Mobile Museum Driver

This is a non-merit, temporary position with the Iowa Department of Administrative Services (DAS).

Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.  Applicants should refer to "HOW TO APPLY" for application instructions.

The State Historical Society of Iowa has been a trustee of Iowa's historical legacy since 1857. With a dual mission of preservation and education, it maintains a museum, two research centers, and seven historic sites. The society preserves and provides access to Iowa's historical resources through a variety of statewide programs, exhibitions and projects while serving as an advocate for Iowa's past and connector to the future. The ideal candidate will have experience safely driving RVs or other large vehicles, providing positive customer service, and interest in sharing Iowa history with communities across the state. Learn more about the State Historical Society of Iowa at History.iowa.gov 

Job Description

Do you love history and enjoy traveling throughout Iowa? The State Historical Society of Iowa (SHSI) is seeking qualified candidates to fill the position of Mobile Museum Driver. This part-time/temporary position will work with the Museum Exhibits Manager and other SHSI staff to drive and set up the Mobile Museum at host locations in all of Iowa's 99 counties. The Driver will work with SHSI staff to safely deliver the Mobile Museum to pre-scheduled host locations, set up the Mobile Museum, greet the local host contacts, and provide an orientation to the host on opening/closing the Mobile Museum. This position is essential to keeping the Mobile Museum on the road and bringing Iowa history to communities throughout the state!

This position requires candidates to work a flexible schedule including during the week and on weekends, including both early and late hours. This position is capped at 500 hours for the fiscal year (July-June). Note, the schedule for this position will vary throughout the year as it is based on scheduled events during the typical travel season (April-November). Weekly hours can range between 5 - 25 hours.

Key responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and perform other duties as assigned:

• Safely drive 38' Winnebago RV throughout the state in varying road conditions with a tow car (towed flat).

• Ability to safely hitch and drive RV with a tow car.

• Maintain knowledge of RV and tow car; monitor fluid levels, tire pressure, and communicates any potential issues or maintenance needs to the Exhibits Manager.

• Successfully and positively interact with and provide orientation/instructions to local host contacts.

• Provide excellent customer service and clear communication to local hosts.

• Communicate effectively and clearly with SHSI staff and the public.

• Prepare the Mobile Museum for visitors at each host location including: leveling RV, extending slideouts, attaching steps, connecting to power or starting up on-board diesel generator, turning on interior lights, and cleaning the interior.

• Ability to bend and reach items in RV storage compartments, climb into and out of RV, and lift up to 50 pounds.

• Develop, maintain and promote positive and professional relationships with internal staff, local hosts, and the general public in order to achieve departmental and organizational goals.

Additional Necessary Functions:

• Experience driving RVs or large vehicles required. CDL license preferred but not required.

• Display a high level of initiative, effort, attention to detail and commitment by completing work efficiently with minimal supervision.

• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.

• Ability to troubleshoot vehicle issues with the RV and/or tow car, perform emergency roadside repairs when possible, and communicate issues with SHSI staff.

• Must have and exercise knowledge of motor vehicle laws, rules and regulations governing safe operation of heavy transport equipment.

• Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills via phone, text, and email.

Special Requirements

Before Hire: Must possess and maintain a valid, unrestricted, except for corrective lenses, driver's license (minimum of an operator's license).

The State of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We encourage all qualified individuals, regardless of background, to apply.

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

• One year of full-time work experience in operating heavy trucks or tractor-trailers exceeding four tons. 

• A total of one year of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number one), where satisfactory completion of a truck driving program approved by the Iowa Department of Education from an accredited college or vocational school equals six months of full-time experience.

• Possession of a current/valid Iowa Class A, B, or C Commercial Driver's License (CDL); or equivalent out-of-state license valid to operate a vehicle with the gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 or more pounds.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description (Download PDF reader) and minimum qualifications.