Museum Assistant/Visitor Services - Quick Hire!

Ghost Ranch is a historic and mission-driven retreat and education center located on 21,000 acres of stunning northern New Mexico land. Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and cultural significance, Ghost Ranch serves as a place for inspiration, learning, and restoration, attracting day visitors and overnight guests from across the region, the United States, and globally. With a deep commitment to stewardship of the land, its local communities, and the nurturing of human spirit and mind, Ghost Ranch offers a unique environment where education and preservation intertwine. The institution is dedicated to providing an enriching experience to all visitors by fostering appreciation for natural history and cultural heritage through its various facilities, including its museums. The role of the Museum Assistant at Ghost Ranch is an integral position supporting both visitor engagement and museum operations. This part-time, year-round position, requiring approximately 15-20 hours per week, involves direct interaction with visitors from diverse backgrounds, allowing candidates to serve as welcoming representatives of the museum. This dynamic role includes responsibilities such as greeting visitors, answering inquiries, and rotating shifts at the front desk. The Museum Assistant also supports the museum store, assisting visitors with purchases and helping with store operations. Beyond visitor services, the position is deeply involved in daily gallery operations, which include opening and closing procedures of the Ruth Hall Museum of Paleontology and the Florence Hawley Ellis Museum of Anthropology, as well as maintaining cleanliness and upkeep of the museum spaces. This role is collaborative, working alongside other staff and volunteers to maintain accurate visitation records related to museum tours and events. An important aspect of the job includes assisting the Museum Educator with tours and managing large groups, as well as gaining the skills to lead museum tours and activities independently, both indoors and outdoors, when necessary. The Museum Assistant is also expected to participate in special events such as exhibition openings, fundraisers, and community outreach events like Dino Fest and the Community Educators Network for Teacher’s Night Out. The position offers valuable opportunities for professional growth in museum studies or related fields and is enhanced by Ghost Ranch’s supportive environment. Compensation for this part-time position includes paid sick leave, complimentary lunch in the dining hall, and discounts on various Ghost Ranch offerings. Candidates should be comfortable with public speaking and demonstrating strong interpersonal skills, and it helps if they have a background in anthropology, archaeology, paleontology, geology, or museum studies. The position requires physical presence at Ghost Ranch's museums, offering an immersive experience within a vibrant cultural and natural setting. This opportunity is perfect for individuals passionate about education, museum work, and community engagement who seek to contribute meaningfully to a mission-driven organization dedicated to cultural stewardship and education.

• Comfortable with public engagement and speaking with visitors
• able to assist with daily maintenance and museum operations
• good communication skills
• able to engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds
• willing to work varied schedules including weekends and special events
• able to work on-site at Ghost Ranch museums