Visitor Experience Representative (Part Time 30 Hours/Week)

Role overview

The National Geographic Society’s Washington, D.C. headquarters is in the middle of a major campus transformation known as Base Camp. As part of that project, the Museum of Exploration is scheduled to open in 2026 with a pavilion-style entrance, auditorium, signature photo gallery, exhibition areas, an immersive walk-through experience, retail, food and beverage services, an education center, archives, tours, event spaces, and a special nighttime courtyard experience.

The Visitor Experience Representative will be a key public-facing team member for the Museum of Exploration. In this role, you will represent the National Geographic Society by delivering excellent service, managing visitor movement, handling coat check duties, supporting wayfinding, and sharing informal interpretation of exhibits. You will report to the Visitor Experience Supervisors and help keep daily museum operations running smoothly.

The organization values flexibility, teamwork, and the ability to support multiple projects and teams when needed. Working across functions and stepping in where needed is an expected part of the role.

Schedule and start date

This is a part-time position scheduled for 30 hours per week, typically across three 10-hour shifts. Shift timing may change, and weekend availability is required. Candidates should be ready to confirm their exact availability during screening. The expected start date is June 8, 2026.

Key duties

• Create a strong visitor experience by staying ahead of guest needs and delivering friendly, helpful service.
• Share clear guidance on directions, museum rules, facilities, and exhibitions.
• Coordinate with other frontline staff to support crowd management during regular operations and events.
• Learn exhibition content through training, observation, and self-directed study.
• Lead small-group timed or pulsed exhibit experiences.
• Follow established procedures while keeping coat check running efficiently and responding to visitor needs.
• Help with light exhibit housekeeping when required.
• Support events across the campus, including National Geographic Live and Signature Events.
• Adjust quickly in a changing environment while keeping a positive, visitor-focused approach.
• Handle issues in a fast-paced setting and know when to escalate concerns to management.
• Use downtime proactively to support the team during busier periods.
• Be available to work days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Education and experience

A high school diploma or GED is required; additional education is considered an advantage. At least 6 months of experience in a customer-facing position is required. Experience working with large groups, the general public, students, or children is a plus.

Required skills and competencies

• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication abilities
• Fast learning and good retention of new information
• Customer service mindset with a team-first approach
• Adaptability, positivity, and comfort with new people and situations
• Enjoyment of public-facing work
• Basic troubleshooting and problem-solving ability
• Quick, constructive response to change
• Comfort using different technologies and equipment
• Reliability, punctuality, and cooperative teamwork
• Ability to remain active and on your feet for more than 5 hours per day in public areas

Preferred qualification

Being bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred but not mandatory.

Team support expectations

You may be asked to provide cross-trained support to other teams as needed, including coverage during breaks, absences, and high-volume periods. General support may include helping maintain public spaces, assisting visitors, and contributing to event setup and breakdown.

Supervision

This position has no direct reports.

Compensation and benefits

The hourly wage for this role is $21.50. If a shift begins or ends between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., eligible hours receive a 10% shift differential on base pay.

National Geographic Society also offers a broad benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; a wellness program; a 401(k) plan with matching contributions after 6 months; flexible paid time off with up to 22 paid annual leave days per calendar year, including 15 days for new hires in their first year prorated by remaining pay periods; 10 sick days; 12 paid holidays; and a paid winter break from December 25 through December 31, with some exceptions for roles that must work during peak periods or essential operations. Additional benefits include paid parental leave, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, fertility benefits, learning and development opportunities, a Lifestyle Spending Account, pet adoption assistance and insurance, pre-tax transportation benefits with an employer subsidy, employer-paid life insurance and disability coverage, and National Geographic discounts and other perks.

Work arrangement and eligibility

This is an on-site role based at Base Camp in Washington, D.C. Staff in this designation work fully on-site to support campus and museum operations. Shifts may be scheduled across seven days a week and 24 hours a day, including holidays, depending on team needs and operational cycles.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Application note

Candidates are encouraged to apply even if they do not match every requirement exactly, as the organization is looking for relevant experience and skills rather than a perfect checklist.