilities.
Position Details
- Job Type: Part-Time, Temporary (with potential to extend during exhibition runs)
- Schedule: Primarily weekends, evenings, and event days (flexibility required based on museum programming)
- Location: On-site at the Santa Monica Art Museum (Santa Monica, CA 90401)
Job Types: Part-time, Temporary
Pay: $17.81 per hour
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
Salary : $18
