Historic Sites Docent/Museum Shop bei Howard County Government, MD

About the Department

BRIEF DESCRIPTION:

The Historic Sites Docent will work at five historic sites in Ellicott City. They will oversee operation of tours, special events, site set-up and clean-up as required. Docents will interact with the public to provide a successful visitor experience.

This position assumes cashier duties in the Ellicott City Station Museum Gift Store and provides customer service and support for museum operations.

This position provides support for the management staff of the Ellicott City Station Museum with general museum operations and other duties as assigned.

• Serve as B&O Ellicott City Station Museum Store cashier, handling sales transactions, assisting with product placement, and restocking gift store inventory.
• Perform daily Ellicott City Station Museum Store operations, including Activenet POS system use and related administrative tasks.
• Performs opening and closing duties as assigned. 
• Provide B&O Ellicott City Station Museum front desk support by greeting visitors, answering questions, and ensuring a positive visitor experience.
• Maintain the cleanliness and appearance of historic sites and assist with basic housekeeping duties as needed.
• Lead and conduct historically accurate tours at multiple Howard County historic sites, including the B&O Ellicott City Station Museum, Ellicott City Colored School, Restored; Firehouse Museum; Log Cabin; and Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park.
• Develop and demonstrate a thorough understanding of Ellicott City and Howard County history, presenting an inclusive and educational interpretation to the public.
• Welcome and engage visitors across sites, answering questions and providing interpretive information as needed.
• Conduct routine site inspections, ensure facilities are returned to proper condition after use, and assist with ground security and monitoring.
• Work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Perform other duties as assigned, which may include assisting other departments or supporting special projects.

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Experience:

• Prior museum or historic site experience preferred.

Skills:

• Strong customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in retail, cash handling required.
• Ability to effectively resolve visitor questions, complaints, and concerns.
• Proficiency with standard office software, including email, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Work Requirements:

• Must be available to work weekends and occasional evening events.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Ability to perform moderate physical activity, including lifting up to 40 pounds.
• Dependable, adaptable, and comfortable working with the general public

• Contingent – Paraprofessional - 10-30 hours per week
• $16.00/hour starting rate