Are you a cultural enthusiast with a knack for storytelling and a passion for bringing the arts and local history to life? The Ontario Museum of History and Art is seeking vibrant individuals dedicated to assisting in contributing to an atmosphere that sparks curiosity and engages the community in meaningful ways as a Museum Assistant. The Museum serves as a dynamic community resource, fostering education, cultural appreciation, and social connections that contribute to the overall enrichment and vitality of Ontario’s community. The Museum Assistant position performs a variety of activities and assists professional staff in various programs in one of three areas: Education, Collections or Exhibits. 

The Museum Assistant classification is used throughout the Department of Museum, Arts & Culture in a variety of assignments. This recruitment will result in an eligibility list for this classification to meet the current and future staffing needs of the Department. The current vacancy is for Education.

The Museum Assistant position is a paid, part-time position scheduled to work no more than 29 hours per week and is not eligible to participate in the City’s health insurance or retirement plans. 
The ideal candidate will have exceptional communication skills and a passion for working in museums. Depending on the area of assignment, they will have the ability to handle and care for museum artifacts with precision and reverence, to lead informative and entertaining museum tours, or to collaborate with the team to design and implement captivating museum exhibitions. The successful candidate will embody the Department’s mission and vision as well as the qualities of a “Five Tool Player” – Leader, Thinker, Communicator, Operator and Public Servant – and the values of the City’s Approach to Public Service- Commitment to the Community, Excellence through Teamwork, and Doing the Right Thing the right way.
The Community Life and Culture AgencyThe City of Ontario’s Community Life & Culture Agency endeavors to meet the Ontario City Council goal to “encourage, provide or support enhanced recreational, educational, cultural and healthy city programs, policies and activities.”  Community Life & Culture does this through a comprehensive array of programs, activities, services and events available through the Recreation & Community Services, Library, Museum, Arts & Culture, and Housing departments.

The City of Ontario’s Department of Museum, Arts & Culture enhances knowledge and appreciation of our Inland Empire community through dynamic, inspiring, and creative exhibits, collections stewardship, family-friendly educational programs, cultural events, and public art.  MAC reflects pride in our legacy, who we are, where we live, and who we aspire to be, as well as supports artists of all backgrounds who create experiences that are inclusive, innovative, and relevant. 

Examples of Essential Functions
 

The essential functions typically performed by the Museum Assistant include the following:

Assists with collection research, exhibition research and installation, administrative, and other tasks as required.
Sets up and arranges tables, chairs, and related equipment for educational and public programs.
Operates audio-video equipment. 
Participates in community outreach events and department events as needed. 
Supports museum special events and coverage of the museum front desk as needed. 

When assigned to Education, functions performed include: 

Leads exhibition tours for K-12 school audiences and the general public. 
Supports the development and coordination of museum public programs, tours and program reservations.
Provides other administrative support, including filing, preparing correspondences, maintaining calendars, and scheduling as needed. 
Collaborates with Curator of Education in the development of exhibit gallery guides, tour training, and visitor materials. 

Qualification Guidelines
 

Education: 

High school diploma or recognized equivalent plus completion of one year of college level coursework in U.S. or California History, Museum Studies, American Studies, Art History, or Anthropology.  Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for education.

Experience:

One year of related work experience or volunteer work in a museum, gallery, arts, or education environment.

Licenses:

A valid Class C California driver’s license. Acceptable driving record at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

Special Requirement:

Ability to climb ladders and stairs and safely use hand and power tools.
Ability to carry up to fifty pounds.
Ability to work nights and weekends as required.