Join Our Team

Department: Guest Services/Banquets
Full-time/Part-time: Part-time
Exempt/Non-Exempt: Non-exempt
Reports to: Sales and Banquet 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.

Banquet Associates and Banquet Bartenders are part of a team that coordinate and help to manage all aspects of afterhours banquet operations for groups hosting events at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. An ideal candidate is someone that can take direction and contribute to a team setting, has exceptional service skills, is organized, and positively portrays the organization. This position requires a flexible schedule working evening and weekend hours. This position is paid hourly with an opportunity to earn additional income.

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

• Banquet Associates work under the direction of the Sales & Banquet Manager along with banquet team assisting in all aspects of the event including but not limited to: tables/chairs set up/tear down, food service, help bartenders, dish washing, etc. 
• Provide an exceptional experience for all guests of the DCHS and NMRM&A
• Communicate effectively with Sales & Banquet Manager and banquet staff to ensure all event needs are met
• Present the museum positively by maintaining clean and presentable work areas

Qualifications

• Previous customer service experience with banquet and/or bartending experience preferred, but not required
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Must maintain composure, objectivity, and quick decision-making under pressure
• Cash-handling experience
• Ability to prioritize, focus, and manage time effectively
• Compliance with the mission of the DCHS and the NMRM&A
• 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.org/apply. From website, download application and email to apply@rivermuseum.org or mail/deliver in person Attn: Teri Witt 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:  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.org/apply.  Apply by emailing your resume, cover letter, and references to apply@rivermuseum.org 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: Full-time              
Exempt/Non-Exempt: Non-exempt
Reports to: Director of Education
Staff reporting to this position: Educators as assigned
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 Makerspace & Camp Coordinator will be tasked with creating STEM-based and history-focused curriculum and other educational materials that can be utilized by all of the River Museum’s Educators in our MakerSpace and Camps. Quality programs will 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. Strong candidates will have a desire to use their curriculum development, interpretation, and leadership skills to support the mission and vision of the NMRMA and the entire Dubuque County Historical Society, while successfully executing new and existing education programs.

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.

Primary duties

• Lead creation, presentation, and evaluation of STEM-based interpretative activities and programs for our MakerSpace
  • Collaborate with the Education team to align curriculum to core standards and mission
  • Provide training and coordination to team of around 30 educators about how to use the machines, convey safety protocols, and provide instruction on interpretive scripts and outlines
  • Mentor staff to ensure that interpretation and MakerSpace programs are effectively delivered
  • Implement comprehensive evaluation program in collaboration with other Education staff
• Oversee the use, maintenance and care of all equipment in the space such as 3D printers, Glowforge, Chromebooks, Cricut, etc.
• Lead creation, scheduling, presentation, and evaluation of the educational outcomes of in both formal and informal learning settings relating to camps
  • Support operational aspects of all camp sessions such as Summer Camp, Winter Break Camp and Schools Out Ed-Ventures
  • 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
  • Collaborate with camp instructors implement daily activities and ensure the safety and physical well-being of participants
  • Provide fun and engaging experiences for campers
• Assist with supervision of the Education department staff and volunteers
  • Ensure staff acts in a cohesive manner
  • Ensure staff follows procedures and upholds the Education Department Code of Conduct
  • Assign responsibilities to Education staff, assist with daily tasks, and provide alternate coverage for team members as needed
  • Coach, motivate, train, and instruct staff and volunteers
  • Act as a visible mentor and role model at all times
  • Provide alternate coverage for other team members as needed
  • In collaboration with Education Manager, perform annual performance reviews for direct reports listed above
  • Engage all Education staff and delegate as appropriate to maximize their unique and individual talents and skill sets
  • Act as Educator On Duty (EOD) as scheduled
  • Attend department meetings

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, tours, and educational events
• Incorporate small and medium sized live animals, biological specimens, and/or historical artifacts and replicas whenever possible
• Lead educational programs that include options such as: arts and crafts, live animals, games, activities, artifacts, props, etc.
• 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 practices and departmental policies
• Keep all education areas clean, organized and hazard free, report maintenance needs, and perform minor maintenance tasks
• Engage in continued learning about animals, plants, historical artifacts, and STEM components of institutional collection
• Maintain working relationships with local and regional educational organizations to foster collaborations

