Museum Guide

Job Overview

The Museum Guide is a position that initiates and curates a unique experience for all guests touring Glensheen. This position guides guests through the mansion by providing historical
insight and information about the estate. It utilizes historic interpretive strategies to convey stories and ideas to a diverse audience through guided tours and programs. Museum Guides exhibit courteous, helpful, and friendly service to each visitor of Glensheen. Employees will gain applicable experience in customer service, communication, history, teamwork, events, and museum operations. Glensheen is open during most major holidays and University breaks; working some holidays and breaks is expected.

Job Duties

• Greet Glensheen guests throughout the estate.
• Deliver pertinent information touring information to guests.
• Maintain and direct the flow of tour traffic on every floor of the mansion.
• Deliver interpretive programs for guests, including guided tours.
• Answer questions and provide general Glensheen information that is commonly requested by visitors.
• Assist the Opener/Closer with the opening and closing of the facility.
• Monitor activity in museum spaces, service areas, and grounds during guest hours by completing rounds and documenting findings.
• Follow established protocols for safety, trespass prevention, and crisis management.
• Provide basic first aid to staff and guests and complete the first report of injury documentation.
• Inspect historic buildings for possible irregularities.
• Support the protection of the collection by following museum protocol
• Additional duties as assigned.

Job Expectations

• Project a positive image and energy.
• Demonstrate safe behaviors to others and take action to always put safety first.
• Demonstrate courteous and respectful behavior to all guests, coworkers, volunteers and members of the Glensheen Staff.
• Maintain a high level of customer service by ensuring that guests are assisted with any needs that may arise and respond appropriately.
• Have a strong appreciation and respect for the Glensheen historic museum property and collection.
• Be willing to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Work some holidays and University breaks.
• Attend scheduled Glensheen training sessions.
• Demonstrate punctuality and maintain a professional appearance for assigned shifts.

• High School Diploma/GED and one year museum/tourism experience. Training/education may substitute for some of the experience.
• Ability to interact in a public setting in a respectful and professional manner.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English.
• Ability to safely lift 40 pounds with or without accommodations.
• Ability to work varied night, weekend, and holiday hours.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the assignment.

Glensheen is the most visited house museum in Minnesota. In addition to the 39-room mansion, the estate includes a carriage house, gardener's cottage, boathouse, and 12 acres on the shores of Lake Superior. Glensheen is considered one of the most complete house museum collections in the country. Tours are offered year-round. Glensheen's event space is available for weddings, corporate gatherings, etc. Signature events are also offered throughout the year.

Pay Range: $22.39 - $22.50 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.