Get Involved

SUPERVISED BY: Executive Director and/or Operations Manager

PURPOSE OF ROLE: Support museum activities by performing a variety of clerical and administrative tasks while ensuring positive and productive interactions between staff, visitors, and volunteers. In the absence of a Museum Ambassador, the Administrative Assistant also serves as a welcoming, inclusive, and professional representative of the organization, providing a hospitable environment and rewarding learning experience for visitors.

DUTIES MAY INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

1. Arrive at the museum at least 6 minutes before your assigned time.
2. Handle office tasks, such as filing, accepting Deed of Gift forms, generating reports, preparing donor acknowledgment letters, hand-writing thank you notes, setting up for meetings, and answering phones.
3. Greet guests upon their arrival and ensure that they register.
4. Promote membership opportunities.
5. Handle cash transactions in Museum Shop.
6. Conduct mini-tours of approximately ten minutes in length.
7. Keep informed regarding changes in museum exhibits and/or procedures.
8. Provide clerical assistance with museum projects.
9. Find a replacement volunteer if you cannot cover your original shift.
10. Assist in preserving collections by providing auxiliary security in exhibits.
11. Other related tasks as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

✔  Age 21 or older

✔  Basic computer skills

✔  High School graduate

✔  Personable, outgoing

✔  Reliable, responsible

✔  Comfortable speaking to small and large groups of people of all ages

Prior knowledge of Chenango County history is unnecessary; volunteers should have a working knowledge of American history and a strong desire to learn.

DESIRABLE ATTRIBUTES:

✔  Able to accept supervision and work independently

✔  Comfortable speaking before groups of people

✔  Enjoy meeting and interacting with other people

✔  Experienced in cash-handling techniques

✔  Neat penmanship

✔  Punctual and reliable

MANDATORY TRAINING/ORIENTATION PROVIDED:

Following at least one tour by a lead tour guide

Give a sample tour to other volunteers and/or staff

Review of safety procedures, insurance waiver, collections care, and anti-harassment policies

Volunteers receive additional training while assisting in the office. This “on-the-job training” enables volunteers to learn more about the day-to-day operations

Total time involved in mandatory training will be no more than three hours

TIME COMMITMENT:

Volunteers are asked to staff the museum in a minimum of three and a half-hour blocks. Office hours are 9 am through 4 pm, Wednesday through Saturday, from February through December.

ATTIRE:

Volunteers should wear clothing appropriate for working in an office setting; business-casual attire is recommended. Jewelry and piercings should be minimal and worn in moderation.

SUPERVISED BY: Executive Director and/or Volunteer Coordinator

PURPOSE OF ROLE: Serve as a welcoming, inclusive, and professional representative of the organization, providing a rewarding learning experience for museum visitors.

DUTIES MAY INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

1. Arrive at event outreach location at least 12 minutes before assigned time.
2. Greet people and encourage them to provide contact information.
3. Facilitate hands-on, interactive activities at our event booth/table.
4. Promote membership opportunities.
5. Keep informed regarding changes in museum exhibits and/or procedures.
6. Find a replacement volunteer if you cannot cover your original shift.
7. Other related tasks as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

✔  Age 18 or older

✔  Personable, outgoing

✔  Reliable, responsible

✔  Comfortable speaking to small and large groups of people of all ages

Extensive prior knowledge of Chenango County history is unnecessary; volunteers should have a working knowledge of American history and willingness to learn.

DESIRABLE ATTRIBUTES:

✔  Able to accept supervision and work independently

✔  Comfortable speaking before groups of people

✔  Enjoy meeting and interacting with other people

✔  Punctual and reliable

MANDATORY TRAINING/ORIENTATION PROVIDED:

Give a sample presentation to other volunteers and/or staff

Review of safety procedures, insurance waiver, and anti-harassment policies

Volunteers receive additional training “on-the-job,” enabling them to more effectively engage with the public

Total time involved in mandatory training is no more than three hours

TIME COMMITMENT:

Ambassadors have flexibility to create their own schedule around the needs of the community program being staffed.

ATTIRE:

Volunteers should wear clothing appropriate for general outreach while serving as a positive representative of the organization. Comfortable shoes and business-casual attire is recommended. Jewelry and piercings should be minimal and worn in moderation.

SUPERVISED BY: B&G Committee Chair

PURPOSE OF ROLE: To ensure that the CCHS campus and facilities are well-maintained for public use.

