Volunteer Position Descriptions
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Volunteer, Hours Vary (min 2 hours per month)
Reports to: Visitor Services and Audience Insights Manager
Our Gallery Greeters provide a warm welcome and helpful presence in the exhibition spaces at the museum. Greeters help create a comfortable and respectful environment for all visitors by offering a friendly greeting and being available for questions when needed. This role supports the museum’s mission by enhancing the visitor experience and helping maintain a safe and respectful atmosphere within the galleries.
Responsibilities may include:
Facilitate warm and friendly exchanges with our visitors when requested
Be available to answer general questions about the museum, exhibits, or amenities
Support the Asset Protection Team to ensure visitors are following museum guidelines and having a safe, and enjoyable experience
Report any issues or concerns to museum staff promptly
Represent the museum in a friendly, respectful, and professional manner
Position Specifics:
Attend a 90-minute orientation and training session
Volunteer a minimum of 2-hours per month in this role to maintain Active status
Attend bi-annual All-Volunteer meetings (Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter)
Work location: on site Minnesota Marine Art Museum.
Benefits:
Opportunity to engage with art and the public in a meaningful way
Free general admission to the Museum for yourself (This does not apply to all programs and events)
Access to the museum’s online learning resources about collections, exhibitions, and museum practices
Invitations to occasional volunteer enrichment sessions and talks by the curatorial team
Enjoy discounts in the MMAM Shoppe, Waterbar Cafe & Provisions and on programs (MMAM members receive an additional 10% off in Shoppe)
Enjoy 20% off basic level MMAM memberships
Monthly Volunteer Newsletters with updates and announcements
You’ll likely demonstrate:
A passion for MMAM’s mission, vision and values
Friendly, calm, and an attentive demeanor
Good communication skills and a willingness to engage if approached
Respectful of diverse visitors and their various ways of engaging with art
Ability to periodically walk around the museum, and be on your feet for 5-10 minutes at a time
Interest in art and museums is encouraged but not required
Must haves:
Reliable transportation.
Must use email. All shifts are assigned and managed through a volunteer software program called “Volgistics” so access to a device with reliable internet is required.
Pass a criminal background check
Adhere to MMAMs Code of Conduct
Values - This person is a champion of:
Centering their work in Relationships and Collaboration.
Stewarding Sustainability, Equity and Hospitality.
Operating with Honesty, Transparency and Trust.
Being Bold and Brave.
Always Enterprising, Always Outstanding.
The Minnesota Marine Art Museum is committed to being an inclusive workplace. Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the communities and audiences we serve. We are dedicated to fair and inclusive employment practices for all individuals. The Minnesota Marine Art Museum is an equal opportunity employer and will consider requests for reasonable accommodations based on disability or sincerely-held religious beliefs possible without undue hardship.
Mission: To create meaningful art experiences that explore our relationship with water.
Vision: To spark wonder and create a more compassionate and connected world for all.
About: Before there ever was a Minnesota Marine Art Museum, there was a Maritime Heritage Society, a community group dedicated to preserving and sharing stories about life on the river. Their commitment set in motion the creation of a museum to showcase art inspired by water. MMAM opened in 2006 with the vision of creating a nationally recognized center for arts and culture in Southeast Minnesota. The initial collections consisted of traditional marine paintings and regional folk art. After expanding the quality and diversity of its collections, evolving the exhibition program, adding an annual roster of educational programs and temporary exhibitions, and enlarging its facility, today’s MMAM is a dynamic and surprising experience for tens of thousands of visitors a year.
MMAM operates from Mni Sota Makoce (Land Where the Waters Reflect The Clouds), the traditional homeland of the Dakota people. Residing here since time immemorial, Dakota still call Mni Sota Makoce home, with four federally recognized Dakota nations and many more Dakota people residing in what is now the state of Minnesota. Due to continued legacies of colonization, genocide and forced removal, generations of Dakota people remain disenfranchised from their traditional homeland. Presently, Mni Sota Makoce has become a refuge and home for many Indigenous nations and peoples, including seven federally recognized Ojibwe nations. We humbly encourage our audiences to reflect upon the historical legacies held in the lands they occupy.
MMAM is committed to actively staying informed and participating in meaningful and sustainable climate action. As we explore our relationship with water, we will uphold the responsibility that cultural/social institutions have to be a resource for building climate resilience through our operations, development, enterprising and engagement efforts. Through connections driven by intention, we strive to be a community asset centered on diversity, inclusion, art, and science.
