Volunteer Docents

Docents have a big role to play!

Docents are often the public face of the museum that visitors interact with most. It’s a fun, social assignment where you get to help bring the Museum alive through sharing the history and stories of the American Railroading and the impact it’s had on American Society.

Responsibilities:

Staff the information desks and assist guests by answering questions about the collection, Museum programs, operating hours, and other frequently asked questions
Give public tours as assigned during shift
Give tours to private tour groups (schedule fluctuates)
Car Host (assist visitors on the train rides)
Help keep the Roundhouse and North Car Shop orderly – restock brochures, keep information desks tidy (inside and out), ensure stanchions in place
Ensure that the Museum objects are handled appropriately (not climbed on, touched, etc), per the Museum policies
Help ensure safety of Museum guests by following safety response procedures & protocol

Qualifications:

Excellent interpersonal skills
Strong customer service skills – ability to: provide warm welcome to visitors, help visitors locate answers and resources, anticipate visitors need, provide thoughtful recommendations and information, and be a positive face of the National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation
Strong public speaking skills
Ability to follow and sometimes gently enforce Museum policies, including safety policies and Care of the Collection policies
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to quickly learn and retain new information
Enthusiastic about historic preservation and interpretation
Positive and professional working demeanor
Enjoy working with other and interacting with the public
Proactive in problem solving and solution finding
Love of and prior knowledge of railroading history is a plus

Please fill out an application at the link below, and our Education Department will reach out to all qualified candidates for an interview.

Apply today!

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