Museum Docent / Gift Shop Assistant (Volunteer)

Position Title: Museum Docent / Gift Shop Assistant (Volunteer)

Position Type: Volunteer, Unpaid

Location: Sandwich MA

Hours: Up to 15 hours per week (Flexible, varies with tour bus schedule)

About Us: The Sandwich Glass Museum of the Sandwich Historical Society is a Town History Museum with an extensive historical collection of glass and other Victorian era artifacts, multi-media exhibits, a working hot glass studio, and contemporary studio glass art galleries and shop. Originally founded to interpret the history of the Boston & Sandwich Glass Company, the Museum now also celebrates and showcases contemporary glass makers' art and craft and the enduring relevance of glass blowing to the Town of Sandwich and the surrounding area.

Position Overview: As a Museum Docent and Gift Shop Assistant, you will ensure  that all museum visitors feel well informed and have the best possible experience from their visit to the glassblowing demonstrations, movie, galleries, and gift shop. Training will be provided both for the content of our museum galleries and how to use the retail sales app.

Responsibilities:

  • Gallery Greeter: Offer visitors anecdotes and simple summaries of the historical information presented in the various galleries.
  • Retail Floater: Use your smartphone to accept payment for gift shop purchases, deliver the item to retail staff for wrapping and boxing, then hand it back to the customer once ready.
  • Tour Shepherd: When multiple tours overlap, guide each group to a different timed attraction to spread out attendance at both the glass blowing demonstration and the movie.
  • Way Finder: Direct guests to various parts of the Museum as requested, including restrooms.

Qualifications:

  • Friendly and welcoming attitude.
  • Passion for community involvement.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to use an app on a smartphone.
  • Enthusiasm for interpreting the history of the Town of Sandwich and for promoting the work of contemporary glass artists.

Benefits:

  • Develop a deep appreciation for and understanding of the history of glass making in the Town of Sandwich.
  • Gain retail sales skills.
  • Contribute to the satisfaction of Museum visitors, enhancing Sandwich's reputation as an attractive tourism destination.
  • Enjoy complimentary access to the museum and its events.

To Apply:

Please submit a brief CV with accompanying cover letter/email to info@sandwichglassmuseum.org. In your cover letter/email, please indicate that you are applying for the position of "Museum Docent/Gift Shop Assistant", describe your relevant experience, and how you believe you can contribute to the mission and success of The Sandwich Glass Museum of the Sandwich Historical Society.

The Sandwich Historical Society is an equal-opportunity employer. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.