Qualifications

• Relevant college course work and/or a Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in museum studies, education, biology, chemistry, engineering, environmental science, ecology, history, anthropology, or related field is strongly preferred
• Prior exposure to history, conservation, and STEM education concepts and curriculum development in PreK-16 school and/or informal learning setting is strongly preferred
• A minimum of 2 years of paid education experience with formal or informal learning processes, ideally in a museum, aquarium, zoo, or nature center is preferred
• Possess a curiosity to identify and creatively facilitate strategies which engage audiences with making and design
• Must show an interest in developing oneself and demonstrating leadership within the informal education field
• Must have familiarity with computers and the Microsoft Office suite of programs
• Must demonstrate superb team-building skills with an ability to instill a positive and productive attitude in others
• Must learn quickly and be self-motivated to elevate personal skill set
• Must possess exemplary decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Must demonstrate the ability to work with all people in a positive and productive manner at all times
• Must possess the ability to adapt quickly and be flexible in any scenario, as well as maintain considerable patience
• Must be capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently
• 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 hold or be able to possess an Iowa, Wisconsin or Illinois driver’s license within 3 months of hire
• 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.org/apply.  Apply by emailing your resume, cover letter, and references to apply@rivermuseum.org 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.

Blacksmith volunteers work in either the boat shop or the blacksmith shop to help with electrical, woodworking, blacksmithing, building, and repair projects for the Museum & Aquarium. Volunteer blacksmiths also conduct demonstrations for guests during certain special events throughout the year. Those interested in this position do not need to have previous blacksmithing experience, but must be interested in learning skill work to demonstrate for visitors.

Equipment and basic training is provided upon starting in this position.

Conservation volunteers work alongside our Curator of Conservation Programs on daily, weekly, and monthly projects in the community, including habitat restoration, campus habitat care, greenhouse tending, mussel survey work, prairie, forest, and woodland restoration days, river cleanups, seed harvesting, and more. Those interested will be scheduled and contacted about opportunities as they arise. 

Volunteers will provide support for the Curatorial Services (historical collections) department at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium/Dubuque County Historical Society.

Duties may include but are not limited to:

• Assists collections management staff with object handling, documentation, exhibit installation/deinstallation.
• Verifies, updates, or catalogs information on collection items in the database.
• Correlates items with the correct paper and database files.  
• Digitally photographs or scans each item and adds images to the database.
• Researches items in the collection.
• Assists with proper storage and housing of collection items.

Applicants should possess:

• Ability to work as part of a team and follow specific directions.
• Strong computer skills, such as experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.

Volunteers will assist Development staff with matching pre-scanned documents to donation records in our database, Altru. The scanned document would then be attached to the file associated to that record. Training is provided and once understood the volunteer can work independently.

Applicants should possess:

• A comfortability in working with computers
• Attention to detail

Note: An NDA must be signed by Development volunteers as files and documents may contain sensitive donor information

The volunteer greeter is one of the first individuals that the guests of the Museum & Aquarium interact with. Greeters welcome each visitor to our campus, provide them with a map, and direct them to the various features and exhibits of the Museum & Aquarium. This includes explaining the different buildings and areas, highlighting certain animals, and going over the daily activities being offered.

Basic training is provided prior to starting in this position.

Living Collections volunteers will help to provide daily care of various animals at the Museum &  Aquarium. This may include daily feedings and enclosure cleaning, making and documenting observations related to animal health and well-being, maintaining written and electronic records, testing water quality, and following other Living Collections procedures.

A typical Living Collections volunteer will possess a high school diploma, a background or experience relating to animal husbandry, and be able to commit to a minimum of 8 hours a week with the team.

Extensive training is provided upon starting this position.

The volunteer receptionist is stationed in the administration office of the Mississippi River Center. Receptionists answer all incoming calls during normal business hours and direct them accordingly. They will also greet, welcome, and direct all in-person guests who arrive for meetings and other business. Various mailings and other administrative and office-related tasks also fall under this position.

Basic training is provided upon starting this position.

Special events volunteers assist with the Museum & Aquarium's events throughout the year, ranging from small to large scale. Typical tasks may include set up and tear down, helping facilitate crafts, games, and experiments, food preparation, ticketing, historical demonstrations, dressing up in character, and more. Those interested will be contacted about opportunities as they arise. 

