Seattle Art Museum: Volunteer Positions

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 biweekly 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, demonstration and use of materials for school groups of thirty students. Experience working with children preferred. Requires excellent communication skills, interest or knowledge of art education, and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all ages. Weekly or biweekly shifts, October–June, Wednesday–Friday 9:30 am–12:30 pm; SAM/SAAM/OSP.

Coat Check

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; ability to communicate clearly and effectively with staff, volunteers and visitors; ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to ten pounds. Training provided. Minimum two shifts per month: 10 am–1:30 pm or 1:30–5 pm Wednesdays–Sundays, 5:30–9 pm Thursday and Friday evenings; SAM.

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. Check here for details about the next docent training class (likely late 2013, exact dates TBA) as they become available.

Events 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 ten pounds. Requires 6 shifts per year; evenings and weekends; SAM/SAAM/OSP.

Information Desk

Welcome SAM visitors at the Information Desk during selected 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 tourist attractions is helpful. Minimum commitment: two 3½-hour shifts per month; SAM.

Libraries

Assist SAM Library 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, 10 am–5 pm; 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. Biweekly 3-hour shifts, March–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. Required training provided by SAM. Minimum commitment: Biweekly shifts for one year following training; 10 am–1 pm Wednesday–Sunday, or 1–4 pm Thursday, or 6–9 pm Friday.

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 ten 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; 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 ten pounds. Minimum requirement: 1 shift per month; evenings and weekends; multiple locations.

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Ambassador