Job Title: Guest Services Associate
Reports to: Director of Visitor Experience and Guest Services Manager
Location: Arlington Museum of Art
Status: Part-Time | Hourly | Weekends Required
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Job Summary
Guest Services Associates are the welcoming face of the Arlington Museum of Art. This role combines front desk and gift shop operations with gallery monitoring to ensure a safe, engaging, and memorable experience for every visitor. Associates greet and assist guests, process ticket and retail transactions, promote memberships, scan tickets for entry, and help maintain the security and presentation of our exhibitions.
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Key Responsibilities
Front Desk & Ticketing
* Greet visitors warmly and provide information about exhibitions, events, and other inquiries.
* Process admission sales, membership sign-ups, and ticket reservations using the museum’s POS/ticketing system.
* Scan and validate tickets for exhibition entry, including timed entry when applicable.
Retail & Gift Shop
* Operate cash register and process sales for museum store merchandise.
* Assist with stocking, organizing, and maintaining gift shop displays.
* Monitor inventory levels and communicate restocking needs.
* Promote special products related to current exhibitions.
Gallery Monitoring
* Circulate through assigned gallery spaces to ensure the safety of artwork and visitors.
* Provide friendly assistance and information to guests within galleries.
* Enforce museum guidelines such as no-touch policies, food/drink restrictions, and photography rules.
* Alert security or operations staff to any issues or emergencies.
General Operations
* Assist with opening and closing procedures for the museum.
* Keep lobby, galleries, and retail spaces tidy and welcoming.
* Participate in occasional special events or programs requiring additional staffing.
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Qualifications
* Prior customer service or retail experience preferred; museum or cultural institution experience a plus.
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a welcoming demeanor.
* Ability to learn and operate POS/ticketing systems.
* Dependable, punctual, and able to work both independently and as part of a team.
* Must be able to stand for extended periods and navigate between gallery and retail areas during shifts.
* Availability to work weekends, holidays, and some evenings.
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Physical Requirements
* Stand and walk for prolonged periods.
* Lift up to 25 lbs occasionally (merchandise, supplies).
* Move safely through public and behind-the-scenes museum spaces.
