Introduction
The Wisconsin Historical Society , considered one of the nation's finest historical institutions, is a State of Wisconsin government agency as well as a mission-driven entrepreneurial organization. The Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS), founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving, and sharing stories. At its core, WHS believes that increasing the public's knowledge of history has profound societal, cultural, and economic benefit. Its library, archives and collections, historic sites and museums, historic preservation office, and extensive educational programs and community outreach are focused on our vision to enrich and transform lives through unparalleled access to history. Click here for more information about WHS' mission, vision, and core values.
Position Summary
This position has direct responsibility for welcoming guests to Old World Wisconsin, facilitating ticket sales, conveying the daily Old World Wisconsin experience, selling museum memberships, merchandise management, and assisting with museum store retail operations under the direction of the Guest Services Manager. This position will serve as the lead for guest services, primarily leading retail, and cash handling.
This position provides welcoming, high quality customer service in alignment with the Mission of the Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS) and the Vision of Old World Wisconsin. This employee must work well in a fast-paced environment, have experience with point of sales systems, and have a passion for creative, guest-focused service.
Duties:
- Provide clear information relating to the museum experience (including site logistics and suggestions for what to see and do)
- Become well-versed in museum mission and philosophy, and expert in museum offerings
- Become familiar with retail merchandise, including seasonal offerings
- Think on your feet to ensure positive and useful guest interactions that make the start and end of every OWW visit the best it can be
- Direct guests, in person or via phone, to the appropriate person/party as needed
- Maintain personal appearance according to museum standards and wear museum approved uniforms
- Support OWW Group Tour Scheduling
- Provide information group tour leaders via phone, email and mailed information, in collaboration with the Guest Services Manager.
- Support creation and maintain program records and orders in ACME and/or Shopify
- Understand and perform all point-of-sale responsibilities
Schedule:
This is a year-round position working approximately 40 hours per week during the summer and 15-20 hours per week during the off-season.
Salary Information
Pay is $18.00 per hour with a weekend differential of 80 cents per hour. This classification is in schedule and class 18-00.
Please note this is a Limited Term Employment position so it does not include paid time off or benefits upon hire.
Job Details
A criminal background check will be conducted by WHS prior to an offer of employment to determine if the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job.
This is a Limited Term Employment (LTE) position and limited to 1,039 hours. This position will be part time and average 20 hours per week.
Wisconsin residency is required for Limited Term Employment positions.
Limited Term Employment (LTE) positions are not civil service classified positions, do not give any rights to permanent civil service classified positions and do not lead to permanent status.
WHS does not sponsor work visas. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant being able to prove valid status to work in the United States.
Remote work may be considered during the off-season.
Qualifications
- Excellent communication skills, with groups and one-on-one
- Ability to work with diverse audiences and team members to realize exceptional service
- High level of organization and attentive to schedules and deadlines
- Ability to record and manage information using computer technology
- Ability to function and cooperate in a team environment
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Ability to problem solve and handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
- Maintains a hardworking, positive attitude
- Ability to stand for long periods of time
- Ability to work in a semi-outdoor setting and varying weather conditions
- Occasionally walking, crouching, and standing
How To Apply
Apply online! To apply, click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. Then, you will access your existing account or to create a new account if you don't have an account. Once you are logged in, click "Apply for Job." Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.
Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. For instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications for your application and what should be included in these materials, click here .
Submitted materials will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the hiring process.
We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce.
Questions can be directed to dawn.garcia@wisconsinhistory.org or (608) 264-6670
Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance.
Deadline to Apply
Applications are due at 11:59PM on August 16, 2026.