Visitor Experience Associate

Position Type: Temporary, Hourly (30–35 hours/week)
Compensation: $15.00/hour
Duration: Through December 2026, with the possibility of extension and future growth opportunities
Schedule: Weekends required; some evenings and holidays may be required for special events.

Position Summary

The Visitor Experience Associate serves as a key member of the Institute’s daily operations team, helping create an exceptional visitor experience while supporting administrative functions, programs, events, and volunteer engagement. This position plays an important role in ensuring guests receive friendly, knowledgeable, and consistent service from arrival through departure.

Working collaboratively with the Program & Outreach Coordinator, Office Administrator, and dedicated volunteers, this individual will assist with admissions, ticketing, retail operations, volunteer support, event facilitation, and general administrative operations. While the position reports directly to the Executive Director, day-to-day responsibilities will be coordinated by the Program & Outreach Coordinator and Office Administrator.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working with people, thrives in a dynamic environment, and has an interest in museums, history, railroads, or nonprofit organizations.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Guest Services & Retail Operations

• Welcome visitors and provide exceptional customer service.
• Help ensure a welcoming, safe, clean and engaging guest experience throughout the Institute.
• Process admissions, memberships, and ticket sales through the point-of-sale and online platforms.
• Answer visitor questions in person, by phone, and via email.
• Process retail transactions accurately.
• Assist with merchandising, stocking, inventory, and maintaining an attractive retail space.

Programs & Events

• Assist with planning, coordinating, and facilitating programs and special events.
• Help prepare event spaces, materials, and visitor logistics.
• Provide operational support during public programs, educational activities, and community events.
• Work closely with Institute staff and volunteers to ensure successful execution of events.

Volunteer Support

• Provide guidance and support to volunteers during daily operations and special events.
• Assist with volunteer management, communication, and daily coordination when required.
• Help onboard and train new volunteers.
• Foster a positive, collaborative volunteer environment.

Administrative & Daily Operations

• Assist with general office and administrative tasks.
• Maintain accurate records related to admissions, retail sales, volunteers, and programs.
• Support opening and closing procedures.
• Help maintain clean, organized, and welcoming public and office spaces.

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with the Program & Outreach Coordinator and Office Administrator to ensure streamlined daily operations.
• Support consistent communication and collaboration among staff and volunteers.
• Represent the Institute professionally and positively in all interactions.

Qualifications

Preferred:

• Previous customer service or guest services experience.
• Experience in retail, admissions, hospitality, museums, nonprofits, or visitor attractions preferred.

Required Skills & Abilities:

• Friendly, professional, and dependable.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Comfortable working with visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic computer proficiency and willingness to learn point-of-sale and ticketing systems.
• Ability to work independently while contributing as part of a team.
• Physical Requirements
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors as needed for museum programs and events.
• Schedule
• 30–35 hours per week.
• Weekend availability is required.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and holidays for museum events.

Reporting Structure

This position reports directly to the Executive Director and receives day-to-day supervision and operational guidance from the Program & Outreach Coordinator and Office Administrator.

Why Join Our Team?

Join a passionate team dedicated to preserving and sharing steam-era railroad history while creating memorable experiences for visitors. This position offers the opportunity to develop skills in museum operations, guest services, event coordination, volunteer management, and nonprofit administration, with the potential for future growth as the organization continues to expand.

Pay: From $15.00 per hour

Work Location: In person

Salary : $15