To Apply
Visit https://mmam.org/volunteer-application and complete the application online. The volunteer manager will contact you to schedule a volunteer orientation session.
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Volunteer, Hours Vary
Reports to: Curator of Learning and Community Engagement
Docents are specially trained volunteers who facilitate tour experiences for visiting groups of all ages and abilities. Working with groups in the galleries, docents use inquiry, discussion and interactive strategies to help people make personal connections with the artworks. Docents are knowledgeable, enthusiastic, excellent communicators who respect all viewpoints.
Responsibilities:
Interpret and communicate the museum’s collection and exhibitions in ways that are accessible, inclusive, and engaging for diverse audiences, including school groups, families, and general visitors.
Foster curiosity and critical thinking by encouraging dialogue and inquiry during tours, helping visitors make personal and meaningful connections with artworks.
Serve as a cultural ambassador by representing the museum’s values of education, inclusivity, and community engagement during public interactions.
Contribute to a welcoming and inclusive visitor experience, ensuring all guests feel respected, heard, and empowered to engage with the art.
Engage in ongoing learning and professional development to deepen understanding of art history, museum education strategies, cultural competence, and accessibility practices.
Represent the museum in a friendly, respectful, and professional manner
Position Specifics:
25-35 hours of initial training, plus 2-3 hours per month
Ability to commit to the docent program for at least one full year of service upon completion of training.
Ability to stand and walk a group around the museum for an hour or more (you can/will sit some during the tour itself.)
Flexibility to lead school field trips on weekdays between 9am-3pm, and lead other types of tours on weekends and some evenings.
Stay informed about the exhibitions and collections at MMAM.
Work location: one location, at MMAM
Benefits:
Participate in building creative capacity in our children. Create “a-ha” moments!
Meet other docents who share your passion for connecting people with art.
Enjoy a 10% off discount in the MMAM Store. (MMAM members receive an additional 10% off)
Enjoy 20% off basic level MMAM memberships.
Docents will be paid $20 per K-12 school field trip tour (training time not included.)
You’ll likely demonstrate:
Strong communication and listening skills, including the ability to facilitate inclusive, respectful conversations that encourage participation and honor diverse perspectives.
A learner’s mindset and openness to feedback, continually seeking to grow in their understanding of art, audiences, and educational strategies.
Confidence when speaking in public, while remaining approachable, collaborative, and non-authoritative in tone.
The ability to “read the room”, adjusting pacing, tone, or content delivery based on audience engagement and energy.
A sense of curiosity and wonder, modeling enthusiasm for discovery and helping visitors feel welcome exploring ideas and emotions through art.
Reliability and professionalism, maintaining commitments, communicating effectively with museum staff, and upholding museum policies and values.
Interest in art and museums is encouraged but not required.
Must haves:
Reliable transportation.
Must use email. All tours are assigned and managed through a volunteer software program called “SignUpGenius” so access to a device with reliable internet is required. We will share resources in a docent library on Google Drive, so a gmail address is helpful.
All prospective docents must train first as a volunteer Greeter. This role requires a 90-minute orientation training, and five hours of volunteer service before the start of the docent class.
Attend monthly continuing education docent classes at MMAM to learn about new exhibitions and refine touring strategies. These sessions occur on the third Thursday of every month from 10am-Noon.
Lead at least three tours a year to retain an active docent status.
Pass a criminal background check
Adhere to MMAMs Code of Conduct
Values - This person is a champion of:
Centering their work in Relationships and Collaboration.
Stewarding Sustainability, Equity and Hospitality.
Operating with Honesty, Transparency and Trust.
Being Bold and Brave.
Always Enterprising, Always Outstanding.
The Minnesota Marine Art Museum is committed to being an inclusive workplace. Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the communities and audiences we serve. We are dedicated to fair and inclusive employment practices for all individuals. The Minnesota Marine Art Museum is an equal opportunity employer and will consider requests for reasonable accommodations based on disability or sincerely-held religious beliefs possible without undue hardship.
Mission: To create meaningful art experiences that explore our relationship with water.
Vision: To spark wonder and create a more compassionate and connected world for all.
About: Before there ever was a Minnesota Marine Art Museum, there was a Maritime Heritage Society, a community group dedicated to preserving and sharing stories about life on the river. Their commitment set in motion the creation of a museum to showcase art inspired by water. MMAM opened in 2006 with the vision of creating a nationally recognized center for arts and culture in Southeast Minnesota. The initial collections consisted of traditional marine paintings and regional folk art. After expanding the quality and diversity of its collections, evolving the exhibition program, adding an annual roster of educational programs and temporary exhibitions, and enlarging its facility, today’s MMAM is a dynamic and surprising experience for tens of thousands of visitors a year.
