Waterfront Host

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Volunteers at Brooklyn Historical Society (BHS) offer valuable assistance to staff, visitors, and the general public in a variety of ways. Passionate about the past, present, and future of Brooklyn, volunteers are individuals who enjoy engaging with the diverse communities who make up our great borough. BHS welcomes volunteers 18 years and older who have a sincere desire to lend their time and their skills to the institution. Volunteer opportunities are subject to availability and applicant’s qualifications. Please see the below list of available volunteer openings.

Waterfront Host
Waterfront Hosts are knowledgeable and approachable and will operate throughout the Waterfront exhibit at BHS DUMBO; alert and responsive to visitor needs and are eager to meet and work with visitors; willing to take initiative in assisting visitors with navigating the Museum’s amenities, public offerings, and spaces; and critical in providing visitors a positive experience at BHS.

Waterfront Hosts are NOT docents or tour guides. Waterfront Hosts will report directly to the Visitor Services Coordinator on duty.

Responsibilities

• Help manage crowds waiting to use interactive elements
• Assist visitors with the operation of technology within the exhibit
• Time management; make sure visitors aren’t monopolizing interactive features of the exhibit
• Make sure moving parts of the exhibit (props, magnets, costume pieces, etc.) remain in their proper areas and are not being misused or mistreated
• Ensure the exhibit is neat, organized, and welcoming for visitors
• Be familiar and comfortable with the space and its features (location of restrooms, gallery elements, visitor services desk, exits, etc.)

Required Skills

• Strong communication
• Flexible attitude
• Professional attire
• Reliability and punctuality
• Ability to move throughout the space and/or stand for extended periods of time; reasonable accommodations will be made for any volunteer when necessary
• Can lift 10lbs

Recommended Skills

• Multi-lingual
• Experience working with and interacting with families and children

Time Commitment - 2-3 hours of training with a Visitor Services staff member. Shifts will be on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Shifts will last 4 hours with one, 15 minute break per shift. Volunteers will be required to commit to a MINIMUM of 2 shifts per month for a period of 6 months.

As an active volunteer you will receive the following benefits:

• Free admission to BHS for you and up to 2 guests
• Invitations to select BHS openings
• Admission to BHS public programs, when available
• Discount in the BHS shop
• Free admission to most museums in New York