Volunteer Programs Assistant at Petersen Automotive Museum – Los Angeles, California

About Petersen Automotive Museum

We are more than just an iconic museum, we’re a fast-paced, high-energy team driven by innovation, passion, and a deep love for car culture and storytelling. From world-class exhibitions to unforgettable events, we bring history, design, and horsepower to life every day. We work hard, we move fast, and we have a blast doing it, all while pushing the boundaries of what a museum can be. If you’re ready to shift into high gear with a crew that values creativity, integrity, and a good laugh along the way... you’ll fit right in.

About the role

The Petersen Automotive Museum is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to explore and present the history of the automobile and its impact on global life and culture using Los Angeles as the prime example.

The Volunteer Programs Assistant will be responsible for providing support in the continued success of the Petersen’s Volunteer Program. This would include a support role in recruitment efforts, placement, and training of all museum volunteers. The museum is seeking to build an energetic and passionate volunteer corps that reflects the diversity of Los Angeles.

In addition, this individual will work alongside the Volunteer Manager and the Guest Relations Assistant Manager to coordinate the floor schedule for Volunteers and Part Time Tour Guides.

What you'll do

• Assisting with the development of recruitment strategies and actively recruit (this may include attending outreach events), interview, and placement of new volunteers to build the museum’s volunteer team.
• Assisting with the orientation and training process for all new volunteers
• Regular onsite point of communication for volunteers and being ready to assist with any needs that may arise.
• Will assist in overseeing volunteer meetings (including a monthly meeting), continuing education opportunities, and volunteer appreciation efforts.
• Developing and maintaining positive relationships with volunteers, addressing their concerns and providing ongoing support as appropriate
• Act as secondary supervisor for all museum volunteers and paid tour guides, including training and tour scheduling.
• Availability to assist with various museum tours and gallery coverage as the needs arise
• Leading tours of the museum, or portions of it that can last anywhere from 15 minutes to 3+ hours (standard tour lengths are one hour for museum and 90 minutes for vault tours)
• Engaging and entertaining guests on tours. Tours on average will have a maximum of 50 guests
• Researching cars and artifacts and maintaining knowledge of the collection
• Preparing a tour strategy that covers a broad portion of the tour’s target while fitting within time constraints.
• Adjusting and modifying tour content as requested by their supervisor and/or the museum administration. This includes learning information about cars that may only temporarily be on display.
• Attending all trainings as well as reading and contributing to all training materials.
• Cooperating with museum staff in managing groups to ensure guest safety and preservation of the collection.
• Providing assistance to visitors and answering questions about museum collection.
• Other Tasks as required

Qualifications

• This position requires a highly motivated, creative, and outgoing person who enjoys working with the public and volunteers.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and ability to learn quickly and multi-task in a deadline driven environment.
• Applicants must be able to work varied hours on occasion, including evenings or weekends.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, History, Museum Studies, a related field or equivalent experience.

The pay range for this role is:
22 - 24 USD per hour(Petersen Automotive Museum)