Down in the Delta volunteers work alongside a museum educator to interpret and inform guests who visit the Delta touch tank about the various rays and skates on exhibit. Volunteers are also responsible for helping to maintain the safety of both the animals and guests, such as instructing guests to rinse their hands before touching the animals, explaining the proper technique to touch and feed the animals, and providing basic facts about the rays and skates to enrich guests’ experience.

Basic training is provided prior to starting in this position.

The Banquet intern will assist the Sales & Guest Services Department with the booking, planning, coordination, preparation, and post-event needs of all after-hours banquet operations for events at NMRMA. This may include weddings, receptions, corporate events, and other similar gatherings.

Primary Duties

• Participate in organizing and executing events
• Attend client meetings or participate in client phone calls
• Set tables, chairs, and other equipment to the specification of the client
• Collaborate with Banquet service and Banquet bartenders as to achieve the overall success of the event
• Break down and store tables, chairs and other equipment at the conclusion of an event
• Clean and maintain all event space to the standards of the organization

Application
Please send application, resume, and cover letter materials to Kristen Leffler at kleffler@rivermuseum.org. Details and information can be found on www.rivermuseum.org/join-our-team.

Are you interested in getting hands-on, outside of the classroom experience in the environmental field and becoming a member of the next generation of conservation heroes?  The Conservation Programs internship allows for the opportunity to understand the role of action-oriented conservation campaigns and participate in networking opportunities with and learn from conservation professionals.

Primary Duties

• Facilitate in-situ community-based conservation action programming with area conservation partners targeting family audiences. Programming may include but is no limited to:
  • Freshwater Mussel Propagation for Restoration
  • Invasive Species Removal
  • Trash Clean-ups
  • Bottomland Forest Restoration
  • Wildlife Surveys
  • Water Quality Monitoring
• Assist in the facilitation of Teen Stewardship Team work sessions and in-situ conservation action programming 
• Explore the elements that go into an aquarium-based conservation organization including:
  • Conservation Education
  • Development and Funding
  • Marketing
  • Graphics
  • Public Relations
• Enhance teamwork, leadership and communication skills.
• Work with others towards the goal of saving wildlife and stewarding rivers

Application
Please send application, resume, and cover letter materials to Kristen Leffler at kleffler@rivermuseum.org. Details and information can be found on www.rivermuseum.org/join-our-team.

The Curatorial intern will provide support for the Curatorial Services (Historical Collections) department at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and Mathias Ham Historic Site. This includes the research and development of current and upcoming exhibits, and the organization, preservation, and interpretation of historical records and artifacts.

Primary duties

• Assist collections management staff with object handling, documentation, exhibit installation/deinstallation
• Help prepare for exhibit creation and curation
• Verify, update, and catalog information on collection items in the organization’s database
• Correlate items with the correct paper and database files
• Digitally photograph or scan each item and adds images to the database
• Research items in the collection
• Assist with proper storage and housing of collection items

Application
Please send application, resume, and cover letter to Kristen Leffler at kleffler@rivermuseum.org. Details and information can be found on www.rivermuseum.org/join-our-team.

The Development intern will assist the Development department with ongoing fundraising activities that meet our mission. The intern will work collaboratively with staff to update donor and member demographic information, research match gift organizations and opportunities, and work to update our digital donor gift history information as we move closer to our goal of being an even more sustainable/green organization while learning the processes and importance of non-profit development.

This is a distinct opportunity to advance the organization’s capability to fundraise and maintain a properly updated database and increase strong collaborative efforts with local organizations and prospective donors.

Primary Duties

• Gain and maintain working knowledge of our donor and member database system

• Maintain a working database of funders and deadlines

• Assist in prospect research and cultivation of current and new donors, major gifts, and matching gifts

• Research possible sponsors, which fits the organizations vision, mission and ongoing educational activities

• Track and report event sponsors in the community

• Assist in planning Museum & Aquarium upcoming events
  
  

Application

Please send application, resume, and cover letter materials to Kristen Leffler at kleffler@rivermuseum.org. Details and information can be found on www.rivermuseum.org/join-our-team.

The Exhibits internship will give a well-rounded experience, and likely encompass the installation of new exhibits, deinstallation of retired exhibits, designing and building interactive pieces to enhance the visitor experience, and cleaning and maintaining museum displays. Interns will work alongside Exhibit staff as they interact with all other departments in the museum organization to create and maintain our campus.

