Department: Sales & Guest Services
Full-time/Part-time: Full-time
Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Reports to: Director of Sales & Guest Services
Staff reporting to this position: Assistant Retail Manager & Museum Store Associates
Location: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is an outgrowth of the Dubuque County Historical Society, which also operates the Mathias Ham Historic Site, is home to the National Rivers Hall of Fame, and supports a national outreach program called RiverWorks Discovery.
The Retail Manager is responsible for fiscal management of the museum stores, merchandise ordering, procurement, and inventory management, leading efforts in receiving shipments and pricing and stocking items and managing museum store operations. The Retail Manager receives direct support from the Assistant Retail Manager with both holding a guest service-based position as a rotating Manager on Duty (MOD) regularly visible and available to guests.
This position is an integral part of the Sales & Guest Services team that supports retail operations, which provides significant funding for the organization’s mission to create educational experiences where history and rivers come alive. Ideal candidates will be self-motivated team players with strong attention to detail and accuracy. A structured schedule is ideal with a Sunday – Thursday work week preferred but not required. Pending time of year, stores close by 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. A museum event could require an occasional evening shift. An ideal candidate will have the opportunity to manage a work schedule that allows for work/life balance while achieving the goals set for the work required.
This is a full time, permanent position. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. Benefits include vacation time, sick time, paid holidays, medical, dental, flex plan, and 403b retirement plan.
The Dubuque County Historical Society and its properties, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and Mathias Ham Historic Site, are committed to embracing diversity, practicing equity, and ensuring accessibility and inclusion. We continually strive to achieve a welcoming environment in all our spaces, where our staff and community feel reflected and valued for their unique perspectives and backgrounds. DEAI values guide and impact all the decisions the museum makes, both internal and external.
Essential Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the Assistant Retail Manager to manage store and staff
- Tasks include but are not limited to hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, and developing/maintaining department and organizational protocol
- Develop strategies for long-term retail growth
- Take primary responsibility for the store’s annual budget, achieving targets for retail metrics such as sales, cost of goods, gross margin, and net profit
- Analyze sales reports and trends, adjusting inventory levels and purchasing accordingly
- Review merchandise reports and manage invoices
- Manage the museum’s point of sale system
- This includes database maintenance, report generation, and inventory valuation
- Be responsible for open-to-buy budget management, product sourcing, procurement, merchandising, returns, markdowns and shrinkage control to ensure that goals are met in revenue, margin and average sales are met or exceeded
- Attend related annual merchandise trade shows
- Meet with vendors and negotiate purchasing incentives such as delayed billing, additional discounts, co-op advertising dollars and in-store events and product exclusivity
- Coordinate all necessary inventories for special exhibitions and museum events
- Supervise all merchandise receipt and processing, including tagging, stocking and display. Ensure proper handling including unpacking and checking against purchase orders and packing lists
- Maintain store’s physical condition and appearance
- Train staff on store procedures, loss prevention and point-of-sale (POS) and inventory management systems
- Prepare and present annual employee evaluations
- Act as a Manager on Duty (MOD) to coordinate the successful daily operations of the Museum & Aquarium (rotating schedule including 3-4 times per month)
- Tasks include opening and closing the campus, preparing cash deposits and balancing drawers, and supporting associates in delivering a quality guest experience
Qualifications
- Supervisory or management experience
- Retail management and retail purchasing experience preferred but not required
- Advanced degree or coursework in related field or equivalent experience
- Proven experience in sales growth, staff training and management, and inventory control procedures
- Exceptional organizational skills
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Proficient use of computers and related systems
- Ability to travel to vendor meetings 1-2 times annually
- Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language
- Must be able to perform any physical demands of job duties, either with or without reasonable accommodation
- Final candidates will be subject to a reference and background check
How to apply
To learn more, visit www.rivermuseum.com/apply. Apply by emailing your resume, cover letter, salary requirements and references to apply@rivermuseum.com or by delivering them in person to 350 E. 3rd St., Dubuque, IA 52001.
Research suggests that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that any applicant is able to meet all of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if you are drawn to this position and feel your strengths would be an asset to the organization, we highly encourage you to apply.
Position Title: Housekeeper
Full-time/Part-time: Part-time (20-30 hours)
Department: Housekeeping and Facilities
Reports To: Lead Housekeeper & Facilities Director
The Dubuque County Historical Society (DCHS) and National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium (NMRMA) are seeking a customer-oriented and friendly part-time housekeeper to create a clean and orderly environment for our guests and staff.
