Part-time staffers train at the Newseum (Jessica Hall)

Wanted at the Newseum: Part-Timers, Volunteers

The Newseum is moving closer to its goal of recruiting 180 part-time visitor services representatives to work at the museum when it opens in 2008.

"We’re looking for a variety of people whose focus is customer service," said Matthew Borowsky, senior manager of visitor services and admissions.

A job fair that was held in November went so well that another one is being considered, Borowsky said.

Visitor services employees will be required to work a minimum of 16 hours per week, with two eight-hour shifts, and be flexible for work on weekends, evenings and holidays. Part-time staff will be paid $13 per hour.

The Newseum also needs 500 volunteers to work in a variety of positions behind the scenes and in the museum’s 70,000 square feet of exhibit space.

"We’re operating in a humongous building that requires volunteers for programs and activities all the time," said Ron Crocheron, volunteer services manager.

So far, 125 people have volunteered. A minimum of four hours a week is required, and volunteers can expect to work at some evening programs and special events. Past volunteers have included a 16-year-old student and an 80-year-old with a Ph.D. Several former volunteers have been hired as full- or part-time Newseum employees.

The ideal volunteers, according to Crocheron, are those who are "committed to First Amendment freedoms, journalism and the media, and helping to run a superb organization."

For more information, visit the Jobs and Volunteers sections of this Web site.