Museum Interpreter (Missouri History Museum)

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Are you passionate about ensuring that others feel welcomed and engaged in cultural institutions? Consider applying your passion, time, and skills as a museum interpreter!

Museum interpreters inspire and involve audiences by enriching the "drop-in" visitors’ experience. They engage visitors in meaningful conversations that interpret artifacts and exhibits; lead guided tours; answer visitors’ questions; facilitate short activities, such as gallery talks, History à la Cart, and more.

Applicants for museum interpreter positions should be able to commit to volunteering for at least two years and give a minimum of 30 hours of service per year or two to four shifts per month. These volunteer positions are competitive and include a more involved interview and application process.

Qualifications

MHS seeks friendly, outgoing individuals who are good listeners and have great customer service skills to become museum interpreters.

Special training is required. After new volunteer training and onboarding, museum interpreters must complete additional workshops and professional development seminars throughout the year that cover best museum practices, interpretive techniques, accessibility, and DEIA issues.

Average training time commitment:

• New volunteer orientation (2-3 hours)
• Shadowing shifts (10-15 hours)
• Approximately 25 hours of continuing education workshops per year
• Research and exhibit content familiarity (as needed)
• Gallery talk and tour training (30-40 hours)

Perks

As a museum interpreter, you’ll get to spend lots of time in our exhibits! You will receive training in best practices in museum interpretation and visitor engagement, as well as exhibit content and "behind-the-scenes" information.

• Location: Missouri History Museum
• Can volunteer remotely? No
• Schedule: One or two shifts per week (for a total commitment of two to four hours per week)
• Computer work required? Yes