Museum Attendant, 'Plastic Bag Store (PBS)', On-Call/Temporary/Seasonal

Museum Attendant, Plastic Bag Store (PBS), On-Call/Temporary/Seasonal

On-Call/Temporary/Seasonal: Position runs May-October 2024. Minimum 16 hours per week up to 29 hours per week, and availability must include weekends. (Training may begin in April)
Job Summary MASS MoCA has temporary/seasonal openings for part-time Museum Attendants (Plastic Bag Store). The temporary/seasonal Museum Attendant (PBS) will be part of a multidisciplinary artist project at MASS MoCA, opening in May 2024 and running through October 2024.

The Plastic Bag Store is an immersive film experience by Brooklyn-based artist Robin Frohardt that uses humor, craft, and a critical lens to question our culture of consumption and convenience— specifically, the enduring effects of our single-use plastics. During timed activations, the store transforms into an immersive, dynamic stage for a film in which inventive puppetry, shadow play, and intricate handmade sets tell the darkly comedic, sometimes tender story of how the overabundance of plastic waste we leave behind might be misinterpreted by future generations.
Museum Attendants in PBS interact with diverse audiences, to foster connections between visitors, and to encourage dialogue. Temporary/seasonal MA team members will fulfill all regular Museum Attendant duties throughout the museum, and will be trained to cover the shopkeeper and/or tour guide post of the PBS.

The PBS ‘Tour Guide’ post will be an interactive role responsible for guiding tour groups and chaperoning the PBS guest experience with comedic timing using scripted text. The ‘Shopkeeper’ post will be a standard special exhibition posting, responsible for audience relations and set transitions. To curate an immersive experience, posts in the PBS exhibition will require donning costumes.

The temporary/seasonal Museum Attendant will work closely with the Public Programs and Visitor Experience departments. Temporary/seasonal Museum Attendants will be present for team training, performances, and other responsibilities as determined by the leadership team.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates the highest level of guest service, remaining professional, personable, and engaging to all museum visitors and staff
• Assists with museum opening and/or closing operational procedures including, but not limited to: turning on artwork, projectors/monitors, gallery/building lights, refilling gallery guides, review daily reservation systems, special exhibits preparations, and when assigned, adjusting daily schedules and breaks.
• Answer questions and provide exhibition content, museum information, and city history to visitors, helping visitors engage with the artwork, museum programs, and performances. After three months of employment and training, eligible to sign up to give public and /or private tours.
• Ensure visitors are wearing proper admission stickers/wristbands
• Assists in training new team members
• Protects the artwork when posted in galleries, monitoring restricted items and visitor behavior for touching of art
• Completes daily art checks of exhibits and galleries
• Assists with exhibition reservations for specific installations (including using technology for reservations)
• Assists with managing visitor flow and control into exhibition reservation spaces for specific installations by ensuring efficient crowd control and line management
• Assists with wayfinding, providing directions and suggestions for best routes through the museum
• Work special events, performances, opening receptions, public programs, and other programs as assigned
• Promote museum membership; understand any special promotions and changes
• The Museum Attendant may be cross-trained in other visitor experience roles, including for Box Office support, and may be assigned job-share shifts as needed to support institutional needs
• Attend all mandatory department and institutional training/meetings
• Performing other duties as assigned or needed

Qualifications:

• Minimum 1-2 years of front-line customer service experience; museum/cultural organization preferred.
• High school diploma, GED or equivalent
• Demonstrates ability to use iPad, virtual reality (VR) set ups and other technical equipment
• Outgoing personality and enthusiastic to interact with visitors and colleagues
• Is capable of working in a fast-paced environment and interface effectively with visitors, and remaining calm and effective during high-traffic times
• Acts as a team player who works well with others, and shows courtesy and respect to colleagues
• Demonstrates a passion and appreciation for art and willingness to share it with the public
• Has commitment to providing excellent and impactful visitor experience
• General understanding of tourism in Berkshire County and surrounding areas
• Strong interpersonal skills including diplomacy and empathy
• Exceptional verbal and communication skills
• Ability to work alone and part of a team
• Ability to take direction from supervisors and managers
• Ability to make quick decisions and adapt to changing environments
• Responds quickly and calmly to emergency situations
• Punctual and reliable
• Proficient in Google Suite.

Work Conditions:

• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, weekends, holidays, events, festivals and other programs including those after museum hours
• Must be able to work in dimly lit areas, with strobing lights, or other photo sensitive situations.
• While the majority of the work day may be spent indoors, occasional special events, exhibitions and festivals are scheduled for outside. Must be able to work in variety of weather conditions and inclement weather

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to stand and walk for long periods of time, on and across various floor types
• Must be able to verbally communicate with visitors and colleagues in a professional manner
• Must be able to wear PPE when necessary

MASS MoCA strongly encourages employees to be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations.

Non-exempt. Minimum starting rate $18/hour.