Opportunities
Employment
MUSEUM ASSISTANT
Part-time, Non-exempt position
Approximately 6-16 hours per week (Must be available weekends)
Starting pay: $11.50/hour
Job Overview
The Demuth Foundation oversees the operations of both the Demuth Museum and the Lancaster Museum of Art in downtown Lancaster, PA. The Demuth Museum preserves and promotes the legacy of modernist painter Charles Demuth, while the Lancaster Museum of Art focuses on regional artists. Both museums offer unique exhibitions and engaging programs for both local and out-of-town visitors, and together see over 10,000 guests annually. Museum Assistants interact with museum visitors, providing information about exhibitions, events, and facilities while monitoring the safety of artwork. This position is responsible for opening and closing the museum, maintaining proper conditions for artwork on display, and informing museum guests about current and upcoming exhibitions and events.
Responsibilities and Duties
Follow opening and closing procedures for the museums.
Properly unarm/arm the buildings’ security systems
Unlock/lock doors
Turn on/off lights
Record temperature and humidity readings
Place sidewalk sandwich board signs out/in
Walk galleries to ensure artwork, labels, and text panels are safely secured and in good condition, and works are properly lit
Greet visitors and provide an introduction to the museum and current exhibition.
Track the number of visitors and collect visitor data (i.e.- where they are from, how they heard about the museums, etc.).
Administer visitor survey when assigned.
Accurately record and process gift shop sales using point-of-sale system. Process artwork sales as appropriate.
Respond to visitor questions about the museums, exhibitions, programs/events, buildings’ and museums’ histories, other Lancaster attractions (i.e.- where to eat and what to do), etc.
Encourage visitors to become members and/or donate to the museum.
Monitor security cameras.
Enforce museum rules (i.e.- do not touch artwork).
Answer phones and transfer calls or take detailed messages.
Accept deliveries and mail.
Monitor facilities and notify staff of any maintenance concerns.
Keep the museums’ public spaces clean by cleaning up any spills or messes, and emptying trash as necessary.
Support other staff through special projects, like assisting with research projects, mailings, filing, etc.
Staff special events like exhibition opening receptions and Art Auction.
Other tasks as assigned.
Qualifications
Ideal education, training, and characteristics for the Museum Assistant position include:
High school diploma or equivalent
Minimum of one year of previous customer service and cash handling experience
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Observant and friendly
Ability to work independently
Interest in art and museums
Must be able to pass background check and child abuse clearances.
Please send resume and cover letter to information@demuth.org.
Teen Council
We are excited for our third year of the Demuth Teen Art Council, a special program for local high school students! Within this council, our goal is to start the conversation on how to include teens into the art community in Lancaster. With teen guidance, we will be working to create programs, opportunities, events, clubs, and any other element teens see that they and their peers are missing in the art community. This year we will be experiencing more field trips, a panel of different art careers open to all teens, a teen organized exhibition, and more art related service projects. Fill out an application for the chance to be a part of the conversation!
This program runs from October 2 - June 18 during 1st and 3rd Wednesdays from 4-5. Meetings are held at the Demuth Program Center, 116 E. King Street, Lancaster, PA 17602. This program is entirely free to be a part of. Applications are due September 27th by 11:59 pm.
Internships
Demuth Foundation Interns are a vital component to the Demuth Museum and Lancaster Museum of Art operations. We engage students who are currently enrolled as either undergraduate or graduate-level college students, or have recently graduated. Our internships offer participants unparalleled experience as staff of a small art museum, over the course of 1-2 semesters.
All internship opportunities are currently filled.