Employment

Working at Olana

  • Current Openings

    The Olana Partnership  Seasonal Site Interpreter  

    Reports to: Senior Manager of Visitor Services & Engagement 

    FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, hourly 

    Schedule: Part-time; approximately 12-18 hours per week, Mid-May – October

    Position Description 

    The Olana Partnership (TOP), a private not-for-profit education organization, works cooperatively with New York State to inspire the public by preserving and interpreting Olana, Frederic Church’s artistic master work. Our collective vision is a fully restored Olana, vibrant with the activity of students, visitors, scholars, and artists; and to be the most widely recognized artist’s home and studio in the world. 

    Olana’s Interpreters deliver an engaging educational experience for our visitors by means of public tours of the designed landscape and Olana’s architectural elements, particularly the Main House, in all weather. Interpreters also participate in visitor engagement, welcoming visitors and providing orientation and general information.  Formal training in all aspects of the position, including health and safety procedures, collections safety, customer service and historical content is provided. Interpreters may also be assigned limited clerical duties and asked to support programming and operations as needed. 

     

    • Commitment must be made for the entire 2024 season, May 14 – November 3, with up to 15 additional paid hours of training before June 1, 2023. 
    • Minimum of two shifts per week required; three shifts per week preferred. Must commit to at least one weekend day (Saturday-Sunday) for the duration of the season and be flexible with schedules to help cover additional days with colleagues. Some holidays may be required. 
    • Must be able to work in all types of weather and be comfortable working in outside environments. 

    Required Qualifications
     

    • English fluency required; fluency in Spanish is an asset; 
    • Current driver’s license required, 
    • Display a sociable and welcoming personality; 
    • Ability to work as part of a team and interact with people from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures; 
    • Desire to expand knowledge and learn in a cooperative environment; 
    • Must be able to interact with the public in a professional and courteous manner at all times; 
    • Professional appearance is required; must be willing to wear a uniform element and name tag that allows Interpreters to be easily identified by the general public. 
    • Ability and willingness to walk 1-2 miles a day, walk on uneven ground, stand for prolonged periods of time, drive an electric vehicle (training provided), stay engaged with audiences on tours; 
    • Be highly attentive to detail; 
    • Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment; 
    • Must consent to a background check required of all staff and volunteers at Olana. 

    Preferred Qualifications 

    • Bachelor’s Degree (or currently working toward a degree) preferred, 
    •  A documented interest in at least one of the following is encouraged: history, decorative arts, art history, landscape design, environmental history and policy, museum education and interpretation; 
    • CPR certified a plus; 

    Salary Range: $21.00 per hour. 

    To Apply:
    Submit resume and cover letter in PDF format to hreuter@olana.org, with applicant name and position title in the subject line. Application acceptance closes April 15, 2024. 

    As required by NYS OPRHP, all candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening, and all offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. 

    Olana State Historic Site is a tobacco-free environment. 

    The Olana Partnership is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 

    About Olana and The Olana Partnership: Olana is the greatest masterwork of Frederic Edwin Church (1826-1900), the preeminent American artist of the mid-19th century and the most important artist’s home, studio, and designed landscape in the United States. Church designed Olana as a holistic environment integrating his advanced ideas about art, architecture, landscape design, and environmental conservation. Olana’s 250-acre artist-designed landscape with five miles of carriage roads and a Persian-inspired house at its summit embraces unrivaled panoramic views of the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains and welcomes more than 170,000 visitors annually. The landscape is open for guided touring, and reservations are highly recommended. The landscape is open daily 8 AM-sunset.  

     

    The Olana Partnership is the not-for-profit cooperative partner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation at Olana State Historic Site.

     

     

    The Olana Partnership Research Assistant/Associate Part-Time (3 days/week)

    Description 

    The Research Assistant/Associate will be a core member of The Olana Partnership (TOP) curatorial team, working closely with the Associate Curator and Exhibitions Manager. The Research Assistant/Associate provides research support for collections and exhibitions projects and responds to queries from both TOP staff and external scholars and researchers on all aspects of Olana State Historic Site’s history and collections. In collaboration with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) and the Bureau of Historic Sites (BHS), the Research Assistant/Associate maintains and facilitates access to Olana’s research collection and reference library. This is a part-time position and the flexible title reflects TOP’s interest in evaluating qualified candidates at a range of experience levels. 

