Smithsonian Institution
Visitor Experience Representative
Smithsonian Institution, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
Visitor Experience Representative
Department: Office of Visitor Services
Duty Location: Washington, DC
Position Type: Trust Fund
Appointment Type: Intermittent/Temporary – NTE 6 months
Schedule: Part-Time
Compensation: $22.11 / hour
Application Deadline: 16 January 2026
OVERVIEW The Visitor Experience Representative supports the day‑to‑day visitor experience operations at the Smithsonian Institution (SI). The primary responsibility of this position is to deliver an exceptional visitor experience by providing outstanding customer service. The incumbent warmly greets and welcomes guests, offers accurate and helpful information, and assists with wayfinding and engagement opportunities to foster meaningful and enjoyable interactions. Additionally he or she supports the Smithsonian’s mission by encouraging visitor participation in philanthropic initiatives.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Greet and assist visitors, providing orientation and information about museum and gallery exhibits, programs, and amenities.
Welcome visitors at primary entrances and outdoor areas, explaining entry procedures and sharing safety and security information.
Provide information to visitors on museum rules, regulations, and safety protocols to promote a secure experience.
Monitor visitor flow to uphold safety and accessibility standards, working collaboratively with team members to ensure the smooth and secure movement of guests throughout museum spaces.
Support guided tours, educational programs, and special events by providing information on Smithsonian history and architecture. Refer complex visitor inquiries to appropriate staff and maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of exhibitions, programs, and events.
Perform walk‑throughs of exterior museum grounds and galleries to monitor visitor activity, assess environmental conditions, and identify safety or maintenance concerns; report observed issues to appropriate staff for resolution.
Manage the daily setup, operation, and maintenance of outdoor mobile carts, ensuring timely transport to and from their designated museum locations.
Assist with the collection of surveys visitor feedback, to support service improvements and outreach efforts.
Provide accurate and up‑to‑date information to visitors regarding museum floor plans, exhibitions, highlights tours, public programs, safety protocols, and amenities such as restrooms and nursing stations.
Support onsite volunteers by providing guidance on exhibitions, visitor experiences, and available resources such as interactives and brochures.
Support the operation and upkeep of digital interactives, signage, and other visitor‑facing technologies; monitor functionality, promptly identify technical issues, and report maintenance needs.
Utilize general office software applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, and databases, to support administrative functions and manage visitor‑related data.
Monitor inventory levels of visitor services area supplies and materials; notify the supervisor about the inventory levels to ensure uninterrupted operations.
Consistently adhere to assigned work schedules while exhibiting adaptability and responsiveness to shifting operational priorities.
Support the Smithsonian’s philanthropic initiatives and the impact of membership contributions on institutional programs and public engagement.
Assist guests with the purchase of new memberships and the renewal of existing accounts, providing clear information on benefits and fostering long‑term engagement.
Promote visitor participation in philanthropic efforts by encouraging donations and support through touchless giving stations and digital payment platforms.
Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS Education and Experience:
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or a combination of education and experience that meets the requirements (usually 4 years of education or equivalent work experience). If not using a degree, at least 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the SI/GS‑4 level is required; this experience should relate directly to the work you’ll be doing.
Required Experience and Knowledge:
Knowledge of established customer service principles and procedures to assess and enhance the quality of visitor experiences, including museum and gallery specific offerings.
Familiarity with basic office software (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, databases).
Practical knowledge of guest service operations, accessibility programming, visitor traffic flow, and exhibit‑based engagement strategies.
Familiarity with basic inventory systems and distribution procedures.
Basic knowledge of data collection methods to support visitor surveys.
Basic knowledge of museum exhibit planning and coordination practices.
Ability to interpret and apply established policies and procedures related to customer service, public engagement, and interpersonal interaction.
Skill in oral and written communication techniques to provide timely, courteous, and informative responses across multiple channels.
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. Documentation is the responsibility of the applicant.
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Pass Pre‑employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
Complete a Probationary Period.
Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
OTHER FACTS This position may require working a non‑standard time of duty, weekends and holidays.
EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
Seniority Level: Entry level
Employment Type: Contract
Job Function: Other
Industries: Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos
EEO & ACCOMMODATION The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact
[OCEA-ADMIN@SI.EDU] . Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case‑by‑case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures (https://www.si.edu/OEO/IndividualswithDisabilities).