DUTIES MAY INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

1. Arrive at the museum at least 6 minutes before your assigned time.
2. Keep informed regarding changes in museum procedures.
3. General tasks:

•       Assist with construction tasks related to preventative and overall facility maintenance
•       Be responsible for proper use of materials, tools, and supplies used in assigned tasks
•       Follow all applicable safety guidelines to ensure volunteer safety
•       Participate in supervised assignments as required for successful completion of construction projects and management of resources

4. Other related tasks as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

✔  Age 18 or older

✔  Reliable, responsible

✔  Ability to walk, bend, carry, and move depending on tasks assigned

DESIRABLE ATTRIBUTES:

✔  Able to accept supervision and work independently

✔  Enjoy working with their hands

✔  General knowledge of using workshop equipment

✔  Punctual and reliable

✔  Some experience with hand tools and specialty tools

MANDATORY TRAINING/ORIENTATION PROVIDED:

General overview of safety procedures, insurance waiver, collections care, and anti-harassment policies

Assistants receive additional training while working around the campus; this “on-the-job training” enables them to learn more about day-to-day operations

Total time involved in mandatory training is no more than three hours

TIME COMMITMENT:

Construction Assistants are part of the ‘Wednesday Work Crew’ which meets every Wednesday from 8 am until noon from March through December.

ATTIRE:

Construction Assistants are to wear shirts with sleeves, long work pants, and sturdy, close-toed work shoes or boots. Sleeveless or tank top shirts, short pants, sweatpants, sneakers, sandals, and high-heeled or open-toed shoes are not permitted. Jewelry and piercings should be minimal and worn in moderation.

SUPERVISED BY: Operations Manager

PURPOSE OF ROLE: Assist with assembling, cataloging, registering, and managing museum collections.

DUTIES MAY INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

1. Arrive at the museum at least 6 minutes before your assigned time.
2. Keep informed regarding changes in museum exhibits and/or procedures.
3. Review information shared on Volunteer Message Board.
4. Maintain and update accurate records pertaining to the collection, using a variety of collections management systems.
5. Provide curatorial assistance with collections, including cataloging, photography, and artifact management.
6. Ensure safe storage of collection pieces.
7. Assist in setting up and/or assembling artifacts for exhibits.
8. Perform general housekeeping duties related to the collection, i.e. dusting.
9. Other related tasks as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

✔  Age 18 or older

✔  High School graduate

✔  Detail-oriented

✔  Flexible

✔  Reliable, responsible

Extensive prior knowledge of Chenango County history is unnecessary, but assistants should have a working knowledge of American history and a desire to learn.

DESIRABLE ATTRIBUTES:

✔  Able to accept supervision and work independently

✔  Comfortable taking digital photos and using a computerized database

✔  Neat penmanship

✔  Punctual and reliable

MANDATORY TRAINING/ORIENTATION PROVIDED:

General overview of safety procedures, insurance waiver, collections care, and anti-harassment policies.

Total time involved in mandatory training is no more than three hours

Assistants receive training while in the office on a per-project basis. This “on-the-job training” enables volunteers to learn more about day-to-day operations.

TIME COMMITMENT:

Volunteers have the flexibility to create their own schedule around the needs of the collection’s needs. Office hours are 9 am through 4 pm, Wednesday through Saturday, from February through December.

ATTIRE:

Volunteers should wear clothing appropriate for working in an office setting; business-casual attire and sturdy, close-toed shoes are recommended. Jewelry and piercings should be minimal and worn in moderation.

SUPERVISED BY: Executive Director and/or Education Committee Chair

PURPOSE OF ROLE: Serve as a welcoming, inclusive, and professional representative of the organization, providing a rewarding learning experience for students participating in School Field Trips at the museum. Engage students with fun, object-based activities that get them focused on themes through the exhibit spaces while inspiring them to learn more about local history.

DUTIES MAY INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

1. Prepare “lesson plans.”
2. Arrive at least 20 minutes before students arrive.
3. Facilitate accurate and interactive tours in various location of the facility.
4. Keep informed regarding changes in museum exhibits and/or procedures.
5. Find a replacement volunteer if you cannot cover your original shift.
6. Other related tasks as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

✔  Age 21 or older

✔  High School graduate

✔  Personable, outgoing

✔  Reliable, responsible

✔  Comfortable speaking to small and large groups of people of all ages

Extensive prior knowledge of Chenango County history is unnecessary; volunteers should have a working knowledge of American history and willingness to learn.

DESIRABLE ATTRIBUTES:

✔  Able to accept supervision and work independently

✔  Background in education

✔  Comfortable speaking before groups of people

✔  Enjoy meeting and interacting with other people

✔  Punctual and reliable

✔  Ideal opportunity for student teachers, retired educators, and those who enjoy working with children.