The Dubuque County Historical Society and its National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and Mathias Ham Historic Site are committed to embracing diversity, practicing equity, and ensuring accessibility and inclusion. We will continually strive to achieve a welcoming environment in all our spaces, where our staff and community feel reflected and valued for their unique perspectives and backgrounds. DEAI values will guide and impact all the decisions the museum makes, both internal and external.
Primary Duties
- Perform a variety of cleaning activities such as sweeping, mopping, dusting, and polishing
- Assist in all aspects of buildings and grounds cleaning and sanitizing
- Ensure that all properties are clean, safe, and well-maintained
- Present the museum positively by maintaining a clean and presentable appearance
Additional Requirements
- Position requires the ability to stand for prolonged periods of time, to stoop, kneel, bend, climb, lift, and carry.
- Position requires working occasionally on weekends
- Must be able to occasionally lift weights of up to 25 lbs.
- Must be able to use and climb a step stool and occasionally work at heights
- Ability to work with little supervision and maintain a high level of performance
The Dubuque County Historical Society is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the museum field are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, familial status, sexual orientation, national origin, ability, age, or veteran status.
If you are interested in joining our team, please complete an application or pick up one at our box office. Applications can be emailed to apply@rivermuseum.com, mailed, or dropped off in person to National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, Attn: Human Resources, 350 East Third St, Dubuque, IA 52001.
Department: Sales & Guest Services
Full-time/Part-time: Part-time
Exempt/Non-Exempt: Non-exempt
Reports to: Café Manager
Staff reporting to this position: N/A
Location: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is an outgrowth of the Dubuque County Historical Society, which also operates the Mathias Ham Historic Site, is home to the National Rivers Hall of Fame, and supports a national outreach program called RiverWorks Discovery.
Join us in a fun, fast-paced environment by enhancing the museum guest experience through providing a meal or a snack. An ideal candidate is someone with exceptional customer service skills, enjoys working on a team, and positively portrays the organization. This position offers a flexible work schedule with weekday and weekend hours available (no evenings after 4 p.m. required).
The Dubuque County Historical Society and its properties, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and Mathias Ham Historic Site, are committed to embracing diversity, practicing equity, and ensuring accessibility and inclusion. We continually strive to achieve a welcoming environment in all our spaces, where our staff and community feel reflected and valued for their unique perspectives and backgrounds. DEAI values guide and impact all the decisions the museum makes, both internal and external.
Primary duties
- Take food orders using an electronic point-of-sale system and be comfortable with cash handling
- Ensure the cleanliness of the dining area and kitchen
- Follow all food preparation safety laws and rules
- Interact with guests in a positive, friendly manner
Qualifications
- Highly qualified candidates are preferred to have previous experience in food service and/or cash handling experience but not required
- Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language.
- Must be able to perform any physical demands of job duties, either with or without reasonable accommodation. These demands may include periods of standing, reaching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, carrying, lifting, or moving objects 25 lbs. or less.
- Final candidates will be subject to a reference and background check.
How to apply
To learn more, visit www.rivermuseum.com/apply. Apply by emailing your application or resume, cover letter, and references to apply@rivermuseum.com or by delivering them in person to 350 E. 3rd St., Dubuque, IA.
Research suggests that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that any applicant is able to meet all of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if you are drawn to this position and feel your strengths would be an asset to the organization, we highly encourage you to apply.
Department: Education
Full-time/Part-time: Part-time
Exempt/Non-Exempt: Non-exempt
Reports to: Interpretation Program Manager
Staff reporting to this position: N/A
Location: Mathias Ham Historic Site
The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is an outgrowth of the Dubuque County Historical Society, which also operates the Mathias Ham Historic Site, is home to the National Rivers Hall of Fame, and supports a national outreach program called RiverWorks Discovery. Its mission is to inspire stewardship by creating educational experiences where history and rivers come alive.
The Mathias Ham Historic Site Tour Guide is responsible for leading guided tours of the historic site campus in Dubuque, Iowa to diverse groups of guests. Included in the tours are Mathias Ham’s historic home, the Louis Arriandeaux Log House (Iowa’s oldest building), the Humke single-room schoolhouse, and a replica lead mine. MHHS Tour Guides are offered flexible scheduling and are most commonly needed during summer months, though special events are scheduled in advance year-round. Educational offerings include, but are not limited to, daily tours, Pioneer Days, private tours, and general interpretation for museum visitors.