The Smithsonian Institution is an
Equal Opportunity Employer . To review The Smithsonian’s EEO program information, please click the following: https://www.si.edu/oeo
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Duty Location: Washington, DC
Position Type: Trust Fund
Appointment Type: Intermittent/Temporary – NTE 6 months
Schedule: Part-Time
Compensation: $22.11 / hour
Application Deadline: 16 January 2026
OVERVIEW The Visitor Experience Representative supports the day‑to‑day visitor experience operations at the Smithsonian Institution (SI). The primary responsibility of this position is to deliver an exceptional visitor experience by providing outstanding customer service. The incumbent warmly greets and welcomes guests, offers accurate and helpful information, and assists with wayfinding and engagement opportunities to foster meaningful and enjoyable interactions. Additionally he or she supports the Smithsonian’s mission by encouraging visitor participation in philanthropic initiatives.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Greet and assist visitors, providing orientation and information about museum and gallery exhibits, programs, and amenities.
Welcome visitors at primary entrances and outdoor areas, explaining entry procedures and sharing safety and security information.
Provide information to visitors on museum rules, regulations, and safety protocols to promote a secure experience.
Monitor visitor flow to uphold safety and accessibility standards, working collaboratively with team members to ensure the smooth and secure movement of guests throughout museum spaces.
Support guided tours, educational programs, and special events by providing information on Smithsonian history and architecture. Refer complex visitor inquiries to appropriate staff and maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of exhibitions, programs, and events.
Perform walk‑throughs of exterior museum grounds and galleries to monitor visitor activity, assess environmental conditions, and identify safety or maintenance concerns; report observed issues to appropriate staff for resolution.
Manage the daily setup, operation, and maintenance of outdoor mobile carts, ensuring timely transport to and from their designated museum locations.
Assist with the collection of surveys visitor feedback, to support service improvements and outreach efforts.
Provide accurate and up‑to‑date information to visitors regarding museum floor plans, exhibitions, highlights tours, public programs, safety protocols, and amenities such as restrooms and nursing stations.
Support onsite volunteers by providing guidance on exhibitions, visitor experiences, and available resources such as interactives and brochures.
Support the operation and upkeep of digital interactives, signage, and other visitor‑facing technologies; monitor functionality, promptly identify technical issues, and report maintenance needs.
Utilize general office software applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, and databases, to support administrative functions and manage visitor‑related data.
Monitor inventory levels of visitor services area supplies and materials; notify the supervisor about the inventory levels to ensure uninterrupted operations.
Consistently adhere to assigned work schedules while exhibiting adaptability and responsiveness to shifting operational priorities.
Support the Smithsonian’s philanthropic initiatives and the impact of membership contributions on institutional programs and public engagement.
Assist guests with the purchase of new memberships and the renewal of existing accounts, providing clear information on benefits and fostering long‑term engagement.
Promote visitor participation in philanthropic efforts by encouraging donations and support through touchless giving stations and digital payment platforms.
Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS Education and Experience:
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or a combination of education and experience that meets the requirements (usually 4 years of education or equivalent work experience). If not using a degree, at least 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the SI/GS‑4 level is required; this experience should relate directly to the work you’ll be doing.
Required Experience and Knowledge:
Knowledge of established customer service principles and procedures to assess and enhance the quality of visitor experiences, including museum and gallery specific offerings.
Familiarity with basic office software (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, databases).
Practical knowledge of guest service operations, accessibility programming, visitor traffic flow, and exhibit‑based engagement strategies.
Familiarity with basic inventory systems and distribution procedures.
Basic knowledge of data collection methods to support visitor surveys.
Basic knowledge of museum exhibit planning and coordination practices.
Ability to interpret and apply established policies and procedures related to customer service, public engagement, and interpersonal interaction.
Skill in oral and written communication techniques to provide timely, courteous, and informative responses across multiple channels.
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. Documentation is the responsibility of the applicant.
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Pass Pre‑employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
Complete a Probationary Period.
Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
OTHER FACTS This position may require working a non‑standard time of duty, weekends and holidays.
EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
Seniority Level: Entry level
Employment Type: Contract
Job Function: Other
Industries: Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos
EEO & ACCOMMODATION The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact
[OCEA-ADMIN@SI.EDU] . Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case‑by‑case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures (https://www.si.edu/OEO/IndividualswithDisabilities).
The Smithsonian Institution is an
Equal Opportunity Employer . To review The Smithsonian’s EEO program information, please click the following: https://www.si.edu/oeo
#J-18808-Ljbffr