    Duties and Responsibilities 

    • Provide ongoing research support for major curatorial projects such as exhibitions, publications, and collections conservation initiatives 
    • Respond to research inquiries from TOP staff and external scholars and researchers, coordinating research visits and access to collections and library resources on-site and at the off-site BHS facility when required 
    • Assemble research files and briefings on frequently asked questions and emerging topics of interest to support the evolving interpretation of Olana 
    • Contribute to editing and fact-checking of written materials including exhibition texts, interpretive signs, social media posts, and press releases 
    • Orient and train TOP staff on the use of reference materials to conduct independent research 
    • Process new materials for and perform ongoing maintenance of Olana’s research collection and reference library  

    Qualifications 

    • BA in history, art history, or related subject; Master of Library and Information Science a plus 
    • Experience using online and library research tools and conducting archival research 
    • Familiarity with database programs, particularly TMS Collections; proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite  
    • Strong written and oral communication skills with attention to detail and commitment to accuracy 
    • Organization and self-motivation with ability to prioritize across multiple projects  
    • Curiosity and ability to become passionate about sharing Olana with the world 
    • A valid driver’s license 
    • Ability to lift and carry 40 pounds 

    Compensation: $20 – $25/hour based on experience; paid holiday, vacation, and sick time. 

    Application Procedure 

    Candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to jbatterton@olana.org. 

     

     

    Manager, Visitor Services & Engagement, The Olana Partnership 

    Reports to: Senior Manager of Visitor Services & Engagement

    FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, salaried

    Schedule: Full time; variable schedule, weekend availability essential

     

    Position Description

    Reporting to The Olana Partnership (TOP)’s Senior Manager of Visitor Services & Engagement (SMVSE), the Manager for Visitor Services & Engagement assists with the management of The Olana Partnership (TOP)’s public touring program and provides excellent customer service in all weather and all seasons. The Manager will perform a wide range of administrative duties that support The Olana Partnership (TOP)’s larger interpretive and engagement vision, and will enforce health, safety, and collections care procedures ensure the well-being of visitors, staff, and the historic collection. Formal training in all aspects of the position, including health and safety procedures, collections safety, and historical content is provided. This position is full-time, and requires a flexible schedule with the ability to work weekends and some evenings a must.

    Responsibilities

    • Oversee daily public tour operations, including scheduling, logistics, and communication with staff and public visitors;
    • Along with SMVSE, train and evaluate over 30 seasonal part-time staff;
    • Process and manage tour ticket sales;
    • Provide phone and general administrative support;
    • Respond promptly to special requests and on-site emergencies (CPR training provided);
    • Ensure that staff is employing proper safety and collections care protocols at all times;
    • Manage, operate, and train staff on ticketing and scheduling systems;
    • Manage coordination and execution of group tours and specialty touring;
    • Assist with staff and tour scheduling;
    • Assist with creating monthly attendance and revenue reports;
    • Field questions, comments, and concerns from Visitor Services & Engagement staff in a fair and professional manner;
    • Communicate with SMVSE regarding visitor feedback and inquiries;
    • Provide support to front-line operations (greeting, orientation, and parking coordination) on an as-needed basis;
    • Assists in tour planning and development;
    • Plans and evaluates touring structure, schedule, and staffing needs;
    • Serve as lead responder in the event of an emergency; maintain records of any accidents or medical incidents;
    • Collaborate with managerial staff around developing an operations plan for the Frederic Church Visitor Center, currently under construction, opening later this year;
    • Other duties as assigned.

    Qualifications

    • Bachelor’s Degree and two years’ experience in fast-paced customer service operations; experience in historic site or museum setting a plus;
    • High-level computer literacy is essential, and high-level proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite programs and database systems is required;
    • Ability to engage with Visitor Services staff in a positive and professional manner;
    • Flexibility and the ability to multi-task are essential;
    • Strong interpersonal, organizational, written, and verbal skills;
    • Must be available to work full weekends and some evenings;
    • Valid driver’s license;
    • Ability to walk on uneven ground, stand for prolonged periods of time, and lift 40 pounds;
    • Ability to think quickly and problem-solve;
    • Must be able and willing to work in all kinds of outdoor weather and environments.

    Salary: $43,000—$50,000, commensurate with experience.

