Employment

Art Handler/Assistant Preparator
Position Type: Year-round, Full-time, Staff position
Department: Collections
Reports to: Exhibitions Preparator
Starting Pay: $19.00-$21.50/hour DOE

The Art Handler/Assistant Preparator is a member of the Collections department, the team that stewards Shelburne Museum’s permanent collections of art and Americana and is responsible for the packing and movement of museum objects throughout the campus, dusting exhibition objects, and vacuuming areas not accessible to visitors. Additional responsibilities are to assist the exhibitions preparator with the fabrication of exhibition furniture and mounts, exhibition installation and deinstallation, and the maintenance of exhibitions and campus signage. The department includes registrars, a collections manager, conservators, a lead art handler, an exhibitions preparator, and a archivist/digital assets manager. The Museum’s collections are housed in 39 exhibitions buildings spread across forty-five landscaped acres. Amont these structures are 25 significant examples of historic New England architecture, relocated to the Museum grounds.

Essential Job Functions:

• Complete object movement tracking forms and pack/unpack objects for movement throughout the museum campus and for travel on truck shipments
• Ensure the safety and security of objects
• Undertake maintenance cleaning (dusting, vacuuming) of collections exhibition and collections storage spaces
• Conduct seasonal deinstall/reinstall of objects in historic buildings
• Assist with installations and de-installations of temporary and permanent exhibitions
• Assist with exhibitions and signage fabrication and maintenance
• Assist with lighting temporary exhibitions as needed and routine maintenance of lighting in other exhibition spaces
• Assist with handling art for special projects such as photo shoots, storage improvements, research, and product development
• Other duties as assigned

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED certificate, Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Coursework in studio art, art history, or collections management preferred
• Minimum 1-2 years art handling required

Desirable Skills and Qualifications:

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Able to stand for extended periods, lift 40 lbs., and climb ladders
• Must enjoy repetitive work and cleaning, good manual dexterity
• Knowledge of hand and power tools, general woodworking skills
• Matting and framing artwork, mount-making experience
• Flexible attitude with the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities
• Must have current driver’s license and clean driving record.
• This position requires occasional evening and weekend work

Compensation and Benefits:

Shelburne Museum offers a generous benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance & AD&D and Short/Long-Term Disability.
• Combined time off up to 160 hours per year, 8 hours for your birthday, and 8 hours for community service leave.
• Employees may contribute to the Museum’s Retirement plan, effective 1st of the month following their start date. After one year of service employees are eligible for a 2% Match and 3% Safe Harbor contribution, paid for by the Museum.
• Other benefits include free Museum access for immediate family members and an employee discount at the Museum store and café.

To apply:

To apply, please email our Human Resources department, HR@shelburnemuseum.org, and provide a Cover Letter and an updated Resume (pdf format preferred).  For further information, please visit our careers page, https://shelburnemuseum.org/about/employment/. Please note that any offer of employment is contingent upon a clear background check.

Shelburne Museum is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. If you’d like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the EEO brochure to view your rights.

Gallery Guard (Seasonal)
Job Type: Seasonal (May-October), Part Time
Department: Protection Services
Salary: $15.50/Hour
Reports To: Director of Protection Services

The Seasonal Gallery Guard plays a vital role in maintaining a safe, secure, and welcoming environment within the Museum’s galleries. This position is responsible for protecting the Museum’s art collection while ensuring it remains accessible and enjoyable for visitors. Gallery Guards actively monitor gallery spaces, respond to security concerns, and provide courteous assistance to guests throughout their visit.

Essential Responsibilities

• Monitor assigned galleries to ensure the safety and security of artwork, visitors, and staff
• Enforce Museum policies and procedures in a professional and respectful manner
• Provide a welcoming presence and assist visitors with questions or directions
• Observe and report suspicious activity or safety concerns
• Utilize two-way radios to communicate effectively with Protection Services staff
• Respond to alarms and emergency situations as directed
• Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor at all times
• Work collaboratively with Museum staff to support a positive visitor experience
• Work scheduled weekends and occasional special events as required
•  

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required
• Previous security, customer service, or related experience preferred
• Ability to communicate effectively using two-way radios
• Familiarity with alarm systems is helpful
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Professional dress and grooming required
• Ability to stand and/or walk for extended periods of time
• Ability to interact positively with staff, guests, and visitors in a public setting

Compensation and Benefits:  

$15.50 per hour; spectacular working environment; committed, friendly co-workers; discounts at the Museum Store and Café; guest passes to the museum and reciprocal benefits at regional museums and tourist attractions.  Uniform Provided.

To Apply:

Visit our website, www.shelburnemuseum.org and download an application. Forward completed application along with cover letter and resume to Human Resources (HR@Shelburnemuseum.org).

