OPPORTUNITIES

Visitor Services

Visitor services volunteers provide customer service to our visitors, assist with the store and direct inquiries to staff. Tasks you will be asked to perform in this position include:

• greeting visitors as they enter the Society.
• answering the phone.
• directing visitors and phone calls to the appropriate staff person.
• re-stocking store merchandise.
• dusting store merchandise and shelves.
• completing store/membership sales through our Square register system.
• assist with labeling and organizing mailings.

Docent

Docents provide customer service to our visitors, offer personalized tours of our exhibits and answer general questions when possible. Tasks you will be asked to perform in this position include:

• greeting visitors when Visitor Services volunteers are busy.
• answering the phone when Visitor Services volunteers are busy.
• directing visitors and phone calls to the appropriate staff person
• learning general Shasta County history.
• learning detailed information about exhibitions in gallery.
• offering tours of exhibitions to visitors.
• answering visitor questions as they relate to general Shasta County history or current exhibitions.

Exhibit Assistant

Exhibit Assistants work with the Content Developer to research, design, install and de-install exhibitions. Tasks you will be asked to perform in this position include:

• researching a specific topic using multiple primary and secondary source materials.
• writing papers, panel text and labels based on that research for use in exhibitions.
• assist in designing panels and labels for display within exhibitions.
• searching the Past Perfect database for collections items to use in exhibitions.
• assist with the installation of exhibitions in the gallery space.
• assist with de-installation of exhibitions when they close.
• suggest topics for future exhibitions.

Research Assistant

Research Assistants work with the Visitor Services staff to research public inquiries, research topics for public programs and develop articles for our newsletter. Tasks you will be asked to perform in this position include:

• research using multiple primary and secondary source materials to answer public inquiries.
• writing and sending responses to research requests via email.
• researching a specific topic using multiple primary and secondary source materials for use in public programs.
• writing papers based on your research for use in public programs.
• researching a specific topic using multiple primary and secondary source materials for newsletter articles.
• writing articles for publication in our newsletter, The Stagecoach.

Tour Guide

Tour guides work with our Director, Community Education committee and Content Developer to create and provide entertaining yet informative tour experiences for all ages. Tasks you will be asked to perform in this position include:

• work with the above mentioned to develop topics and paths for in-person and digital tours.
• researching a specific topic using multiple primary and secondary source materials.
• assist with translating research into a tour script.
• participate in finding materials that can be utilized during a tour to enhance visitor experience.
• learn to deliver tours to the public.
• lead in-person tours.
• work as part of a team to record digital/virtual tours.
• work as part of a team to develop, create and maintain tours on other digital platforms.

Program Assistant

Program assistants work with the Director, Community Education committee and Content Developer to create and provide educational programs for all ages. Tasks you will be asked to perform in this position include:

• work with the above mentioned to develop interesting and educational programs for adults and children.
• collaborate with the above mentioned in brainstorming and developing program topics and types.
• help secure speakers, performers and other personnel needed to complete program.
• assist with set up and take down the day of a program.
• set up and manage table with SHS ephemera and email signup sheet.

Community Outreach

Community Outreach volunteers work with the Director and Development & Education Resources Manager to find and participate in internal and external programs and events for the purpose of marketing, membership and recruiting volunteers. Tasks you will be asked to perform in this position include:

• Work with the above mentioned to brainstorm and create a list of internal and external outreach opportunities.
• Assist the Executive Assistant in securing our participation in these opportunities.
• Setup, manage and take down tables at outreach events.
• Promote upcoming programs by handing out flyers.
• Discuss membership opportunities with people that stop by the table.
• Inform and recruit people for our volunteer program and its variety of opportunities.
• Sell store merchandise using our square system.

Digital Media Interpreter

Digital media interpreters work with the Director, Content Developer and Collections Manager to find, create and implement a variety tours, programs and exhibits on digital and virtual platforms. Tasks you will be asked to perform in this position include:

• work with the above mentioned to develop topics and paths for digital tours, programs and exhibits.
• research specific topics using multiple primary and secondary source materials.
• assist with translating research into scripts.
• participate in finding materials that can be utilized to enhance visitor digital experiences.
• learn to utilize a variety of chosen digital and virtual platforms.
• be willing to act as a commentator for scripts.
• work as part of a team to record digital/virtual tours, programs and exhibits.
• work as part of a team to develop, create and maintain digital platforms.

