Seattle Art Museum: Volunteer Positions

We offer the following volunteer positions. However, not all positions may be available at this time.

Ambassador

Work outdoors! Greet and welcome visitors, answer questions and provide accurate information about the Olympic Sculpture Park facilities, artwork and exhibitions, with special focus on the Neukom Vivarium. Prospective volunteers should enjoy the outdoors and interacting with the public. Training required, provided by SAM. Weekly or every-other-week shifts, 2–3 hours, Tuesday–Sunday; OSP.

Art Studio

Help children have an enriching educational experience in the hands-on art studio. Assist teaching artists with set-up, clean-up, demonstrations and use of materials for school groups of up to 30 students. Experience working with children preferred. Requires excellent communication skills, interest in or knowledge of art education, and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all ages. Weekly or every-other-week shifts, October to June, Wednesday–Friday, 9:30 am–12:30 pm; SAM/SAAM/OSP.

Docent Program

Lead tours of the permanent collections and special exhibitions for school, public and private audiences at SAM Downtown, the Seattle Asian Art Museum and the Olympic Sculpture Park. Details about the application process for the next docent training class (likely late 2010, exact dates TBA) will be posted as they become available. SAM/SAAM/OSP

Event Support

Be the host with the most at after-hours programs, members previews and other special events. Greet guests, usher, check coats and parcels, and assist staff. Requires excellent customer service skills and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with staff, volunteers and visitors. Physical requirements may include standing for extended periods and lifting up to 10 pounds. Minimum commitment: one shift per month, evenings and weekends; SAM/SAAM/OSP.

Information Desk

Welcome SAM visitors at the Information Desk during select hours. Learn to access Information Desk materials and give accurate information about all aspects of the museum to visitors and information line callers. Requires excellent communication skills, a sincere enjoyment of people, and the ability to deal positively with difficult visitors. Knowledge of Seattle and local tourist attractions is helpful. Minimum commitment: two 3½-hour shifts per month; SAM.

Libraries

Assist SAM Libraries staff with a variety of projects including preparing catalogued materials, re-shelving, assisting patrons and working on research or filing projects. Requires interest in art and museum librarianship, excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to work with others in a professional manner. Minimum commitment: 2 shifts per month, Wednesday–Friday daytimes; SAM/SAAM.

Park Steward

Work outdoors! Assist Olympic Sculpture Park staff with landscape maintenance projects, weeding, invasive plant removal, etc. Prospective volunteers should enjoy the outdoors and interacting with the public. Training required, provided by SAM. Every-other-week 3-hour shifts, March to October, Tuesday–Sunday; OSP.

SAMbassador

Greet and welcome visitors in the museum galleries, answer questions, provide directions, engage in conversations about art and exhibitions. Requires a warm, professional public presence and customer-service orientation, ability to communicate clearly and effectively with staff, volunteers and visitors, and the ability to stand/walk for 3 hours. Training required, provided by SAM. Minimum commitment: every-other-week shifts for one year following October training, Wednesday–Sunday, 10 am–1 pm or 1–4 pm, Thursday. or Friday 6–9 pm; SAM/SAAM.

SAM Gallery

Bring art and people together! Rent and sell contemporary Northwest art to gallery visitors and museum members. Welcome gallery visitors, assist clients with art selection and keep accurate records. Requires excellent customer-service and communication skills and ability to lift framed art (up to 10 pounds). Knowledge of art or sales helpful. Located near SAM Downtown. Minimum commitment: 2 shifts per month for one year, Tuesday–Friday, 11 am–5 pm; SAM Gallery.

Teen, Family and Community Programs

Represent SAM at community festivals and outreach events, museum teen or family programs, or in-gallery education spaces. Answer questions, distribute materials, assist with art-making activities. Requires excellent customer-service skills and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with staff, volunteers and visitors. Physical requirements may include standing for extended periods and lifting up to 10 pounds. Minimum requirement: 1 shift per month, evenings and weekends; multiple locations.

Visitor Services

Ensure that all visitors have a positive and enjoyable experience. Greet and welcome guests, check coats and belongings, and assist museum visitors. Requires a warm, professional public presence and customer-service orientation, and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with staff, volunteers and visitors. Physical requirements may include the ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 10 pounds. Training provided. Minimum 2 shifts per month: 10 am–1:30 pm or 1:30–5 pm Wednesdays–Sundays, 5:30–9 pm Thursday and Friday evenings; SAM.

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