Photographers – schedule a photo shoot inside the Mansion while it is beautifully decorated for the holidays. Current season pass holders receive a 50% discount. Act fast to schedule this rare opportunity!
Visitor Services Assistant
JOB SUMMARY
This seasonal position administers tasks related to Visitor Services, Events, and Programming under the supervision of the Sr. Manager of Operations, according to the organization’s standards and processes, ensuring a positive, creative, and mission-based experience for Oatlands visitors. Visitor Services Assistants work from the Administrative Building and Gift Shop Center, providing support.
DUTIES
- With guidance from the Sr. Manager of Operations, assist with implementing events and programs through thoughtful planning to engage visitor experience.
- Keep events and programs on schedule following established site practices, keeping within approved budgets by tracking expenditures.
- Help support a welcoming and efficient “front of house” operation that includes detailed attention to admissions and ticketing procedures, telephone communications, shop sales, visitor amenities, general inbox inquiries, and fulfilling box office requests.
- Ensure quality experiences by assisting with group bookings and payment; working closely with the staff scheduler to ensure a seamless experience for group visits.
- Offer timely and consistent feedback to the supervisor regarding each program and event; and foster an entrepreneurial team approach through support, planning, and coordination of events/programs and the smooth functioning of their activities.
- Frequent weekend, evening, and event coverage are expected and required.
- Additional duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge of and enthusiasm for history, architecture, or other cultural topics related to the site with at least 2+ years of demonstrated relevant experience in interpretative/educational programming, is preferred.
- Previous experience in visitor service oversight, including leading teams and/or supervising other staff is preferred. Previous experience in retail and customer service at a museum, historic or cultural setting is a plus.
- Basic math and cash handling skills required. Experience with point-of-sale retail systems, registers, and ticketing systems; Square preferred.
- Excellent writing, spelling, grammar, and proofreading skills, as well as strong verbal communication and customer service skills. Strong organizational skills.
- Experience successfully interacting with key stakeholders. Ability to collaborate and achieve results. When working in the office, public contact, and the ability to work successfully in close proximity to others are required. When working off-site, the ability to work effectively in a remote environment, maintaining productivity and communications to meet deadlines and goals, is required.
- Demonstrated success in working with culturally diverse colleagues, stakeholders, and a culturally diverse audience. Ability to speak and read English fluently. Bi-lingual language skills are a plus.
- Ability to prioritize, multi-task efficiently and respond to a high volume of ongoing requests in a timely fashion. Ability to adapt and be flexible in a dynamic work environment. Ability to work effectively with frequent interruptions required. Able to handle frequently changing and/or unscheduled tasks with accuracy. Entrepreneurial spirit and skill set are a plus.
- Ability to continually develop skills related to the use of rapidly changing technology and communications best practices.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office products required, including Outlook, Word, and Excel. Experience with website maintenance and other online promotional tools.
- Regular and reliable attendance is required.
- Ability to work weekdays, weekends, Holidays, and evenings as needed. Regular and reliable attendance is required.
- Minimum physical requirements include but are not limited to the ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs. and the ability to stand frequently and climb stairs.
Please contact Tracy Drash at tdrash@savingplaces.org to apply.
Martin Buchanan, Civil War
Martin Buchanan left Oatlands in 1863 and enlisted in Company G of the 2nd United States Colored Infantry. He served throughout the Civil War. He returned to Loudoun, bought property in nearby Gleedsville, and raised a family there. A descendant of the Buchanans has served their country in every war since.
Philip, John & James Buchanan, WWII
Three of Martin Buchanan’s grandsons, served in World War II. From left to right: Philip in the Navy; John in the Army; and James in the Air Force. James, shown here in his chauffeur uniform, worked as a chauffeur for the Eustis and Finley families until the early 1970s.
William Eustis, WWI
William Eustis served as the personal secretary to General Pershing during the First World War.
Valentine B. Johnson, WWI
Valentine B. Johnson served during World War I and made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. He was killed during the War and is memorialized on the WWI monument on the courthouse lawn. Sadly, he and his cousin, Sandy Johnson, as well as African American men across the country,were honored for their war service on monuments that segregate their names from the white soldiers who served. Despite fighting for their country, the war’s survivors returned home to segregated schools, restaurants, and other barriers that did not recognize them as equal citizens.
Segregated World War I Plaque
Loudoun County to replace segregated World War I plaque on Veterans Day
The World War I memorial plaque in Leesburg, which racially segregated the names of 30 black and white service members, will be replaced with an updated version Thursday on Veterans Day, according to Loudoun County officials.
A descendant of a person previously enslaved at Oatlands is listed on the current World War I memorial plaque on the Loudoun County Courthouse grounds. Valentine B. Johnson’s name is currently listed in the segregated section of the plaque for African American veterans. This will be corrected on Veteran’s Day with the dedication of a new plaque that does not segregate the veteran’s names.
Oatlands honors the service of Valentine B. Johnson and all veterans whose names have been segregated or unrecorded.
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Amy Berringer Ceramics
Amy Berringer was raised in Jackson Hole Wyoming and currently lives in Northern Virginia. She works in a variety of art mediums, each transcending into the next. She primarily works as a professional photographer, but is also a talented ceramic artist, painter, graphic designer and art educator.