Museum Program Aide

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is a leader in historic preservation and manages several museums, historic sites, and programs that celebrate Prince George's County's rich history. Coordinated by the Natural and Historic Resources Division (NHRD), there are 5 M-NCPPC historic house museums that are open to the public, including the Riversdale House Museum.

Riversdale, a National Historic Landmark and designated NPS Network to Freedom Site, seeks a dynamic and organized Museum Specialist/Operations Manager to join our team. Constructed between 1801-1807, Riversdale interprets life in 19th Century Maryland, inclusive of the shared history of the Stier, Calvert and Plummer families. Rich in primary source material, the Museum is undergoing a transformation by expanding its interpretation to be more inclusive of the lives and labor of the enslaved, indentured, and free black community at this historic site and creating a more descendant driven and visitor centered experience.

Responsibilities are separated into two primary categories – administrative and educational. Riversdale House Museum employs a small team with many projects and responsibilities that are team-based, the candidate will often be delegated individual tasks. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing tours, supporting public programs, activities, special events, and exhibitions. The candidate will be able to work independently and satisfactorily, complete these tasks and meet deadlines.

This candidate will be able to support the Riversdale House Museum in upholding the four strategic pillars of the Natural and Historic Resources Division (NHRD).

1. Enhance the Visitor Experience: Quality and Quantity
2. Leave a Legacy: Transforming Education into Activism
3. Strengthen Inclusivity, Diversity, and Belonging
4. Act with Honesty, Integrity, Respect, and Trust
   

For more information about the Seasonal Hiring process and application status for Prince George’s County Parks and Recreation, please contact Joelle Edmond,Joelle.Edmond@pgparks.comor Brenda MillerBrenda.Miller@Pgparks.com.

Educational and Programmatic Responsibilities:

• Work as an active member of the museum team by collaborating with other staff to engage visitors in discussion and hands-on activities.
• Lead tours of the museum, conduct public and family programs, and staff occasional outreach that may occur on and off site.
• Provide support for history-based public programs, activities, special events, and exhibits.
• Support workshops for educators, including teachers, professors, principals, and homeschool associations.
• Provide support to volunteer coordinator.

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Serve as front-line staff during museum open hours and special tours, providing tour introductions and guided tours on an as-needed basis.
• Sell tickets, process payments and registrations, and take required training for point-of-sale software.
• Communicate with various types of guests (renters, donors, visitors, families, colleagues, etc.) in a professional manner.
• With team, maintain administrative calendars and spreadsheets, schedule rental setups, and associated tasks.

Candidate will:

• Be a self-starter and able to multi-task.
• Possess excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Learn the basic history of the site and complete formal docent training.
• Be comfortable interacting with the public while serving as front line staff during open hours and special events.
• Be willing to perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be at least 21 years old with a valid government issued driver’s license.
• Bilingual abilities a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to lift 25 pounds and comfortably navigate stairs.
• Ability to work outdoor events in a variety of weather conditions.

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.

Supplemental information:

• The position is part time, on call
• Hours will range between 10-20 hours a week as needed, with weekend shifts and some evenings required.
• Position does not qualify for benefits.
• A background investigation will be completed prior to hire.

Required application documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Writing Sample

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.

Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of applications at or 301-454-1411 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1)

M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.