JOB POSTING IS EXPIRED
Mathias Ham Historic Site Tour Guide - Part Time

Job Overview

The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is an outgrowth of the Dubuque County Historical Society, which also operates the Mathias Ham Historic Site, is home to the National Rivers Hall of Fame, and supports a national outreach program called RiverWorks Discovery. Its mission is to inspire stewardship by creating educational experiences where history and rivers come alive.

The Mathias Ham Historic Site Tour Guide is responsible for leading guided tours of the historic site campus in Dubuque, Iowa to diverse groups of guests. Included in the tours are Mathias Ham’s historic home, the Louis Arriandeaux Log House (Iowa’s oldest building), the Humke single-room schoolhouse, and a replica lead mine. MHHS Tour Guides are offered flexible scheduling and are most commonly needed during summer months, though special events are scheduled in advance year-round. Educational offerings include, but are not limited to, daily tours, Pioneer Days, private tours, and general interpretation for museum visitors.

The Dubuque County Historical Society and its properties, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and Mathias Ham Historic Site, are committed to embracing diversity, practicing equity, and ensuring accessibility and inclusion. We continually strive to achieve a welcoming environment in all our spaces, where our staff and community feel reflected and valued for their unique perspectives and backgrounds. DEAI values guide and impact all the decisions the museum makes, both internal and external.

Primary duties

• While wearing period clothing, lead groups on guided tours of the MHHS campus
• Interpret important topics that are tailored to the audience and that support the organization’s mission, managing a pre-determined timeline
• Lead activities during special events
• Assist in managing the museum’s entrance, ticketing, and gift shop

Additional duties

• Follow all protocols, procedures, and uphold the Education Department Code of Conduct
• Remain comfortable, competent, and invested in history and related topics to ensure redundancy and cross-training are in place
• Attend mandatory, prescheduled training sessions
• Maintain written records in accordance with established practice and policy
• Keep all education areas clean, organized and hazard free, report maintenance needs, and perform minor maintenance tasks
• Engage in continued learning about machinery and artifacts in our institutional collection

Qualifications

• Prior exposure to informal learning processes, preferably in a museum or other cultural setting is preferred
• Prior knowledge of local Dubuque history is preferred
• Prior experience working with children is preferred
• A personal email account and phone number are required for information exchange
• Must be comfortable indoors and outdoors in any weather
• Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language
• Must be capable of holding certification in First Aid and CPR
• Must be able to perform any physical demands of job duties, either with or without reasonable accommodation
• Final candidates will be subject to a reference and background check

How to apply

To learn more, visit https://www.rivermuseum.org/join-our-team.  Apply by emailing your resume, cover letter, and references to apply@rivermuseum.org or by delivering them in person to 350 E. 3rd St., Dubuque, IA 52001.

Research suggests that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that any applicant is able to meet all of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if you are drawn to this position and feel your strengths would be an asset to the organization, we highly encourage you to apply.