Volunteer Interpreter Job Description

Position Description: Docents are educational ambassadors for the Fort Collins Museum who provide fun, interpretive, and hands-on learning experiences for visitors of all ages. A docent facilitates discovery and connection to the Museum's exhibits and collections, sparking emotion and curiosity within the visitor.

Reports to: K-12 Education Coordinator

Essential Responsibilities:

• Assists with school programs by facilitating hands-on learning activities to children between the ages of preschool and sixth grade.
• Works with the museum staff to set-up and breakdown equipment and activities.
• Assists the staff with improving and developing educational programming, by offering suggestions, new information, and feedback via written and verbal communication.
• Communicates the educational themes and goals of the exhibits to the public through conversations and thematic programs such as Discovery Touch Carts and School Tours.
• Serves as a liaison between staff and visitors, notifying appropriate personnel about problems, safety issues, and successes in the exhibits and programs.

Expectations:

• Arrive on time, at least 15 minutes before the program begins.
• Willing to learn new information, on an on-going basis, through hands-on experience.
• Comfortable with public speaking.
• Able to work with a team; is flexible, sociable, and respectful.
• Capable of providing excellent customer service.
• Willingness to receive periodic evaluations and feedback from museum staff and/or lead volunteers.

Selection:

• Docents will be selected based upon their application, interview with education staff, availability, and a reference check.

Training:

• Attends general volunteer orientation and additional volunteer interpreter trainings.

Commitment:

• 2 hours per week.
• One year minimum commitment.
• All docents must notify the education staff, in advance, if they cannot make it to their scheduled shift. Two notified and excusable absences are allowed within one year.