Groundskeeper (Seasonal)
Job Type: Seasonal (April-October), Full Time, Hourly
Department: Landscape and Grounds
Reports to: Landscape and Ground Manager  
Salary Range: $18.00-$20.00 per hour, DOE

The Groundskeeper is responsible for general maintenance of Shelburne Museum’s landscapes on the main campus, founders’ estate the Brick House, Cole house, Norton and Employees offices. The ideal candidate has the desire to work in a collaborative environment, is professional and courteous to others. Has good communication skills and has a positive attitude.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Operate and maintain a variety of landscape equipment. Including string trimmers, push mowers, backpack blowers, zero turn mowers, skid steer, golf carts and vehicles.  
• Regular maintenance of gravel roads and walking paths, fence repairs, and pruning of trees and bushes. 
• Other Duties include Spring and Fall cleanup, mulching gardens, and occasional maintenance of gardens as needed. 
• Assist Landscape and Gardens manager as needed.  

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent, with 1-3 years of landscaping experience;
• Valid drivers license, clean driving record, reliable transportation;
• Positive proactive attitude, flexible, collaborative, attends to detail and shows initiative;
• Knowledge of plants such as trees and perennials;
• Organizational skills with experience with Microsoft office;

Working Conditions:

• Ability to lift, carry, and push tools and equipment weighing 50 pounds;
• Ability to work in a variety of outside conditions and do rigorous labor for extended periods of time;
• Position requires working in the sun, wind, rain, and snow with temperature fluctuations throughout the year;
• May need to interact with museum visitors;
• Typical work schedule is Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m..

Compensation and Benefits:

Spectacular working environment; committed, friendly co-workers; discounts at the Museum Store and Café; guest passes to the museum and reciprocal benefits at regional museums and tourist attractions. Shelburne Museum staff t-shirts and UPF long sleeves provided. This position does not offer medical or dental insurance or paid time off.

Shelburne Museum is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. If you’d like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the EEO brochure to view your rights.

How to Apply

To apply, please visit our careers page, https://shelburnemuseum.org/about/employment/, to download the Employment Application. We request that a completed Employment Application be sent, along with a Cover Letter and Resume, to hr@shelburnemuseum.org.

Visitor Guide
Position Type: Seasonal; Part-Time, and Full-Time 
Position Location: On-site (Shelburne Museum, Shelburne, VT) 
Department: Education 
Salary: $15.50 per hour/ 14-38 hours per week 
Reports to: Manager of Guides, Group Tours, and Volunteers 

We are looking for enthusiastic, curious, dedicated, and flexible Visitor Guides to join our seasonal team of public ambassadors. 

The Visitor Guide role is an opportunity to combine your people skills with your interest in history, art, and related fields in a varied and beautiful environment. Visitor Guides at Shelburne Museum are a dedicated and friendly group of co-workers who play a critical role in orienting our diverse visitors, making them feel welcome at the museum, and helping them engage with the Museum’s exhibits and collections. Ideal candidates will have excellent communication skills, friendly and approachable demeanors, and the ability to adapt their presentation styles to suit different audiences, ranging from children to adults. 

Responsibilities: 

• Commit to working at least three (3) days per week for the duration of the 2026 Visitor season (May 9 – October 25, 2026).  
• Check in and out promptly for daily shifts and breaks: 9:45 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., with 45 minutes for lunch and a 15-minute break. 
• Visitor Guides are expected to work at least one weekend day per week and some holidays. 
• Attend 3-5 days of paid training in early May (dates TBA) and periodic paid training sessions held during the public season. 
• Greet visitors upon arrival in the building where you are working, making them feel welcome and offering a very brief orientation of what the building displays. 
• Let visitors know that you are available to provide information and answer questions should they want to learn more; assess visitors’ level of interest and respond accordingly. 
• Communicate proactively with relevant staff members to ensure the comfort and safety of all visitors and objects.  
   

Qualifications and Desired Skills: 

• Equivalent of two or more years of college is preferred but not required. 
• At least two years of experience working with the public is highly desirable. 
• Experience with customer service and communication skills is highly desirable. 
• Prior work as an educator and/or prior experience in a museum or related organization will be considered assets. 
• Understanding of teamwork reflected in flexibility, commitment, and reliability.  
• Desire to learn about the museum’s diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) initiatives through periodic paid training and workshops. 
• Comfort working independently at times as well as cooperatively with supervisors, fellow guides, and staff from across the museum. 
• Enthusiasm for making the museum welcoming and inclusive for visitors of all ages and backgrounds, including children. 
• Some locations on campus have stairs and involve walking and/or standing. Please see Access Statement below; reasonable accommodation will be provided. 

Access Statement:  

Shelburne Museum is committed to enhancing accessibility and inclusion for our employees and visitors. We will take steps to ensure that reasonable accommodation is provided to perform essential duties. If reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, please contact Bailey Moody, Human Resources, at 802-985-0881 or email HR@shelburnemuseum.org.  

