Volunteer Opportunity: Gift Shop Volunteer

Westmoreland Historical Society

The Westmoreland Historical Society (WHS) is seeking friendly, dependable volunteers to assist in our museum gift shop. Gift Shop Volunteers play an important role in creating a welcoming visitor experience while supporting WHS’s mission through earned revenue and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Visitor Engagement & Customer Service

• Greet visitors and provide friendly, helpful assistance in the gift shop
• Answer basic questions about merchandise and WHS programs (training provided)
• Promote WHS membership, programs, and special events when appropriate

Shop Operations

• Assist with sales using the point-of-sale and credit card system (training provided)
• Accurately handle cash and credit transactions
• Open and/or close the shop as assigned

Merchandise Support

• Stock shelves and maintain neat, attractive merchandise displays
• Assist with seasonal merchandise changes and light re-merchandising
• Help unpack, ticket, and prepare merchandise for sale as needed

General Support

• Keep the shop tidy and organized throughout shifts
• Communicate questions or issues to the Shop Manager or WHS staff

Qualifications

• Friendly, reliable, and comfortable working with the public
• Willingness to learn basic retail and point-of-sale systems
• Attention to detail and ability to follow established procedures
• Interest in local history, museums, or nonprofit work is a plus

Clearance Requirements (Pennsylvania)

All WHS volunteers must have current clearances on file:

• Volunteers who have resided in PA continuously for the past 10 years:
  • Child Abuse History Clearance – Act 33 (free)
  • PA State Police Criminal Record Check – Act 34 (free)
• Out-of-state volunteers or those who have NOT resided in PA continuously for the past 10 years:
  • Act 33 and Act 34 clearances
  • FBI Fingerprint-based Criminal History Clearance

Time Commitment

• Flexible scheduling
• Typically 1 shift per week or as available, with shifts generally lasting 3–4 hours
• Additional opportunities may be available during special events such as the Candlelight Open House

Why Volunteer with WHS?

As a Gift Shop Volunteer, you help create a positive first impression for visitors, support the preservation of local history, and contribute directly to the sustainability of the Westmoreland Historical Society—all while being part of a welcoming and mission-driven team.