Marketing Assistant

Marketing assistants will work with the Director and Development & Education Resources Manager to create and implement marketing opportunities. Tasks you will be asked to perform in this position include:

• work as part of a team to create and regularly update a marketing plan.
• assist in compiling and updating a list of marketing avenues, resources and contacts.
• create ads, postcards, flyers, posters, etc. for a variety of SHS activities using pre-developed templates.
• distribute marketing materials to various opportunities and contacts.
• create and distribute marketing and informational materials through social media.
• assist with obtaining sponsorships and donations for fund raisers.
• help fold and label materials for mailing.

Editor

Editors will work with the Development & Education Resources Manager and the Editorial committee to prepare written materials for publication. Tasks you will be asked to perform in this position include:

• review marketing materials for grammatical errors.
• edit articles for our newsletter, The Stagecoach, and annual publication, The Covered Wagon.
• review the newsletter and annual publication for grammatical and formatting errors.
• edit written material being considered for publication in book formats.
• proofread text for exhibit panels and labels.

Membership Assistant

Membership assistants will work with the Director, Development & Education Resources Manager and Development committee to implement and manage the SHS Membership Program. Tasks you will be asked to perform in this position include:

• print and fold membership materials.
• distribute membership materials to other local businesses.
• distribute and talk about membership benefits and costs with visitors at internal and external events.
• process membership applications under guidance of the Executive Assistant.
• Prepare membership materials for mailing to new and renewing members.

Collections Assistant

Collections assistants will work with the Director and Collections Manager to process and provide access to the permanent collection. Tasks you will be asked to perform in this position include:

• moving collections from one area to another following set procedures.
• re-housing collections from non-archival materials into archival materials for long-term storage.
• completing an inventory of a designated area and all materials within that area.
• creating box lists for individual boxes.
• fully cataloging individual items into the Past Perfect database.
• photographing or scanning items and attaching images to individual records.
• researching provenance of individual objects or collections.
• creating accession and object record files.
• data entry and database clean-up activities.

Photographer

Photographers will work with the Director and other staff to document collections and SHS activities. Tasks you will be asked to perform in this position include:

• work with collections staff to photograph three dimensional collections and oversized materials.
• photograph exhibits and other items for use in marketing materials and institutional archives.
• photograph activities during tours, programs, fundraisers and other events.
• digitally record activities such as tours, programs, fundraisers and other events for digital access.

Grant Writer

Grant writers will work with the Director and Executive committee to write and apply for grants from a variety of sources. Tasks you will be asked to perform in this position include:

• work with the above mentioned to compile a list of grant options that fit our institution and needs.
• assist with writing and editing project descriptions and need statements.
• work with Director to research project costs and write budget.
• work as part of a team to edit grant applications.
• help to prepare grant reports.

Disaster Preparedness Assistant

Disaster preparedness assistants will work with the Director, Collections Manager, Executive committee and Historic Structures committee to create a comprehensive disaster plan for the organization. Tasks you will be asked to perform in this position include:

• gathering organizational data.
• creating maps of the building and surrounding area.
• researching and compiling lists of resources locally, regionally, inter-state and nationally.
• implementing methods of rapid identification within the SHS facility.
• creating guidelines for care of collections, data and personnel needs.
• creating and implementing training workshops and drills for staff, volunteers and board.
• working as a team to connect and develop relationships with local emergency service personnel and organizations.

Fundraising

Fundraising assistants will work with the Director, Development & Educational Resources Manager, Executive committee and Development committee to create a fundraising plan and assist with fundraising opportunities throughout the year. Tasks you will be asked to perform in this position include:

• assist with writing portions of the fundraising plan.
• assist with all aspects of our annual fundraiser A Taste of History.
• work with our Executive Assisant to create messages for Giving Tuesday.
• actively pursue sponsors and donations for fundraisers and publications.
• assist in the creation of planned giving program.
• participate in cultivating new donors.

Graphic Design

Graphic Design assistants will work with the Director, Development & Educational Resources Manager and Content Developer with graphic design needs associated with exhibits, marketing, and publications. Tasks you will be asked to perform in this position include:

• designing panels and object labels for exhibits.
• creating templates for printed and online posters, flyers, postcards, brochures, and other marketing materials.
• designing templates our e-News letter, quarterly printed newsletter and annual publications.
• designing our annual calendar.