MANDATORY TRAINING/ORIENTATION PROVIDED:

Give a sample presentation to other volunteers and/or staff

Review of safety procedures, insurance waiver, and anti-harassment policies

Volunteers receive additional training “on-the-job,” enabling them to more effectively engage with the public

Total time involved in mandatory training is no more than three hours

TIME COMMITMENT:

Field Trip Experiences are scheduled throughout the public school year, depending upon each school district’s availability. Programs are coordinated by CCHS staff around volunteer availability, and periodic meetings are held to prepare for the school visits. Field Trip Experiences are typically held between 8 am and 1 pm on weekdays.

ATTIRE:

Volunteers should wear clothing appropriate for working with school-aged children. Comfortable shoes and business-casual attire is recommended. Jewelry and piercings should be minimal and worn in moderation.

SUPERVISED BY: Executive Director and/or Operations Manager

PURPOSE OF ROLE: Serve as a welcoming, inclusive, and professional representative of the organization, providing a hospitable environment and rewarding learning experience for visitors.

DUTIES MAY INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

1. Arrive at the museum at least 12 minutes before your assigned time.
2. Greet guests upon their arrival and ensure that they register.
3. Direct visitors to specific galleries or exhibition spaces as needed.
4. Provide information to patrons such as donation policy and appointment hours for collection materials as needed.
5. Promote membership opportunities.
6. Handle cash transactions in Museum Shop.
7. Conduct mini-tours of approximately ten minutes in length.
8. Adapt mini-tours based on feedback as appropriate.
9. Keep informed regarding changes in museum exhibits and/or procedures.
10. Provide clerical assistance with museum projects, including accepting Deed of         Gift forms and hand-writing donor thank you notes.
11. In the event that a staff member is unavailable, take hand-written messages.
12. Find a replacement volunteer if you cannot cover your original shift.
13. Assist in preserving collections by providing auxiliary security in exhibits.
14. Other related tasks as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

✔  Age 18 or older

✔  Basic computer skills and willingness to learn

✔  Personable, outgoing

✔  Reliable, responsible

✔  Comfortable speaking to small and large groups of people of all ages

Prior knowledge of Chenango County history is unnecessary; volunteers should have a working knowledge of American history and a strong desire to learn.

DESIRABLE ATTRIBUTES:

✔  Able to accept supervision and work independently

✔  Comfortable speaking before groups of people

✔  Enjoy meeting and interacting with other people

✔  Experienced in cash-handling techniques

✔  Neat penmanship

✔  Punctual and reliable

MANDATORY TRAINING/ORIENTATION PROVIDED:

Following at least one tour by a lead tour guide

Give a sample tour to other volunteers and/or staff

Review of safety procedures, insurance waiver, collections care, and anti-harassment policies

Ambassadors receive additional training while assisting in the office. This “on-the-job training” enables volunteers to learn about the day-to-day operations

Total time involved in mandatory training is no more than three hours

TIME COMMITMENT:

Volunteers are asked to staff the museum in a minimum of three and a half-hour blocks. Office hours are 9 am through 4 pm, Wednesday through Saturday, from February through December.

ATTIRE:

Volunteers should wear clothing appropriate for working in an office setting; business-casual attire is recommended. Jewelry and piercings should be minimal and worn in moderation.

SUPERVISED BY: Executive Director and/or Volunteer Coordinator

PURPOSE OF ROLE: Managing responsibilities of special events and serving as a welcoming, inclusive, and professional representative of the organization.

DUTIES MAY INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

1. Arrive at event outreach location at least 12 minutes before assigned time.
2. Greet people and encourage them to provide contact information.
3. Facilitate hands-on, interactive activities.
4. Promote membership opportunities.
5. Keep informed regarding changes in museum exhibits and/or procedures.
6. Find a replacement volunteer if you cannot cover your original shift.
7. Other related tasks as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

✔  Age 21 or older

✔  High School graduate

✔  Personable, outgoing

✔  Reliable, responsible

✔  Comfortable speaking to small and large groups of people of all ages

Extensive prior knowledge of Chenango County history is unnecessary; volunteers should have a working knowledge of American history and willingness to learn.

DESIRABLE ATTRIBUTES:

✔  Able to accept supervision and work independently

✔  Enjoy meeting and interacting with other people

✔  Punctual and reliable 

MANDATORY TRAINING/ORIENTATION PROVIDED:

Review of safety procedures, insurance waiver, and anti-harassment policies

Volunteers receive additional training “on-the-job,” enabling them to more effectively engage with the public

Total time involved in mandatory training is no longer than three hours

TIME COMMITMENT:

Special Events have a very specific start and end time. Volunteers should plan to be available for the duration.

ATTIRE:

Volunteers should wear clothing appropriate for working with the public and serving as a positive representative of the organization. Comfortable shoes and business-casual attire is recommended. Jewelry and piercings should be minimal and worn in moderation.