MMAM operates from Mni Sota Makoce (Land Where the Waters Reflect The Clouds), the traditional homeland of the Dakota people. Residing here since time immemorial, Dakota still call Mni Sota Makoce home, with four federally recognized Dakota nations and many more Dakota people residing in what is now the state of Minnesota. Due to continued legacies of colonization, genocide and forced removal, generations of Dakota people remain disenfranchised from their traditional homeland. Presently, Mni Sota Makoce has become a refuge and home for many Indigenous nations and peoples, including seven federally recognized Ojibwe nations. We humbly encourage our audiences to reflect upon the historical legacies held in the lands they occupy.
The Minnesota Marine Art Museum (MMAM) is committed to actively staying informed and participating in meaningful and sustainable climate action. As we explore our relationship with water, we will uphold the responsibility that cultural/social institutions have to be a resource for building climate resilience through our operations, development, enterprising and engagement efforts. Through connections driven by intention, we strive to be a community asset centered on diversity, inclusion, art, and science.
To Apply
Complete the online application online. The volunteer manager will contact you to schedule a volunteer orientation session.
→ Apply to become a docent. (kindly note the next docent class will be in early 2028).
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Volunteer, Hours Vary (min 2 hours per month)
Spring, Summer, Fall - Second Wednesday of every month, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. (Apr - Oct)
Reports to: Facilities and Asset Protection Manager
The Gardens and Grounds Assistant volunteer role assists staff with regular maintenance on the museum’s 7-acre site. Our Gardens and Facilities Assistant volunteers help with light outdoor projects including pulling weeds and managing invasives, maintaining the museum’s garden boxes, outdoor plant walk and seasonal maintenance projects such as spring, summer and fall cleanups.
Key Responsibilities:
Weeding, watering, and mulching garden beds
Planting and transplanting flowers, herbs, or native species
Deadheading blooms and pruning shrubs or small trees
Seasonal maintenance like leaf removal or bulb planting
Managing walkways and paths across campus.
Maintaining gardens that reflect a native riparian and prairie plant style, as well as garden boxes
Cleaning tools, organizing garden sheds, or preparing compost
Supporting the staff or curators in special planting or landscaping projects
Labeling or maintaining plant identification signs, as directed
Position Specifics:
Attend 90 minute orientation and training session
Volunteer a minimum of 2-hours per month in this role to maintain Active status
Attend bi-annual volunteer meetings (Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter)
Work location: on site
Benefits:
Opportunity to engage with art and the public in a meaningful way
Free general admission to the Museum for yourself (This does not apply to all programs and events)
Access to the museum’s online learning resources about collections, exhibitions, and museum practices
Invitations to occasional volunteer enrichment sessions and talks by the curatorial team
Enjoy a 10% off discount in the MMAM Store (MMAM members receive an additional 10% off)
Enjoy 20% off basic level MMAM memberships
Monthly Volunteer Newsletters with updates and announcements
You’ll likely demonstrate:
A passion for MMAMs mission, vision and values
Interest in gardening, plants, or museum education
Respect for preserving historic or curated landscapes
Ability to work outdoors and perform physical tasks
Willingness to learn about the museum’s mission or garden themes
Must haves:
Reliable transportation.
Must use email. All shifts are assigned and managed through a volunteer software program so access to a device with reliable internet is required.
Pass a criminal background check
Adhere to MMAMs Code of Conduct
Values - You are a champion of:
Centering your work in Relationships and Collaboration.
Stewarding Sustainability, Equity and Hospitality.
Operating with Honesty, Transparency and Trust.
Being Bold and Brave.
Always Enterprising, Always Outstanding.
The Minnesota Marine Art Museum is committed to being an inclusive workplace. Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the communities and audiences we serve. We are dedicated to fair and inclusive employment practices for all individuals. The Minnesota Marine Art Museum is an equal opportunity employer and will consider requests for reasonable accommodations based on disability or sincerely-held religious beliefs possible without undue hardship.
Mission: To create meaningful art experiences that explore our relationship with water.
Vision: To spark wonder and create a more compassionate and connected world for all.
To ApplyComplete the online application online. The volunteer manager will contact you to schedule a volunteer orientation session.
→ Go to the volunteer homepage.