    To Apply

    Submit resume and cover letter in PDF format to hreuter@olana.org, with applicant name and position title in the subject line. As required by NYS OPRHP, all candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening, and all offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. Olana State Historic Site is a tobacco-free environment. The Olana Partnership is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

    About Olana and The Olana Partnership: Olana is the greatest masterwork of Frederic Edwin Church (1826-1900), the preeminent American artist of the mid-19th century and the most important artist’s home, studio, and designed landscape in the United States. Church designed Olana as a holistic environment integrating his advanced ideas about art, architecture, landscape design, and environmental conservation. Olana’s 250-acre artist-designed landscape with five miles of carriage roads and a Persian-inspired house at its summit embraces unrivaled panoramic views of the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains and welcomes more than 170,000 visitors annually. The landscape is open for guided touring, and reservations are highly recommended. The landscape is open daily 8 AM-sunset.  Olana State Historic Site, administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, is a designated National Historic Landmark and one of the most visited sites in the state. The Olana Partnership is the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit cooperative partner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation at Olana State Historic Site.

     

    Assistant/Associate Curator, The Olana Partnership

    Description
    The Olana Partnership (TOP) seeks a highly-motivated, intellectually accomplished and curious, and creative individual for the role of Assistant/Associate Curator at Olana State Historic Site. The flexible title reflects TOP’s interest in evaluating qualified candidates at a range of experience levels as specified below. The Assistant/Associate Curator works under the direction of TOP’s senior management team and in a collaborative partnership with colleagues at the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) and the Bureau of Historic Sites (BHS) to plan and implement projects to research, preserve, and interpret Olana’s nationally significant collections, which are the property of New York State. This position also engages with scholars, artists, and guest curators to develop a program of temporary and permanent exhibitions.

    Through 2026, the Assistant/Associate Curator will have the opportunity to work closely with The Olana Partnership (TOP)’s Senior Consulting Curator, Elizabeth Kornhauser, who is leading TOP’s Church 200 initiative to mark the bicentennial of Frederic Church’s birth in 2026.

    Duties and Responsibilities:

      • Leads exhibition development by researching and presenting exhibition concepts and identifying key collaborators in support of TOP’s strategic goals; takes lead curatorial role in select exhibitions;
      • Working with the Senior Consulting Curator, supports Church 200 special exhibitions and related programs;
      • Supports guest curators in developing and implementing special exhibitions by coordinating with OPRHP/BHS staff to facilitate collections access and assisting with exhibition research, writing, and installation planning;
      • Works collaboratively with OPRHP/BHS staff as an advocate of Olana’s permanent collection to research, conserve, exhibit, publish, and loan collections in support of TOP’s strategic goals;
      • Seeks and cultivates potential acquisitions for Olana’s permanent collection as governed by the Collections Policy;
      • Coordinates and leads presentation of exhibitions, loans, and acquisitions to BHS Collections Committee;
      • Provides quarterly reports on curatorial projects to senior management;
      • In collaboration with OPRHP/BHS staff, identifies priorities for conservation treatment and supports conservation projects;
      • In collaboration with TOP education and visitor services staff, develops and supports on-site interpretive tools and programs;
      • Maintains relationships with individuals and institutions to foster collaborative research, exhibitions, and programs;
      • Coordinates research access to Olana’s resources in support of internal and external project development and scholarship;
      • Participates in group and private tours of the house and other interpretive and educational programs; serves as a voice for Olana through public speaking and writing;
      • Contributes curatorial content for TOP communications (printed, digital, social media etc.);
      • Works with TOP senior management and development staff to seek and secure funding for collections and exhibitions projects.

    Qualifications:

      • MA in art history, history, or related fields, Ph.D. a plus;
      • 2-5 years’ experience developing exhibitions and/or any other aspects of working with collections and archives;
      • Strong written and oral communication skills, with a record of writing and speaking for both scholarly and general audiences;
      • Strong organizational and computer skills, with ability to manage multiple competing projects and deadlines;
      • Leadership skills and ability to build and sustain productive relationships inside and outside the organization; demonstrated flexibility and experience working with artists and guest curators;
      • Experience conducting in-depth research and translating complicated ideas into engaging exhibitions, publications, and programs; ability to become passionate about the mission of sharing Olana with the world;
      • Experience with and knowledge of art handling and conservation best practices a plus;
      • Experience with and knowledge of field-specific fundraising processes a plus;
      • Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends when needed;
      • A valid driver’s license
      • Ability to lift and carry 40 pounds

    Salary Range: $45,000 – $65,000

    Application Procedure:
    Candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and one writing sample to jbatterton@olana.org. Please note that review of applications will begin on January 29, 2024.

