Join The Team

Hammond Castle Museum is hiring!

Since it was first established in 1930, the Hammond Castle Museum has served as one of the North Shore’s most extraordinary educational institutions. Designed to show off architectural features of the medieval and Renaissance eras, and housing a vast collection of artifacts dating back thousands of years, the Museum was also the laboratory and private residence of a remarkable man who, among numerous other exploits, was one of the most prolific inventors in American History: John Hays Hammond Jr.
 
The Museum is a private non-profit organization operating seasonally from April through December and is always looking for talented and enthusiastic individuals who are excited to help continue the institution’s educational mission by joining our team. Hammond Castle Museum hires Tours Guides and Museum Shop Staff on a rolling basis throughout the operating season, see below for more information and instructions on how to apply.

CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES

TOUR STAFF

Job Summary:
Members of Tours Staff are responsible for leading daily scheduled Guided Tours of the Hammond Castle Museum and serve as the ‘front line’ of the Museum’s effort to educate and engage visitors from across the world about this remarkable historic site. Duties include memorizing and reciting provided tour scripts, positively interacting with Museum Visitors, answering a wide array of questions accurately, staffing special events, and assisting other departments as needed.

This is a seasonal position that can offer a flexible schedule to those seeking part-time employment, with opportunities for increased hours during the peak Museum season (July- September). Those with a background or interest in history, theater, literature, art, science, technology, and engineering are strongly encouraged to apply!

Responsibilities and Duties:

  • Maintain a regular schedule of daily Guided Tours, working with other members of staff in order to manage foot traffic and ensure a satisfying visitor experience.
  • Memorize detailed information regarding the history of the Museum and the collection, and be able to effectively communicate that information to visitors in an informative and engaging manner.
  • Enthusiastically direct visitors to various locations in the Museum and address visitor questions accurately.
  • Be present on the Museum floor between tours to ensure that safety and security procedures are being followed, and engage visitors who are not taking Guided Tours about key elements of the Museum collection.
  • Assist with staffing daily and evening special events when needed.
  • Personally follow all museum policies and procedures.

Qualifications and Skills:

  • Presentation: The ability to speak loudly and clearly in front of large groups and command an audience’s attention. The ability to improvise and adapt to a fast-paced working environment to ensure an engaging and informative visitor experience.
  • Communication & Teamwork: The ability to work with other members of staff and supervisors to resolve any workplace issues or challenges efficiently and professionally.
  • Visitor Service: The ability to enthusiastically and cheerfully engage and direct visitors on a variety of topics. The ability to enforce Museum policies in a firm, but friendly and accommodating manner. An appreciation for the importance of providing a high-quality and memorable experience for every visitor, regardless of background.
  • Attention to Detail: The ability to memorize information accurately, and to present that information without unnecessary embellishment. An appreciation for the importance of nuanced and precise historical discussion.
  • Reliability: The ability to commute to Gloucester, MA, to maintain a regular monthly schedule and to consistently deliver a quality experience to visitors that reflects positively on the professionalism and standards of the Hammond Castle Museum.
  • Experience in museum or historical interpretation is preferred but not required.
  • Fluency in additional languages, including Spanish, French, and/or Mandarin, is preferred but not required.

READY TO APPLY?

Please send a resume and references to Caleb McMurphy, Director of Education and Visitor Experiences at [email protected]. No calls or drop-ins, please.