The Great Plains Art Museum at the Center for Great Plains Studies is seeking applications for the part-time Visitor Services Associate (VSA) position. As the first point of contact for visitors, the VSA is responsible for creating a welcoming environment and providing clear and accurate information about the organization. Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, professional, and able to engage with visitors from diverse communities and age groups. A knowledge of or interest in art and/or the Great Plains is preferred but not required.
General duties and expectations
• Maintain a well-informed, working knowledge of the exhibitions, programs, and services available at the museum
• Greet visitors upon entry and monitor the galleries to ensure the safety of visitors and the artwork
• Perform daily tasks such as opening and closing the galleries, answering the phone, and operating the museum store
• Assist with event setup and management as needed
• Perform other duties as needed to assist full-time staff
About the Great Plains Art Museum
As an extension of the Center for Great Plains Studies, the Great Plains Art Museum collects, preserves, exhibits, and interprets art and literature that cultivate awareness of and engagement with the diverse people, cultures, and natural environments of the Great Plains. The museum’s permanent collection was founded in 1980 with a generous donation of art and literature of the American West from Dr. John and Elizabeth Christlieb of Bellevue, Nebraska. The collection has since expanded to focus on Indigenous artists and other significant Great Plains themes. Each year, the museum highlights both the collection and contemporary artists in exhibitions that represent the varied voices and perspectives of the region.
The museum is located at 1155 Q Street (on the corner of 12th & Q Streets), and is open Tuesday–Saturday, 10 AM–5 PM. The museum is closed major US holidays, University breaks, and the days of home football games. Learn more at go.unl.edu/plainsart.
Compensation
$13.50 per hour
Hours and Availability
• The museum is currently seeking applicants for summer 2025 (late May to late August), but preference will be given to applicants interested in continuing in this position in the fall 2025 semester.
• During the summer, the applicant must be available to work a minimum of 15 hours per week during the museum’s public hours (Tuesday to Saturday, 10 AM–5 PM). The applicant must be available to work at least two Saturdays per month. If the applicant continues in this position in the fall, the museum will work with them to determine a schedule that accommodates their academic commitments.
• The applicant may be asked to work occasional evening events.
Who can apply
• Students enrolled at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln
• Students from all school years (Freshman–Graduate Level)
• This position is eligible for Federal Work-Study during the academic year, but Federal Work-Study eligibility is not required for the summer.
How to apply
Apply via Handshake (job #9869787) or by emailing the following to ashley.wilkinson@unl.edu:
• Cover letter*
• Resume
• Work availability for summer 2025
* If you are eligible for Federal Work-Study during the academic year, please indicate that in your cover letter.
Applications will be accepted through May 8, 2025.
Interviews will be conducted May 10–15, 2025.
The tentative start date for this position is May 27, 2025.
Please direct questions to ashley.wilkinson@unl.edu or (402) 472-0599.