Visitor Services & Interpretation Assistant (Cooper Molera)

JOB SUMMARY

This part-time position supports Visitor Services Interpretation and Education Programming under the supervision of the Executive Director. The role focuses on providing a welcoming mission-aligned experience to all visitors supporting front-of-house operations and contributing to site interpretation and public engagement initiatives.

This position is ideal for someone with a strong interest in museum education and public history and who is enthusiastic about audience engagement and delivering community-oriented experiences.

ABOUT COOPER-MOLERA ADOBE

Cooper-Molera Adobe is a National Trust Historic Site located in the heart of downtown Monterey Californias vibrant historic commercial district. This remarkable place represents a richly layered history including that of the Rumsen Ohlone indigenous peoples Spanish colonists Catholic missions the movement of the Mexican and later United States of Americas border and war to form Monterey as the political and commercial capital of Mexican Alta California and eventually leading to the development of the State of California. Currently the sites shared use model combines commercial uses integrated into the sites historic structures with programming to tell a full range of stories associated with the propertys history and celebrate the areas vibrant and diverse culture. This is a particularly appropriate model for Cooper-Molera since the site had an active combination of commercial and residential uses for most of its history and provides a revenue stream to support the ongoing preservation and interpretation of the property.

The 2.5-acre property includes seven historic structures: the Cooper and Diaz adobe residences the Red House kitchen building an adobe commercial building an adobe warehouse and two redwood barns. Today the Cooper Adobe is operated as an innovative museum space and the other buildings are adaptively reused for staff offices and the highly successful commercial tenants: Alta Bakery Cafe Cella Restaurant and the Barns at Cooper Molera event center.

DUTIES

Visitor Services (Front of House):

• Serve as the first point of contact for visitors delivering excellent customer service at admissions in the shop and throughout the property;
• Support scheduling group tour and school tour bookings;
• Operate the point-of-sale system for ticket and merchandise sales;
• Assist with retail merchandising restocking and pricing;
• Answer visitor questions and manage inquiries in person by phone and via email and social media;
• Support daily site operations ensuring museum areas are clean accessible and welcoming;
• Assist with maintaining CRM records and contact lists.

Interpretation & Education Support:

• Help implement and deliver interpretive and educational programming;
• Assist with guide onboarding and training; may occasionally lead tours;
• Collaborate on exhibit content signage and visitor materials;
• Participate in research to enhance storytelling and support inclusive interpretation strategies;
• Monitor visitor feedback and communicate interpretive challenges or successes to the Executive Director.
• Continually broaden knowledge of Cooper-Molera history and influences to better serve our visitors.

Program & Event Support:

• With guidance from the Executive Director assist with developing and implementing events and programs through thoughtful planning to engage visitors and enhance their experience;
• Support event setup and logistics including community and education-based programs;
• Assist with visitor outreach (monthly Farmers Market) and engagement during public events;
• Contribute to post-event evaluations and support reporting needs;
• Additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 4 years of relevant experience in museum visitor services education historic site interpretation or public programming.
• Familiarity with public engagement and outreach strategies.
• Comfort with or interest in learning digital tools (e.g. email marketing platforms website updates).
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office and POS systems; willingness to learn CRM and ticketing software.
• Must be professional patient courteous and energetic when dealing with diverse and multi-lingual populations and challenging customer service issues.
• Knowledge of or demonstrated interest in California history public history cultural heritage or museum education;
• Ability to work collaboratively with shared used site partners;
• Excellent writing spelling grammar and proofreading skills as well as strong verbal communication and customer service skills. Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize multi-task efficiently and ability to adapt and be flexible in a dynamic work environment. Ability to work effectively with frequent interruptions required.
• Ability to stand for extended periods navigate historic buildings and lift up to 25 lbs.
• Regular availability on weekends occasional evenings is required; Regular and reliable attendance is required.
• Bi-lingual in Spanish or other languages is a plus.
• Bachelors degree or equivalent work experience required.

PAY & HOURS:

This is a regular part-time non-exempt position working 25-30 hours/week. This position is eligible for full benefits including affordable health dental vision and life insurance retirement plan contributions parental leave and 3.5 weeks of prorated paid vacation plus sick time and holidays.

Pay Rate: $30.00 per hour