Visitor Services Associate

Position Overview

Under supervision, our Visitor Services Associates work with the public and are usually the first and last staff with whom our visitors interact.   They extend a courteous and friendly greeting to visitors upon their arrival; process admissions for the general public, tour groups, and special events; orient visitors to the Museum; provide information on a wide range of topics related to their visit to the Museum; and make suitable recommendations to tourists on other local historic sites, venues, and businesses;

Additional duties include: Assist with educational and audience engagement programming; Ensure safety and security throughout the Museum; Route telephone calls and inquiries to appropriate staff; Serve as point of contact for outside deliveries to the Museum; and Assist with coordination and training of volunteers and interns.

Museum staff are impelled to engage in a regular cycle of professional development to maintain competence and currency in their areas of expertise or responsibility; and participate in relevant professional organizations. This position may occasionally travel locally, regionally, or statewide to participate in professional development, outreach events, and for general operational needs of their work site.

Each staff member is expected to create work that is visible to the residents of Illinois; work in a team environment across geographic locations and disciplines; perform at a level that reflects national standards and best practices of an accredited museum and brings state, national, and/or international recognition to the Museum; follow all relevant state and federal laws; and abide by professional museum ethics.

Essential Functions

• Serves as an ambassador for ISM with the public. 
• Assists with educational and audience engagement programming. 
• Engages with visitors at the Illinois State Museum. 
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a discipline relevant to the position or the Museum's mission.
• Two years of experience working in a museum or cultural institution or other not-for-profit organization relevant to the Museum's disciplines of art, anthropology, history, and natural history. 

Preferred Qualifications

• 2-years' experience in visitor/customer services/education. 
• Working knowledge of educational and engagement strategies. 
• Working knowledge level of experience using Microsoft 365 / MS Office suite of software (primarily Word and Excel). 
• Working knowledge level of experience posting content on various social media platforms. 

Conditions of Employment

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
• Valid Driver’s License. 
• Ability to occasionally travel for work-related requirements or professional development.

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description. 

Agency and Division Statement

DNR Agency Statement

Charged with preserving, protecting, and promoting Illinois’ natural resources, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) employees oversee water, wildlife, wetlands and oil wells, parks, historic sites – and everything in between. Employment opportunities vary greatly, often providing employees the chance to work indoors and out in a dynamic yet relaxed environment. Working for the State of Illinois, IDNR employees receive excellent benefits, including health, vision and dental insurance; a retirement plan and deferred compensation options; state holidays and other time off; as well as pre-tax benefit programs; flexible/remote work schedules may be available for certain positions.

Division Statement

The State Museum is a division of IDNR. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the Illinois State Museum system (ISM) includes the headquarters museum and ISM-Research & Collections Center both in Springfield with branch sites ISM-Dickson Mounds in Lewistown, and ISM-Lockport Gallery in Lockport. The ISM is dedicated to sharing Illinois stories, honoring its cultural and natural resources, and inspiring our future. Its extensive collections and research activities provide the foundation for exhibitions and public programs that tell the story of the land, life, people, and art of Illinois. The Illinois State Museum is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that is mindful of community stories and lived experiences.