Visitor Engagement Intership

Position Purpose / Summary The Visitor Engagement Intern serves as a welcoming ambassador while gaining hands-on experience in museum hospitality, public history interpretation, and visitor-centered programming at the National Museum of the Great Lakes. This internship is designed to provide practical, resume-building experience in a dynamic museum environment that centers inclusivity, education, and community connection while serving as a steward of our mission to preserve, share, and celebrate the past, present, and future of the Great Lakes story. 

Learning Objectives Interns will: ● Develop professional skills in visitor services, hospitality, and public-facing communication. ● Gain experience interpreting history for diverse audiences. ● Learn day-to-day museum operations, including admissions, retail, and exhibit support. ● Understand best practices in accessibility, inclusivity, and guest-centered experiences. ● Explore career pathways in museums, public history, and cultural institutions. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Visitor Engagement & Guest Services ● Serves as the first point of contact for all guests, providing hospitality and problem-solving for visitors with empathy and professionalism. ● Connect visitors with the best version of their museum experience by offering clear directions, helpful information, and personalized assistance. ● Promote museum memberships and programs in a friendly, approachable way. ● Listen attentively to visitor questions and concerns, generating empathetic solutions to ensure their visit remains positive and enjoyable. ● Support accessibility and inclusivity by creating a welcoming environment for all. 

Admissions & Retail Operations ● Operate the point-of-sale system to process admissions, memberships, donations, and retail sales accurately. ● Ensure that the front-of-house and store spaces are welcoming, clean, and inviting, so visitors feel comfortable exploring and making purchases. ● Assist with online orders, including packing and shipping as needed. ● Follow opening and closing procedures for registers and sales areas. 

Exhibits & Museum Environment ● Spark curiosity by engaging visitors in the galleries, helping them explore exhibits and interactives in safe and enjoyable ways. ● Perform regular cleaning of exhibits and public areas to maintain professional appearance and functionality. ● Report exhibit or technology issues promptly to the Lead and Coordinator. ● Follow opening and closing procedures for museum exhibits. ● Maintain working knowledge of museum exhibitions, both current and upcoming. 

Vessels & Outdoor Spaces ● Welcome visitors aboard our historic vessels, connect them with ship spaces, and share stories that bring Great Lakes history to life. ● Ensure ship safety by monitoring visitor activity and assisting as needed. ● Help maintain the cleanliness of our two vessels and outdoor visitor areas. ● Learn interpretive techniques related to maritime and Great Lakes history ● Follow opening and closing procedures for museum vessels. 

Team & General Support ● Participate in regular pre-meetings and read updates to stay informed about museum programs and events. ● Support special events, rentals, and programs as assigned. ● Assist with general museum tasks such as mailings, cleaning, and organizing. ● Follow safety procedures, including first aid support and incident reporting. 

Education and Experiences: ● Must be at least 18 years of age. ● High School Diploma or equivalent required; current enrollment or recent graduation from a program related to hospitality, public history, education, or related field preferred. ● Employment is contingent on passing a background check. ● Previous experience in customer service, hospitality, retail, history, museum, or visitor-facing roles preferred. 

Additional Qualifications: ● Position may involve standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 lbs, climbing multiple ladders/ramps/stairs, and working outdoors, even in inclement weather. ● Interest in museums, history, ecology, hospitality, or cultural organizations. ● High energy with a passion for creating welcoming and positive experiences. ● Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment. ● Comfortable handling sales transactions and learning new technology systems. ● Embodies our core values of Education, Partnership, Sustainability, Inclusivity, and Leadership. 

Hours & Availability: ● Hours are typically 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM, with potential for extension depending on events.  ● Weekend, Morning, Evening, or Holiday availability may be required. Holidays on which the museum is open, as needed:  ○ Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, & Labor Day ● Typically 30 hours a week, depending on needs.  To apply, submit all requested materials via email to hiring@nmgl.org.  Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Final deadline for all applications is Friday, April 10th.