Primary Duties

• Follow blueprints and other guides to install new traveling exhibits
• Collaborate with Curatorial and Marketing departments on new exhibit designs
• Build and paint walls, cases, and new displays
• Maintenance and cleaning of existing displays
• Restoration work on existing buildings and boats
• Production and installation of in-house signage
• Basic construction such as painting, sawing, measuring, etc.

Application

Please send application, resume, and cover letter materials to Kristen Leffler at kleffler@rivermuseum.org. Details and information can be found on www.rivermuseum.org/join-our-team.
 

The Living Collections Internship will allow participants to have a greater knowledge and understanding of the general husbandry needs of freshwater fish, saltwater fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, invertebrates, and mammals housed in captive environments at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.  Interns will work with members of the Living Collections Team to complete the daily tasks required to maintain the health and welfare of animals, as well as clean exhibits and back of house areas.

Priority will be given for individuals who are able work four days a week (Sunday to Wednesday or Wednesday to Saturday) 7am to 4pm. The minimum requirements are two full 8 hour days. The internship will run 10-12 weeks.

Primary duties

• Preparation of food for animal diets and feeding in efficient manner
• Exhibit servicing including monitoring the health and well-being of animals, testing for appropriate water parameters and performing water changes as needed, ensuring daily and weekly check sheets are current and maintain written records in accordance with established practice and policy
• Ensure all husbandry areas are kept organized and hazard free
• Report maintenance needs; perform minor maintenance tasks
• Clean and maintain the exterior and interior of the enclosures as well as areas around the enclosures (floors, counters under and above enclosures)
• Work safely with and around potentially hazardous chemicals and dangerous animals

Application

Please send application, resume, and cover letter materials to Kristen Leffler at kleffler@rivermuseum.org. Details and information can be found on www.rivermuseum.org/join-our-team.

The Dubuque County Historical Society (DCHS) is seeking an intern responsible for performing a variety of tasks for its RiverWorks Discovery (RWD program) including marketing and events. RiverWorks Discovery’s (RWD) purpose is to educate communities about commerce, culture, conservation, and careers on the great rivers of America and their watersheds. RiverWorks Discovery is a nationally recognized educational outreach program and an outgrowth of DCHS, which also operates the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium (NMRMA), Mathias Ham Historic Site, and is home to the National Rivers Hall of Fame.

Primary Duties

• Assist in the planning, promotion, and coordination of RWD events across the country, including RSVP management and follow up and other pre- and post-event communication
• Promote events on our website and through newsletters and mailings
• Assist in creating social media posts, graphics, and flyers to promote and recap events and other RWD content
• Help maintain the RWD website, including updating the event calendar, news, sponsor segments, and forms for Who Works the Rivers events
• Help to create forms to organize school and sponsor signups
• Plan and schedule social media posts
• Maintain the database of supporters and industry contacts

Application
Please send application, resume, and cover letter materials to Kristen Leffler at kleffler@rivermuseum.org. Details and information can be found on www.rivermuseum.org/join-our-team.

The Marketing & Communications team at the organization is responsible for public representation through branding, advertising, media relations, social media, sales, and public events. The Social Media and Communications intern will work closely with the Marketing & Communications Manager, Graphic Design Manager, and other departments to collect, develop, organize, and disseminate engaging content for social media, press releases, e-newsletters, promotional pieces, advertising, and the website.

Primary Duties

• Collaborate to serve as a primary “voice” of the River Museum’s social media channels, developing strategy, providing creativity, and producing engaging content while managing day-to-day social media responsibilities and amplifying our brand and mission
• Interact with our social media audience as necessary and assist in responding to inquiries and posts on our platforms
• Work closely with the Marketing & Communications Manager and others to develop strategy, content, placement, and success of digital media efforts and to keep the website updated and maintained
• Take quality photographs and videos for use on social media and the organization’s website as well as take photographs, as needed, of events, programs, and activities for use in marketing publications
• Produce short form video for social media platforms as well as in-depth and longer educational content for grant and programming purposes
• Maintain the organization’s website, including organizing and updating webpages
• Assist with content development as needed for website, social media, and digital creative
• Actively seek ideas and keep apprised of trends and best practices in social media, marketing, communications, design, and the industry
• Provide recommendations to strengthen and improve marketing and communications efforts

Application
Please send application, resume, and cover letter materials to Kristen Leffler at kleffler@rivermuseum.org. Details and information can be found on www.rivermuseum.org/join-our-team.