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Greet Museum Visitors as a Smithsonian Visitor Information Volunteer!
Washington, DC.OVS: Office of Visitor Services
SMITHSONIAN VISITOR INFORMATION SPECIALIST:
INFORMATION DESK PROGRAM
Visitor Information Specialists provide a warm welcome and useful information to visitors from the Information Desks at Smithsonian museums, galleries, and buildings. Volunteers will engage with visitors and help them plan memorable and exciting experiences so that they can discover all that the Smithsonian has to offer. Visitor Information Specialists provide excellent customer service by greeting guests when they arrive, offering way finding throughout their visit, and answering any questions about the Smithsonian, its exhibitions, activities, services, and more. The Smithsonian is looking for dynamic and welcoming individuals who have a desire to talk with visitors and share information about the Smithsonian.
LOCATION:
Locations vary, depending on availability and vacancies within the program. The Office of Visitor Services places Visitor Information Specialists at the following Smithsonian locations:
- American Art Museum & National Portrait Gallery (Evening Shifts Only - 5:00pm to 7:00pm Weekdays and Weekends)
- American History Museum
- American Indian Museum
- National Postal Museum
REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES:
This position requires individuals to have strong customer service skills, an approachable and outgoing demeanor, enjoy working with diverse people from around the world, and basic computer skills. Foreign language skills are a plus, but not required.
All applicants must be 18 years or older and be cleared in a federal background check.
SCHEDULING REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must be able to volunteer for a minimum of one year, once a week or once every other Saturday/Sunday. Regular shift times are 2 to 4 hours in length, depending on the placement location. The scheduling of shift times will take place on a case-by-case basis pending acceptance into the program.
TRAINING:
The training program consists of at-home reading assignments, two-day orientation to the Smithsonian and the position, and additional on-the-job training specific to the museum where the individual will serve. Training for the next class of Visitor Information Specialists will take place March 8th and 9th (must attended one of these days) and March 15th and 16th (must attend one of these days.) Museum specific trainings will take place after the VIS Training in March and April, dates to be determined.