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    The Olana Partnership: Per Diem Educator, K-12 Programs

    Department: Education
    Reports to: Education Coordinator
    FLSA Status: Per Diem

    *Now hiring educators fluent in Spanish and Bangla

    Position Description
    The Olana Partnership seeks two Per Diem Educators to join the Education staff to provide interactive experiences for K-12 school audiences at Olana State Historic Site. Olana’s field trip curricula focus on art history, art education, civic readiness, social studies, English language arts, and environmental sciences through place-based learning at a landmark site of American art. Onsite and virtual tours incorporate inquiry-based teaching strategies and hands on activities to foster learning experiences for a wide range of school audiences from kindergarten through high school. Per Diem educators will participate in trainings and facilitate The Olana Partnership’s field trip curricula onsite. There is some flexibility as to which days of the week candidates are available, but priority will be given to those who can work Tuesdays-Fridays from 9:00-1:00pm and can be available two or more days a week.

    The Olana Partnership (TOP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization whose mission is to preserve and interpret Olana, Frederic Church’s artistic masterwork. We operate Olana State Historic Site in a cooperative agreement with the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Comprised of a 250-acre designed landscape containing a Persian-inspired house and studio and a historic farm complex, Olana is a masterwork of American landscape art created over 40 years (1860-1900) by famed Hudson River School artist Frederic Church. The Olana Partnership’s (TOP’s) vision is to make Olana the most widely recognized artist’s home and studio in the world, and since our founding in 1971 we have worked closely with our New York State partners to make this vision a reality. Olana hosts more than 170,000 visitors annually and is a National Historic Landmark. TOP continuously introduces new educational programs to reflect our vision of Olana as a true teaching museum, offering diverse learning experiences like field trips, virtual webinars, workshops, and classes, walking tours, family programs, and events.

    Responsibilities:

    • Implement field trips and school programs by engaging students in inquiry and hands-on activities for groups in grades K – 12.
    • Attend 1-3 trainings led by The Olana Partnership staff throughout the year.
    • Work within the guidelines for each school tour curriculum to design a lesson plan for specific tour groups responsive to grade level and developmental needs.
    • Prepare materials, research, and teaching tools for your group’s visit.
    • Clean up after each group’s visit and aid the Education Coordinator in maintaining the organization of the Wagon House Education Center.
    • Work with full-time staff to communicate about group needs, and concerns about programs, and/or evaluate programs as needed.

    Qualifications:

    • BA or BS in art, art education, education, history, art history, or museum studies.
    • Prior K-12 teaching experience is required.
    • Prior experiences teaching in a museum or cultural setting is appreciated.
    • Excellent communication skills an enthusiasm for working with school-aged children is a must.
    • An interest in researching content related to Frederic Church’s Olana to prepare for field trips; an ability to learn and retain information to support age-appropriate program facilitation.
    • A reflective approach and ability to think creatively.
    • Ability to work independently and proactively while being a team player.
    • An interest in fostering accessible and equitable experiences for school groups in museum and cultural spaces.
    • Commitment to DEI initiatives and accessibility within education environments. Documentation of this commitment preferred.
    • English fluency required; Spanish language fluency is a plus.
    • Red Cross First Aid Certification preferred

    Works on select program days when available Tuesdays-Fridays. Must be able to carry chairs and tables (around 30lbs), walk longer distances during outdoor programs, and work outside in all seasons. Please note that all per diem educators will be required to go through a background check.

    Compensation:
    Educators are paid $200 per program ($100 for abridged tours). This rate is inclusive of prep, research and clean-up. Training rate is $20 per hour.
    To apply, please submit a resume, short cover letter, and a sample lesson plan demonstrating your past experiences working with youth audiences in an educational capacity to education@olana.org.

     

  • Internships

    The Olana Partnership at Olana State Historic Site offers annual internships in different departments and areas of responsibility. Internships aim to teach research and administrative methods and project assignments are tailored to interns’ specific interests. Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis based on availability. Submit a brief cover letter and resume via email to Carolyn Keogh or call 518-567-2170 for more information.

    At this time, there are no specific internship openings.