Job Description

MTHS offers a unique workplace for its employees. It's filled with friendly and creative staff members who work together to offer the public exciting and innovative ways to experience Montana's history.
MTHS seeks an energetic and talented person for the position of Temporary Part-Time Tour Guide. If you believe understanding the past is imperative to creating the future, you may find this position is a good fit. The person sought for this position will be a positive representative of Montana Historical Society to the public, and will embody the MTHS culture of excellence, teamwork, professionalism, and passion for the work that we do.
The ideal candidate is a motivated person, passionate about sharing Montana history, art, and architecture with members of the public, from pre-school-aged students to senior citizens.
Function: The Museum Education office is within the Outreach & Education Program of the Montana Historical Society. Under the direction of the museum education officer, this position is responsible for offering tours of the Original Governor's Mansion and the Capitol and the Heritage Center which will open in 2025.
Other: The Tour Guide will work a flexible schedule up to 25 hours per week during peak tour months (the summer and legislative session) and fewer hours during slow periods. Weekend work will be required. This position is not eligible for telework.
Hours of Operation: The Montana Heritage Center operates seven days a week: Monday - Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
As an employee of the Montana Historical Society, your work hours may fall outside the regular Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. schedule.
MTHS's goal is to build a culturally inclusive team. Diverse candidates encourage to apply. Come join us at the MTHS where we work together to share Montana's stories and inspire exploration!
Representative Duties:
This position will provide tours of the Original Governor's Mansion (OGM), Montana State Capitol and, after the new Montana Heritage Center opens in 2025, exhibits in the museum. Duties include but are not limited to:
Mastering the content associated with the historic sites and exhibits.
Delivering accurate and captivating programming relevant to and about the sites.
Tailoring tours so that they focus on visitor interests, needs, or preferences.
Engaging audience members through a variety of interpretative techniques.
Facilitating interactive, experiential learning opportunities.
Listening to visitors and fostering social experiences and interactions.
Managing group dynamics within an interpretive experience.
Support public events like lectures, conferences and children's programs.
Taking appropriate measures to protect visitors, personnel, the resource, and the organization from risk and loss.
Completing daily reports and compiling information.
Responding to visitor complaints or concerns while demonstrating tact and diplomacy.
Fielding questions on controversial issues.
Performing self-assessments to determine what to build on and how to improve.
Demonstrating professionalism in appearance, attendance, demeanor, and representation of the organization.
Work closely with MTHS tour and security staff to provide high quality visitor services
Advertised Physical Requirements:
This position works primarily within the State Capitol, Heritage Center, and OGM. Extensive walking and standing is required as is regular lifting, carrying, and manual dexterity. The duties of this position entail extensive public interaction.
Required Skills:

• Ability to utilize public speaking techniques to effectively express ideas and concepts to a wide range of audiences.
• Ability to perform a variety of interpretive techniques (for example, asking visitors questions, posing thought experiments) in order to engage a wide range of audiences.
• Ability to accept constructive feedback and guidance.
• Ability to work as a team member.
• Ability to perform self-assessments to determine what to build on and how to improve.
• Desire to learn new interpretive techniques to engage audience members.
• Strong listening and people skills.

Qualifications
Qualifications:

• Experience with public speaking, teaching, interacting with children and/or providing tours.
• High-school diploma or equivalent.
• One-year experience in a customer-service oriented industry.
• Other combinations of education and experience may be substituted.

Minimum Physical/Mental Requirements

• Prolonged periods of activity.
• Able to speak for long periods of time.
• Standing for long periods of time.
• Work weekends, holidays, and special events.
• Able to lift 20 lbs.

Required Application Materials:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• State of Montana Application (online)

Skills Required