Job Description
Introduction The Wisconsin Historical Society , considered one of the nation's finest historical institutions, is a State of Wisconsin government agency as well as a mission-driven entrepreneurial organization. The Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS), founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. At its core, WHS believes that increasing the public's knowledge of history has profound societal, cultural, and economic benefit. Its library, archives and collections, historic sites and museums, historic preservation office, and extensive educational programs and community outreach are focused on our vision to enrich and transform lives through unparalleled access to history. Click here for more information about WHS' mission, vision, and core values.
WHS is committed to being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization because we truly believe this is the most effective way to attract, engage, and retain the best talent and the most meaningful way to support our mission.
Position Summary Villa Louis is a 26-acre National Historic Landmark located on St. Feriole Island in historic Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. Guests take guided tours through the meticulously-restored Victorian mansion and explore the rich landscape. Numerous other historic structures showcase the site's history from the fur trade era through the 1930s, including a fur trade warehouse and reconstructed Ft. Crawford blockhouse. Staff work in historic indoor and outdoor spaces with fellow team members in the heart of the Driftless Region to create exceptional experiences for our guests.
The site offers guided tours from May - October and special events at other times of the year.
Professional level work is performed under limited supervision of the Site Manager or Site Director. Guides are stewards of the buildings and collections of the Wisconsin Historical Society and are responsible for daily cleaning and collections care to ensure that we can share Wisconsin's stories for generations to come.
Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Visitor Experience
- Open and close site as needed
- Provide comprehensive guided tours to student groups as well as the general public
- Assist with special events and public programs
- Logistics support (tracking tour numbers)
- Assist with other administrative tasks as needed
- Sell tickets and merchandise in museum store using point of sale system.
Administrative Duties
- Engage in all aspects of group management at Villa Louis
- Work to address issues that may arise with tours, visitors, staff, or volunteers
- Report to Site Manager or Site Director about concerns with tour or site
- Give feedback on tours and special events
- Site or Collections care under the direction of the Site Manager or Site Director
Salary Information Pay is $14.00 per hour with a weekend differential of 80 cents per hour. This classification is in schedule and class 18-00.
Please note this is a Limited Term Employment position so it does not include paid time off or benefits upon hire.
Job Details A criminal background check will be conducted by WHS prior to an offer of employment to determine if the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job.
This is a Limited Term Employment (LTE)/Seasonal position and limited to 1,039 hours. This position will be part time and average 8 - 32 hours per week.
Wisconsin residency is required for Limited Term Employment positions.
Limited Term Employment (LTE) positions are not civil service classified positions, do not give any rights to permanent civil service classified positions and do not lead to permanent status.
WHS does not sponsor work visas. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant being able to prove valid status to work in the United States.
Qualifications - Knowledge of (or willingness to learn) interpretive methodologies, including guided tours
- Knowledge of (or willingness to learn) site specific history
- Knowledge of (or willingness to learn) professionally recognized collection care principles and practices.
- Excellent oral communication skills with staff and the public. Ability to give presentations to the public.
- Ability to work well with interns, volunteers, and employees.
- Ability to pass a background security check and to become an employee bonded to deal with valuable collections.
- Ability to use computer applications, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Access, Excel) and CounterPoint point of sale system.
- Ability to use email and enter time using computer technology.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
How To Apply Apply online! To apply, click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. Then, you will access your existing account or to create a new account if you don't have an account. Once you are logged in, click "Apply for Job." Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.
Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. For instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications for your application and what should be included in these materials, click here .
Submitted materials will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the hiring process.
We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce.
Questions can be directed to
[email protected] g or (608) 264-6670
Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance.
Deadline to Apply Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. State of Wisconsin
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Permanent employment, Temporary work, Part time, Outdoor, Work visa, Weekend work,