Volunteer Docent

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This position will begin training in August for the 2024/2025 school year.

The Program Instructor's primary function is to engage visitors in learning experiences through guide-led tours of the buildings and grounds during field trips and events. Program Instructors conduct small group History tours through both indoor and outdoor environments. These tours bring history to life by helping the visitor actively discover what life was like in different time periods through hands-on activities. Program Instructors always promote a high-level of interaction between our exhibits, programming, events and our visitors.

Responsibilities:

* Lead field trip programs and classroom programs

* Provide on-site supervision for all scheduled field trip and events

* Assist in the maintenance and repair of interpretive program materials as needed

*Possible additional work hours are available with wedding and event preparation and/or breakdown which includes but is not limited to: sweeping, mopping, bathroom stocking, emptying trash, and other janitorial duties

Additional Responsibilities:

* Pre-tour/event work: Ensure that the tour/event location(s) is open and ready to receive visitors. Ensure that the public restrooms are open and that all required tour/event supplies, props and materials are ready for use.

* Post-tour/event work: Put materials away, clean up from tours/events, make sure the house is properly closed, lock the restrooms and notice if supplies are running short or if materials are in need of repair or attention.

* Note: Notify management staff if supplies are running short or repairs are needed.

Qualifications:

* Excellent oral and written communication skills.

* Experience working in an education type setting, especially with elementary school-aged children.

* Ability to interact positively and effectively with a wide variety of people, organizations and community groups.

* Demonstrate the ability to work as part of a team.

* Enthusiasm for historic and environmental education.

* Desire and ability to become knowledgeable in the natural history of Heritage Museum of OC.

* Creative ability and attention to detail.

Desired:

* Knowledge of California history.

Requirements:

High School diploma. College experience in a related field of study such as History, Communications, Education, Liberal Studies, etc. is desired. Theater Arts students with a personal interest in natural/cultural history are also welcome. Able to lead small group tours of preschool through senior aged visitors from a diversity of backgrounds. Patience, as well as the ability to speak in front of a group is necessary. Have an outgoing friendly manner. Must be able to maintain control of a group and react appropriately in emergency situations. On the job training is provided.

Expectations:

* Attendance: Report to work when scheduled, on time, and stay through the end of the tour, including post-tour/event work.

* Stay Informed: Know what is going on at the Museum and be able to tell visitors about upcoming events and activities. Check bulletin board and mailbox each shift.

* Public Relations: Be friendly, positive and pleasant. Museum Attendants are Heritage Museum’s Goodwill Ambassadors and should always present a positive attitude about the Museum and its programs. Visitors are very important to the Museum and are treated with respect, diplomacy and patience.

* Mutual Respect: Treat other employees and museum volunteers the way you would want to be treated.

Time Commitment: Must be available for a minimum of 15 hours per week at various times given the museum’s calendar of tours/events