The Dubuque County Historical Society and its properties, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and Mathias Ham Historic Site, are committed to embracing diversity, practicing equity, and ensuring accessibility and inclusion. We continually strive to achieve a welcoming environment in all our spaces, where our staff and community feel reflected and valued for their unique perspectives and backgrounds. DEAI values guide and impact all the decisions the museum makes, both internal and external.
Primary duties
- Assist in managing the museum’s entrance, ticketing, and gift shop
Additional duties
- Follow all protocols, procedures, and uphold the Education Department Code of Conduct
- Remain comfortable, competent, and invested in history and related topics to ensure redundancy and cross-training are in place
- Attend mandatory, prescheduled training sessions
- Maintain written records in accordance with established practice and policy
- Keep all education areas clean, organized and hazard free, report maintenance needs, and perform minor maintenance tasks
- Engage in continued learning about machinery, animals, plants, and artifacts in institutional collection
Qualifications
- Prior exposure to informal learning processes, preferably in a museum or other cultural setting is preferred
- Prior knowledge of local Dubuque history is preferred
- Prior experience working with children is preferred
- A personal email account and phone number are required for information exchange
- Must be comfortable around the water, and indoors and outdoors in any weather
- Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language
- Must be capable of holding certification in First Aid and CPR
- Must be able to perform any physical demands of job duties, either with or without reasonable accommodation
- Final candidates will be subject to a reference and background check
How to apply
To learn more, visit www.rivermuseum.com/apply. Apply by emailing your resume, cover letter, and references to apply@rivermuseum.com or by delivering them in person to 350 E. 3rd St., Dubuque, IA 52001.
Research suggests that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that any applicant is able to meet all of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if you are drawn to this position and feel your strengths would be an asset to the organization, we highly encourage you to apply.
Department: Sales & Guest Services
Full-time/Part-time: Part-time
Exempt/Non-Exempt: Non-exempt
Reports to: Café Manager
Staff reporting to this position: N/A
Location: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is an outgrowth of the Dubuque County Historical Society, which also operates the Mathias Ham Historic Site, is home to the National Rivers Hall of Fame, and supports a national outreach program called RiverWorks Discovery.
Join us in a fun, fast-paced environment by enhancing the museum guest experience through providing a meal or a snack. An ideal candidate is someone with exceptional leadership and customer service skills, enjoys working on a team, and positively portrays the organization. This is a wonderful opportunity for the right candidate that it is looking to learn the food and beverage industry and professionally grow. This position offers competitive pay and a flexible work schedule with weekday hours and every other weekend hours (no evenings after 4 p.m. required).
The Dubuque County Historical Society and its properties, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and Mathias Ham Historic Site, are committed to embracing diversity, practicing equity, and ensuring accessibility and inclusion. We continually strive to achieve a welcoming environment in all our spaces, where our staff and community feel reflected and valued for their unique perspectives and backgrounds. DEAI values guide and impact all the decisions the museum makes, both internal and external.
Primary duties
- Assist the Café Manager with daily operational and management tasks, including supervision of staff, training, food ordering, and inventory
- Take food orders using an electronic point-of-sale system and be comfortable with cash handling
- Ensure the cleanliness of the dining area and kitchen and follow all food preparation safety laws and rules
- Interact with guests in a positive, friendly manner
Qualifications
- Highly qualified candidates are preferred to have experience in food service and/or cash handling but not required
- Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language.
- Must be able to perform any physical demands of job duties, either with or without reasonable accommodation. These demands may include periods of standing, reaching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, carrying, lifting, or moving objects 25 lbs. or less.
- Final candidates will be subject to a reference and background check.
How to apply
To learn more, visit www.rivermuseum.com/apply. Apply by emailing your application or resume, cover letter, and references to apply@rivermuseum.com or by delivering them in person to 350 E. 3rd St., Dubuque, IA.
Research suggests that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that any applicant is able to meet all of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if you are drawn to this position and feel your strengths would be an asset to the organization, we highly encourage you to apply.
Department: Education
Full-time/Part-time: Part-time
Exempt/Non-Exempt: Non-exempt
Reports to: Education Program Manager
Staff reporting to this position: N/A
Location: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is an outgrowth of the Dubuque County Historical Society, which also operates the Mathias Ham Historic Site, is home to the National Rivers Hall of Fame, and supports a national outreach program called RiverWorks Discovery. Its mission is to inspire stewardship by creating educational experiences where history and rivers come alive.
