Visitor Center Associate & Site Guide (Edith Farnsworth House)

National Trust for Historic Preservation in the United States•Plano, IL

2d•$22

About The Position

First conceived by world-renowned architect Mies van der Rohe in 1945 and completed in 1951, the Edith Farnsworth House is an icon of modern architecture and continues to inspire artists and designers around the world. Built as a country retreat for Dr. Edith Farnsworth, the house is a building of white-painted steel and glass, which stands in striking contrast to its naturalistic setting. Located in a floodplain landscape along the Fox River, the setting is integral to Mies van der Rohe’s aesthetic conception and continues to be managed and developed as the house and site are restored and interpreted. The Visitor Center Associate & Site Guide will support guest services including: opening and closing the Visitor Center, Barnsworth Gallery and Edith Farnsworth House; serving as sales associate, cashier or customer service associate as needed; managing online, telephone and in-person ticket sales; operating the retail shop and cash register; merchandising and stocking; and providing outstanding customer service. They will also provide a welcome, hospitable environment and rewarding experience to museum visitors through gift shop merchandise knowledge; maintaining a clean, well-organized environment on the sales floor; and a rewarding experience through occasional guided tours.

Requirements

At least 2 years of college or equivalent educational/work experience, with experience in retail sales and visitor services. Demonstrated interest in museums or historic sites preferred.
Experience in tourism promotions, marketing, programs and events, as well as experience in web, print and broadcast media.
Strong communicator who is personable, outgoing, polite and courteous, enjoys interacting with a wide variety of people and is comfortable speaking in front of groups.
General office and administrative experience.
Basic analytical and problem-solving skills, including issue identification and prioritization. Basic project organization skills. Ability to achieve results with moderate supervision.
Excellent attention to detail. Strong organizational skills required. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Bi-lingual language skills a plus (English/Spanish).
Experience successfully interacting with key stakeholders. Ability to collaborate and achieve results. Demonstrated success in working with culturally diverse colleagues and stakeholders.
Ability to prioritize, multi-task efficiently and respond to a high volume of ongoing requests in a timely fashion. Ability to adapt and be flexible in a dynamic work environment required, including working effectively with frequent interruptions and handling changing and/or unscheduled tasks with accuracy. Public contact and ability to work successfully in close proximity to others required.
Ability to continually develop skills related to use of rapidly changing technology and communications best practices.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products required. Experience with web site maintenance and other online promotional tools. Experience with Fare Harbor and TAM or similar retail systems, as well as ability to learn National Trust accounting and reporting software.
Minimum physical requirements include: ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs on a frequent basis and occasionally more; ability to push or pull up to 25 lbs on a frequent basis and occasionally more; ability to bend, squat, kneel, twist/turn, climb, and reach above the shoulder frequently; ability to stand for extended periods and to walk the site, including several walks of ¼ mile per day, climb stairs, physically access areas of historic buildings not fitted for public access; ability to drive a golf cart and 15 passenger van.
Driving duties require candidates to be at least 21 years of age, with a valid Illinois driver's license held for at least 3 years (CDL not required) and acceptable driving record. DMV background check required upon offer.
Able to work weekdays and weekends.
Regular and reliable attendance required.

Nice To Haves

Entrepreneurial spirit and skill set a plus.
Bi-lingual language skills a plus (English/Spanish).

Responsibilities

Staff the Visitor Center and museum shop, providing a friendly, efficient and knowledgeable atmosphere that supports the needs of visitors.
Operate cash register POS system, including processing of cash and credit cards.
Maintain and re-stock merchandise in the museum shop each shift worked and assist with inventory control procedures, including manual count of merchandise and recommendations for re-orders
Help receive, unpack, price and stock museum shop items if necessary during each shift. Stock bags, register tape and other supplies.
Maintain open communication with supervisor, notifying of customer requests for merchandise, low stock of items and any other issues.
Understand and conduct Visitor Center opening and closing procedures which include counting cash, reconciling reports and documenting deposits.
Print reports needed for daily tour operation using Fare Harbor and scheduling software.
Assist with greeting tour groups and individuals as they arrive at the Visitor Center.
Assign docents to tours. Conduct general museum tours of approximately 90 minutes in length, when needed. Assist group tours as needed.
Answer visitor’s questions or collect contact information when needed to follow-up
Address issues in theater room if they arise, including ensuring the music and/or presentations are functioning properly.
Keep visitor center and washrooms stocked and clean and well organized, which may include vacuuming and washing floors and scouring bathrooms, and washing bathroom mirrors.
Monitor Barnsworth exhibit gallery. Turn on lights, vacuum, dust, check wardrobe positioning, and clean exterior door.
Sweep walkway as necessary. Minor cleaning or drying of golf carts as needed.
Deal skillfully with a diverse variety of groups under a wide array of circumstances.
Continually broaden knowledge of Mies van der Rohe and Modernism to better serve our visitors.
Assist with guide training and coordination, serving as occasional Guide; assist with site interpretation and interpretive exhibits and educational programs.
Assist with tour orientation & logistics including theater/exhibit support; update site interpretation and interpretive exhibits, help coordinate educational programs.
Assist with university and group lectures, as well as group tour logistics.
Assist with tour program and training enhancements, such as filming training tours, helping develop self-guided tour literature and an interpretive book.
Assist with a variety of special projects as requested.
Answer telephones, emails, take and share messages.
Assist visitors and volunteers with transportation around the site (golf carts, occasional use of personal vehicle).
Other duties as assigned.