What are the responsibilities and job description for the Monticello Guide and Guest Services Specialist (Full-time) position at Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Inc.?
Monticello Guide and Guest Services Specialist (Full-time)
Purpose:
To make Monticello a place of reflection and inspiration for twenty-first century guests. To be a powerful storyteller, conveying the histories of Jefferson and all of Monticello’s free and enslaved inhabitants through research, documents, artifacts, landscape and architecture. To serve as an informed, friendly ambassador to visitors whether onsite or online. Monticello guides are committed to working as a part of a team to ensure an excellent guest experience. The position will split time between guide and guest service specialist roles.
In a guest services specialist role, the position ensures that guests of Monticello feel welcome, supported, and informed. Duties include assisting with timed ticketing, security processes, and line management. Further duties include informing guests about current programs, exhibitions, and special events; and providing services as necessary to accommodate groups and persons with disabilities.
We will look to you to:
- Provide consistent and high-quality service to Monticello guests at every contact point during their visit.
- Perform security screening and bag inspection of all guests for prohibited items prior to guests boarding a shuttle bus or accessing the trail to the Mountaintop.
- Develop and conduct interpretive, interactive talks and/or tours indoors, outdoors, and digitally for varied audiences.
- Provide informal interpretation through conversations with guests in a variety of historic and modern spaces.
- Talk with audiences about the founding of the United States, principles of the Declaration of Independence, slavery in the United States and its legacies, Jefferson’s families with Martha Jefferson and Sally Hemings, history of the landscape and gardens, and the architecture and material culture of the site.
- Respond to different groups of visitors (school children, families, adults, first-time visitors) by varying tour content and technique.
- Embody the Education and Visitor Programs (EVP) Core Values – visitor focus, provocative interpretation, and unity of effort - in daily work.
Skills and Abilities:
- Broad and thorough knowledge of American history.
- B.A. degree with a major in a relevant field preferred but equivalent work experience will be considered.
- Excellent speaking skills, especially the ability of succinct expression
- Excellent interpersonal skills—must be able to demonstrate empathy for each visitor and help them feel that Monticello is a place meant for them
- Ability to perceive and express the complexity of Monticello’s history – home of the author of the Declaration of Independence and a plantation powered by enslaved labor – and its contested nature today.
- Ability to work well as part of a team meeting multiple demands and changing situations
- Skilled at working with children of all ages and varying backgrounds and managing students in group situations
- Digital and technology skills:
- Basic understanding and use of smart phones and tablets (ability to send/receive texts on work devices take, find, and show photos and videos)
- Assess and critically vet sources on the Internet
- Use email regularly
- Ability to use digital meeting and webinar platforms
- Ability to learn and use scheduling software
- Demonstrated comfort with using interpretive apps and accessing videos online for continuing education
Physical Demands and Work Considerations:
- Work inside and outside in all weather conditions for up to 8 hours with breaks included.
- Walk on uneven and sloped ground.
- Speak at an acceptable volume for at least five hours per day with breaks included.
- The ability to climb and descend at least 75 steep, narrow stairs inside the house at one time and climb and descend at least 20 stairs on a regular basis throughout the day is required.
- Some lifting of wheelchairs, brochure boxes, strollers, etc. (up to 40 lbs.) is necessary.
Schedule: This position works 5 days a week including both weekend days, with 2 days off in a row during the week. The 2 days off will either be Monday/Tuesday, Tuesday/Wednesday, or Wednesday/Thursday.
Application must include: a cover letter, resume, and contact information for two professional references.
We provide:
- Excellent benefits package including healthcare, dental, vision, and 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
- Employee discount in the café, gift shop, and Monticello catalog
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Free admission to Monticello and partner institutions
- Discounted gym membership rate with local fitness club
- Beautiful grounds and walking trails
Monticello is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply!
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