Shuttle Driver 
Position Type: Seasonal; Part-Time
Position Location: On-site (Shelburne Museum, Shelburne, VT) 
Department: Education 
Salary: $15.50 per hour/ 14-38 hours per week 
Reports to: Manager of Guides, Group Tours, and Volunteers  

Description: 
Shuttle drivers operate our shuttle buses and provide basic daily maintenance. They represent the Shelburne Museum as staff ambassadors and belong to a community of learners dedicated to sharing their enthusiasm and appreciation for art, history, and culture.

Shuttle drivers (1) facilitate transportation to our visitors on the Museum (2) greet and orient visitors to the Museum grounds along their route, (3) operate vehicle with acute attention to safety, (4) assist visitors boarding and exiting the shuttle as needed. The shuttle runs in all kinds of weather, during daily Museum hours, and occasional evenings for special hours and/or events.    

Requirements: 
The equivalent of two or more years of college, preferred; Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is highly desirable, but not required.  Applicants should enjoy working with the public and have an interest in history, art, and culture. Experience with customer service and/or working with children is desirable. Clean driving record required. Must be available minimum of two days a week including at least one weekend day. 

Compensation and Benefits: 
$15.50/hour. Spectacular working environment; friendly co-workers; discount at the Museum Store and Café; passes to the museum to share with friends and family; and reciprocal benefits at regional museums and attractions. 

To Apply: 
To apply, please visit our careers page, https://shelburnemuseum.org/about/employment/, to download the Employment Application. We request that a completed Employment Application be sent, along with a Resume, to hr@shelburnemuseum.org.

Preservation Carpenter
Position Type: Full-Time, Hourly
Department: Preservation and Landscape
Reports to: Director of Preservation and Facilities
Salary Range: $26.00–$35.00 DOE

The Preservation Carpenter will perform skilled tasks to support the conservation and repair of Shelburne Museum’s 40 historic buildings, many of which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Reporting to the Director of Preservation and Facilities, the successful candidate will primarily focus on preservation carpentry, with occasional involvement in special projects and a variety of semi-skilled tasks.

Essential Job Functions:

• Perform a wide range of carpentry tasks, including framing, finish work, and the installation of elements such as sills, posts, beams, rafters, doors, windows, floors, staircases, interior and exterior trim, roofing, and more.
• Assess deteriorated wooden components and assist in developing restoration or repair plans.
• Install and repair wooden elements on both historic and non-historic structures, employing modern and traditional techniques.
• Assist with sourcing and researching materials, products, and contractors appropriate for historic preservation projects.
• Safely use ladders, scaffolding, and other equipment as required.
• Work in both indoor and outdoor environments.
• Adhere to building codes, regulations, and best practices.
• Assist in documenting historic buildings through hand-measured drawings.
• Collaborate effectively in a team environment and adapt to changing tasks and schedules.
• Repair of any type of building material such as, but not limited to walls, floors, roofs and foundations.
• Construct gallery cases and shop-based projects.
• Assist with the opening and closing of exhibit spaces and buildings, as well as manual tasks like snow removal, tent setup for special events, and installation or deinstallation of air conditioners.
• Respond to maintenance requests from all departments and prioritize carpentry tasks to ensure completion.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  

Supervisory Responsibility:
Supervise museum volunteers in the Preservation and Landscape department as needed.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in preservation trades is preferred, but a strong appreciation for historic preservation is essential.
• Knowledge of traditional construction methods and historic finish carpentry practices is required.
• Experience with historic timber framing is preferred.
• Familiarity with framing repairs using period joinery, wood roofing, and other historic trades (e.g., masonry, plastering, metalworking, slate work) is a plus.
• Knowledge of the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties is preferred, as all work on historic structures is guided by these standards.
• Capable of identifying plumbing, electrical, and carpentry issues and directing them to the appropriate tradesperson.
• A valid driver’s license with a clean driving record is required.
• Skilled in use of carpentry equipment with strong adherence to safety and security guidelines.
• Creative, detail-oriented, versatile, and able to work collaboratively across departments.
• Experience working carefully in historic and gallery spaces.
• AutoCAD experience is a plus.
• Completion of pulmonary function and respirator fit tests required.

Physical Requirements:

Hours: 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM Monday – Friday

Terms:
The Preservation Carpenter is a full-time, full-benefits, hourly, non-exempt, employment-at-will position.

Compensation and Benefits:

Full Museum benefits package including health, dental and generous paid time off. Spectacular working environment; committed, friendly co-workers; discount at the Museum Store and Café; passes to the museum to share with friends and family; and reciprocal benefits at regional museums and attractions.

To apply:
Please email our Human Resources department at HR@shelburnemuseum.org and provide a Cover Letter and Resume (PDF format preferred). For more information, visit our careers page: https://shelburnemuseum.org/about/employment/. Please note that any offer of employment is contingent upon a clear background check.

Shelburne Museum is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. If you’d like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the EEO brochure to view your rights.