Paid Museum Guides

The Thomas Cole National Historic Site seeks seasonal museum guides at the historic site from June through November 2023 for four to five days per week. Additional opportunities for approximately three days per week through January are possible, programming-dependent. Training sessions will also take place in May, estimated at 1-2 days per week. The position offers the opportunity to join a dynamic team at a beautiful historic site in Catskill, New York, in the scenic Hudson Valley. Hourly rates range from $14.50-$18.50, based on experience.

Essential functions and responsibilities include becoming skilled in the following:

• Facilitate self-guided experiences for visitors at the home and studios of Thomas Cole, maintaining a level of knowledge in order to substantively inform the public and respond accurately to their questions
• Lead guided tours of the site
• Lead and/or assist with school programs, both on and off-site
• Facilitate positive visitor experiences for visitors, school groups, and other audiences in a confident and professional manner
• Act as the tour staff’s ‘go-to person’ on a rotating basis along with other guides to ensure daily tour operations are running smoothly. This includes tasks like managing unforeseen emergencies and facilitating large group visits.
• Lead activities at events
• Participate in group discussions to brainstorm innovative methods of historic site interpretation
• Keep informed about special offers, events/programming, and the surrounding area of Catskill and be able to communicate this information to visitors
• Keep informed about our policies, our operations, the structure of the season, and be able to communicate this information to visitors
• Run the Visitor Center by greeting and orienting visitors, operating the cash register and online ticketing system for sales and reservations, and keeping the shop and desk area neat
• Logistics of security, and opening/closing procedures
• Help with small tasks around the site such as refilling brochures, wiping down interpretive panels, and maintaining visitor writing/art areas.

Qualifications: The position requires a comfort and natural ability with speaking in front of a group, a passion for learning about history, and the desire to communicate this knowledge and passion with others. The ideal candidate will enjoy working as part of a team, can problem-solve effectively and take initiative when needed, and can calmly handle many kinds of situations with patience, and with a smile. It is critical that the candidate be punctual, reliable, and responsible, as well as open to constructive feedback and new ideas. The position requires moderate physical activity including climbing stairs and moving about the historic site in hot summers and cool spring and fall weather. Flexibility in schedule is preferred.

We encourage you to apply even if you believe you do not meet all the qualifications listed. We value a wide range of perspectives and lived experiences, and the unique contributions they bring to our institution.

How to Apply: In a single PDF document, please submit (1) a resume, (2) a cover letter explaining why you are qualified and interested in the position, and (3) contact information for at least three professional references via e-mail to employment@thomascole.org. Deadline to submit is May 19, 2023.

Part-time Bookkeeping Consultant

Reports to: Director of Finance and Administration (DFA)

Compensation: $30 – $40 per hour based on relevant experience

The bookkeeper is responsible for maintaining accurate and timely financial records for the organization. Position can be either in person or remote but preference will be given to local qualified candidates. Requires 2-6 hours per week. Essential functions and responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Accounts Payable: On a weekly basis, record all payment transactions and issue payments, match credit card receipts and record transactions, follow up on missing receipts, balance petty cash. Follow up on stale check, voids and reissued payments as needed.
• Accounts Receivable: On a weekly basis, record all deposit records– weekly bank deposits, merchant services account, point of sales systems, daily cash receipts from Visitors Center transactions during open season.
• Payroll: On a bi-weekly basis, make payroll journal entries, reconcile quarterly payroll tax reports, keep records of w-9’s and file yearly 1096/1099’s, year-end payroll accruals.
• Investment Accounts: On a monthly basis, reconcile and record transfers, stock gifts transactions, gains/losses & interest.
• Reconciliations: Review bank activity on a weekly basis. In coordination w/ COO, follow up on unrecognized transactions. Perform monthly bank and credit card reconciliations, completing on a timely basis.
• Record incoming receivables, pledges, prepaids as needed. Maintain accurate records of open receivables and payables, adjust inventory on an annual basis.
• Make a schedule of and record year-end accruals, prepaids, deferrals etc. Record year-beginning accrual reversals.
• Prepare and file quarterly sales tax.
• Maintain electronic records for review by COO, Board Finance Committee and outside auditor.
• With support from the COO, maintain a familiarity with the organization’s chart of accounts and QB classes.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must have 2-5 years in non-profit bookkeeping experience with demonstrated knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles, recording daily online POS sales, accounts payable and receivable, and the creation of journal entries in a general ledger.
• Must have advanced knowledge of Quickbooks desktop and Microsoft environment (Outlook, Excel, Word) and apps such as Zoom
• Ability to work independently
• Keen attention to detail and the highest standards of accuracy and consistency
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Must be proactive and work effectively under strict deadlines

Application Instructions: In a single PDF document, please submit (1) a resume, (2) a cover letter explaining why you are qualified and interested in the position, and (3) contact information for at least three professional references via e-mail to admin@thomascole.org. References will not be contacted without applicant’s prior permission.

The Thomas Cole National Historic Site has a universal vaccination policy requiring a COVID-19 vaccination, including a booster, for all employees.  Requests for reasonable accommodation will be considered and decided on a case-by-case basis according to New York State and Federal Law.

The Thomas Cole National Historic Site is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression), age, disability, or veteran status.