Join Our Team


The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley offers diverse and unique career opportunities ranging from support or professional, seasonal or year-round, and part-time or full-time. While some departments and positions require highly specialized education and experience, others seek individuals with more broad-based or skills-related backgrounds. An equal opportunity employer, the MSV offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits program. Thank you for your interest in employment at the MSV.

The MSV is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and competence. It is our policy to recruit, hire, train and promote individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, or related medical conditions, genetic information of the employee or family member of the employee, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law.


Gardener


The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley is seeking an enthusiastic professional for the position of Gardener. The Gardener is responsible for maintaining assigned garden areas, developing seasonal and permanent displays and providing assistance in the development of new trails in the natural areas of the site. This is an entry level full-time, salaried position in the Gardens & Grounds department.

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications and skills:

  • Minimum of Associate’s degree (Bachelor’s preferred) or equivalent in horticulture and one or more years of related work experience.
  • Basic knowledge of pesticide management. Registered technician or commercial applicators license a plus.
  • Basic knowledge of arbor-culture, and turf management.
  • Basic knowledge of ornamental horticulture in all phases, plant propagation, and cultivation.
  • Basic knowledge of professional landscape and maintenance principles and practices, as well as methods related to care of public gardens.
  • Skill and ability to effectively use a variety of hand and power tools such as a chainsaw and riding and push lawnmowers.
  • Knowledge of safety practices and procedures related to the groundskeeping.
  • Basic math skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work well with the public, volunteers, and MSV colleagues, and interact with a diverse group of people.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule due to maintenance issues or concerns.
  • Working knowledge of ornamental horticulture in all phases helpful but not required.
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs.

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following:

  • Maintain assigned garden and/or trail areas, develop permanent and seasonal displays as needed.
  • Provide support and assistance in the development and maintenance of trails in the natural areas of the site.
  • Regularly scout garden/trail areas for diseases and pests, reporting to manager for treatment.
  • Watch for, mark, and correct any safety issues as soon as possible.
  • Assist with daily opening procedures and Museum operations as needed.
  • Clear property of snow and ice as necessary during winter months.
  • Stay informed of museum activities to respond to visitors if addressed about the gardens, collections, and history.
  • Other related duties as assigned.

Minimum starting salary is $40,000 and is commensurate with experience. The MSV offers an excellent benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, generous vacation, holiday and sick leave, parental leave, and retirement plan. To apply forward cover letter, resume and three references to jhendren@themsv.org. Priority will be given to candidates who apply by February 29, 2024. Resumes accepted until filled.


Garden Fellowship


The MSV is seeking a Garden Fellow to support the MSV gardens and grounds team with caring for a seven-acre formal garden and 100+ acre trail system during the summer months. The successful candidate will gain experience with horticultural work in a public garden setting. The position is predominantly an outdoor position. Familiarity with basic horticultural techniques is required and practical experience is an advantage. Work includes daily maintenance and an opportunity to take the lead for a special project.

  • Fellowship is for 10-12 weeks, 40 hours/week
  • Start and stop dates are flexible based on school schedule
  • Hourly compensation is $15/hour
  • Housing is provided as part of the fellowship
  • Must be able to work independently and as a part of a team

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications and skills:

  • Undergraduate degree in Horticulture or related field, completed or in progress
  • Ability to meet the physical requirements of bending, standing for long periods of time, lifting at least 50 pounds, working with sharp objects, ability to work with a variety of garden tools (powered and manual)
  • Comfortable working outside, in varied weather conditions (including heat and wet weather)
  • Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

Priority will be given to candidates who apply by February 29, 2024. Resumes accepted until filled.

To apply please send cover letter, resume and three references to jhendren@themsv.org.


Security Specialist – Part-Time


The MSV is growing! We have an opportunity for a part-time Security Specialist. The position is responsible for communications and front-line implementation of the security program at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, Glen Burnie house and gardens, Rose Hill, Hexagon House and Trails at the MSV.

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:

  • Associate’s degree in criminal justice, related field, or equivalent related experience.
  • 2 or more years of security experience, preferably in a hospitality environment.
  • Prior military, law enforcement, and/or first responder experience preferred.
  • Ability to operate security systems, work in inclement weather, walk distances, stand for extended periods, bend, kneel, reach, and lift up to 30 pounds.
  • Must be able to work effectively both indoors and outdoors during all weather conditions.
  • Proficient working knowledge of computers and applications for Security controls, as well as Outlook, Word, and Excel.
  • Must have excellent report writing and verbal communication skills.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work with the public and interact with a diverse group of people.
  • Must possess driver’s license and have reliable transportation.
  • Must be able to clear a police background check.
  • CPR/First Aid/AED certified or ability to obtain within the first 60 days.

Day-to-day responsibilities include the following:

  • Monitor galleries, house, gardens, and trails during business hours and after hours.
  • Perform opening and closing procedures and other operational procedures as determined.
  • Monitor and act on information received on the radio, telephone, and verbal communications as it pertains to fire alarms, intrusion detection alarms, closed circuit television, or other emergency devices.
  • Monitor public events and programs inside and outside the building.
  • Respond to and handle stressful situations and emergencies, such as fire alarms, disturbances, injuries, and illnesses, with sound judgment and professionalism.
  • Investigate problems or respond to calls for service. This includes but not limited to confronting visitors or notifying local Law Enforcement, Fire, or EMS.
  • Control ingress and egress of employees, vendors, and maintenance personnel to include controlling restricted areas, offices, and the Security Command Center.
  • Keep records including the badge logs, security logs, and incident reports.
  • Deliver daily mail and packages to appropriate parties throughout the building.
  • Serve as the workers compensation liaison with insurance company in the absence of HR Director.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Work hours are flexible, including some evenings and weekends as needed. Starting compensation is $17.50/hour. Applications received by March 20, 2024 will receive priority.  Resumes will be accepted until filled. To apply, please send cover letter, resume, and three references to jhendren@themsv.org.



Volunteer

Be part of the MSV team by volunteering at events and programs, or with garden and administrative tasks. Please visit our Volunteer page for information about current volunteer opportunities!


The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley requires selected candidates to be subjected to an investigative background report.