The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium (NMRMA) Tour Guide is responsible for leading guided tours of the Museum & Aquarium campus to diverse groups of guests. NMRMA Tour Guides are offered flexible scheduling and are most commonly needed during summer months, though special events are scheduled in advance year-round. The majority of tours are scheduled Monday through Friday in the months of April, May, and June, with a chance for occasional evening and holiday hours. This position requires a high level of energy and enthusiasm to deliver engaging, interactive experiences for diverse audiences.
The Dubuque County Historical Society and its properties, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and Mathias Ham Historic Site, are committed to embracing diversity, practicing equity, and ensuring accessibility and inclusion. We continually strive to achieve a welcoming environment in all our spaces, where our staff and community feel reflected and valued for their unique perspectives and backgrounds. DEAI values guide and impact all the decisions the museum makes, both internal and external.
Primary duties
- Lead diverse groups of people on guided tours of the Museum & Aquarium campus
- Interpret important topics that are tailored to the audience and that support the organization’s mission, managing a pre-determined timeline
- Lead activities during special events
Additional duties
- Perform variable daily roles as assigned, including, but not limited to: MakerSpace, Boat Shop, Delta, W.M. Black dredge boat, Wet Lab, camps, overnights, outreach, and tours
- Follow all protocols, procedures, and uphold the Education Department Code of Conduct
- Remain comfortable, competent, and invested in history and related topics to ensure redundancy and cross-training are in place
- Attend mandatory, prescheduled training sessions
- Maintain written records in accordance with established practice and policy
- Keep all education areas clean, organized and hazard free, report maintenance needs, and perform minor maintenance tasks
- Engage in continued learning about machinery, animals, plants, and artifacts in institutional collection
Qualifications
- Prior exposure to informal learning processes, preferably in an aquarium, zoo, nature center, or museum setting is preferred
- Prior knowledge of history, culture, wildlife, and/or environmental issues of the Tri-State area and the Mississippi River is preferred
- Prior experience working with children is preferred
- A personal email account and phone number are required for information exchange
- Must be comfortable around the water, and indoors and outdoors in any weather
- Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language
- Must be capable of holding certification in First Aid and CPR
- Must be able to perform any physical demands of job duties, either with or without reasonable accommodation
- Final candidates will be subject to a reference and background check
How to apply
To learn more, visit www.rivermuseum.com/apply. Apply by emailing your resume, cover letter, and references to apply@rivermuseum.com or by delivering them in person to 350 E. 3rd St., Dubuque, IA 52001.
Research suggests that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that any applicant is able to meet all of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if you are drawn to this position and feel your strengths would be an asset to the organization, we highly encourage you to apply.
Department: Education
Full-time/Part-time: Seasonal with the possibility of Part Time after the season
Exempt/Non-Exempt: Non-exempt
Reports to: Director of Education
Staff reporting to this position: N/A
Location: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is an outgrowth of the Dubuque County Historical Society, which also operates the Mathias Ham Historic Site, is home to the National Rivers Hall of Fame, and supports a national outreach program called RiverWorks Discovery. Its mission is to inspire stewardship by creating educational experiences where history and rivers come alive.
Educators are primarily responsible for the presentation of engaging and inclusive educational programs. On-site and off-site programs highlight connections to the Mississippi River through history, conservation, and STEM topics, utilizing dynamic resources of the NMRMA campus to forge meaningful connections with all audiences. Some of these programs involve the use of live ambassador animals, requiring a degree of comfort around animals. In addition to regular interpretation on the floor, staff will assist with tours, youth camps, overnights, special events, birthday parties, school groups, outreach, and other areas. The specific assignments for each Educator on any given day will vary and are scheduled in advance whenever possible.
The Dubuque County Historical Society and its properties, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and Mathias Ham Historic Site, are committed to embracing diversity, practicing equity, and ensuring accessibility and inclusion. We continually strive to achieve a welcoming environment in all our spaces, where our staff and community feel reflected and valued for their unique perspectives and backgrounds. DEAI values guide and impact all the decisions the museum makes, both internal and external.
Primary duties
- Present and create exceptional and dynamic guest experiences in formal and informal settings.
- Develop and implement education programs, events, and activities for diverse audiences of all ages, including classes, camps, overnights, volunteer programs, tours, etc.
- Incorporate small and medium sized live animals, biological specimens, and/or historical artifacts and replicas whenever possible.
- Perform educational programs that include options such as: arts and crafts, live animals, games, activities, artifacts, props, etc.
- Perform variable daily roles as assigned, including, but not limited to: MakerSpace, Boat Shop, Delta, W.M. Black dredge boat, Wet Lab, camps, overnights, outreach, and tours
Additional duties
- Follow all protocols, procedures, and uphold the Education Department Code of Conduct
- Remain comfortable, competent, and invested in history, conservation, and STEM topics to ensure redundancy and cross-training are in place
- Attend mandatory, prescheduled training sessions
- Maintain written records in accordance with established practice and policy
- Keep all education areas clean, organized and hazard free, report maintenance needs, and perform minor maintenance tasks
- Engage in continued learning about machinery, animals, plants, and artifacts in institutional collection
Qualifications
- Relevant college course work, a Bachelor’s degree, or relevant experience with an emphasis on STEM fields including but not limited to engineering, computer science, graphic design, mathematics, biology, environmental science, ecology, history, anthropology, education, or a related field is encouraged but not required
- Prior exposure to informal learning processes, preferably in an aquarium, zoo, nature center, historic site, or museum setting is beneficial
- A personal email account and phone number are required for information exchange
- Must be comfortable around the water, and indoors and outdoors in any weather
- Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language
- Must be able to perform any physical demands of job duties, either with or without reasonable accommodation
- Final candidates will be subject to a reference and background check
How to apply
To learn more, visit www.rivermuseum.com/apply. Apply by emailing your resume, cover letter, and references to apply@rivermuseum.com or by delivering them in person to 350 E. 3rd St., Dubuque, IA 52001.
Research suggests that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that any applicant is able to meet all of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if you are drawn to this position and feel your strengths would be an asset to the organization, we highly encourage you to apply.
Department: Education
Full-time/Part-time: Seasonal with the possibility of Part Time after the season
Exempt/Non-Exempt: Non-exempt
Reports to: Education Program Manager
Staff reporting to this position: N/A
Location: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is an outgrowth of the Dubuque County Historical Society, which also operates the Mathias Ham Historic Site, is home to the National Rivers Hall of Fame, and supports a national outreach program called RiverWorks Discovery. Its mission is to inspire stewardship by creating educational experiences where history and rivers come alive.
The Seasonal Camp Educator is responsible for planning and teaching experiential week-long day camps for elementary aged students. Camp Educators require a high level of energy and enthusiasm to deliver engaging, interactive experiences, including but not limited to age-appropriate academic lessons, crafts, and games, for a diverse audience.
The Dubuque County Historical Society and its properties, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and Mathias Ham Historic Site, are committed to embracing diversity, practicing equity, and ensuring accessibility and inclusion. We continually strive to achieve a welcoming environment in all our spaces, where our staff and community feel reflected and valued for their unique perspectives and backgrounds. DEAI values guide and impact all the decisions the museum makes, both internal and external.
Primary duties
- Lead daily operational aspects of weekly summer camp sessions
- This includes, but is not limited to, collaboratively planning and delivering educational content, engaging campers in hands-on activities, and overseeing classroom management
- Supervise all children enrolled in seasonal program
- Summer camp instructors implement daily activities and ensure the safety and physical well-being of participants
- Provide fun and engaging experiences for campers
Additional duties
- Attend mandatory, prescheduled training sessions
- Maintain written records in accordance with established practice and policy
- Keep all education areas clean, organized and hazard free, report maintenance needs, and perform minor housekeeping tasks
- Engage in continued learning about artifacts, animals, and plants in institutional collection
- Provide an exceptional experience for all guests
- Provide accurate information at all times
Qualifications
- Comfortability in communicating to children of all ages and delivering instruction in an informal setting
- Summer camp instructors work primarily with elementary-aged youth and must be able to deliver developmentally-appropriate curriculum using positive behavior management strategies
- Prior exposure to informal learning processes, preferably in an aquarium, zoo, nature center, or museum setting is preferred
- Prior knowledge of history, culture, wildlife, and/or environmental issues of the Tri-State area and the Mississippi River is preferred
- Demonstrated enthusiasm and a willingness to learn
- Proficient communication skills
- Ability to complete tasks with minimal supervision and possession of the flexibility and initiative to problem solve on the go
- A personal email account and phone number are required for information exchange
- Must be comfortable around the water, and indoors and outdoors in any weather
- Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language
- Must be able to perform any physical demands of job duties, either with or without reasonable accommodation
- Final candidates will be subject to a reference and background check
How to apply
To learn more, visit www.rivermuseum.com/apply. Apply by emailing your resume, cover letter, and references to apply@rivermuseum.com or by delivering them in person to 350 E. 3rd St., Dubuque, IA 52001.
Research suggests that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that any applicant is able to meet all of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if you are drawn to this position and feel your strengths would be an asset to the organization, we highly encourage you to apply.