Employment Opportunities

The Timken Museum of Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Timken Musuem of Art does not discriminate on the basis of sex, age, color, race, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical and mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.

(Jump to our volunteer opportunities.)


VISITOR EXPERIENCE ASSOCIATE

FLSA Status:  Part time, Non-Exempt
Hours:  6-30 hours per week on average, will vary based on need.
Compensation:  $16.85 per hour (DOE)

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The Timken Museum of Art is seeking a part-time Visitor Experience Associate. The Visitor Experience Associate will support the day-to-day operations of the Museum at the Museum's Front Desk and in the Museum Store.

Visitor Experience Associates help create a museum experience that is welcoming, accessible, and memorable. As ambassadors of the Timken's high standards of hospitality, they are knowledgeable and passionate about the Timken's mission, collection and exhibitions, programs, and events. Duties include actively welcoming visitors and providing pertinent information / resources, as well as selling memberships and merchandise from the Museum Store.

The Visitor Experience Associate is an important role within the Operations Department. While being attentive and experience-oriented, you will primarily use your customer service skills and data input to deliver a world-class museum experience to the Museum's 250,000+ annual visitors. As part of a small team, you will work closely with Operations management including the Visitor Experience Manager, Facilities Manager, and the Director of Operations to achieve departmental goals.

Download the full Job Description Visitor Experience Associate.

HOW TO APPLY
Email the following documents to the Visitor Experience Manager, Kendra Story, at kstory@timkenmuseum.org. Please submit documents in PDF format, if possible.
  1. Resume
  2. Cover Letter addressing how you're a great fit for this position
  3. Completed Employment Application Form
January 2024 Update: This position is open until filled.


Volunteer Opportunities

DOCENT VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Timken Docents connect with people, inspiring a love of art and shaping memorable experiences at the Timken. The Timken's Docent Program welcomes diverse applicants who are eager to share their creativity and passion with students and visitors from our community and around the world. We are committed to the ideals of inclusivity, and the belief that the docent corps should be representative of the great diversity of San Diego. You do not need an art degree or any artistic training to be a docent. All you need is a passion to connect our visitors and students with the visual arts through shared experiences.

Recruitment dates for our next class of docents will be announced soon. Please check back.

For more information please email krosenberg@timkenmuseum.org

GARDEN & HORTICULTURE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

The Timken is currently seeking Gardening & Horticulture Support volunteers who enjoy hands-on gardening activities. Landscape design is an inherent part of the Timken Museum of Art.  Large elevated planters featuring bougainvillea adorn the West-facing front entrance and two intimate gardens featuring Australian tree ferns, agapanthus, and camellias can be enjoyed from the museum's interior.  Opportunities may include potting, watering, weeding, mulching, pruning, and general plant maintenance. This volunteer position is a physically active role and assignments require walking, standing, kneeling, bending, reaching, and light lifting.  Basic gardening experience is helpful but not required.  All gardening volunteers must purchase and wear closed-toe shoes. All other tools and gear will be provided. 

Hours: Gardening & Horticultural Support Volunteer opportunities are available Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 am through 4:00 pm. 

Applicants from all backgrounds and life experiences are welcome and encouraged to apply. 

For more information please email hmartin-bollard@timkenmuseum.org

DEVELOPMENT VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

The Timken's development department is offering two unpaid, part-time volunteer positions designed to give students experience in museum development and grant writing. The volunteer will assist with the development process. Minimum of 8 hours a week, flexible days. Good writing experience and organizational skills are required. 

Applicants from all backgrounds and life experiences are welcome and encouraged to apply.


Application Process: Please submit a letter of interest, resume and two letters of recommendation to ariley@timkenmuseum.org

For more information please email ariley@timkenmuseum.org

EDUCATION VOLUNTEER PROGRAM 

The Timken Education Department is offering one unpaid, part time volunteer position designed to provide a 12-week practical experience in an art museum setting. Students who are college seniors, recent college graduates, or graduate level students interested in pursuing a career in art museum education are encouraged to apply. The volunteer will work for an average of 10-15 hours per week.

Department: Education

Staff Supervisor: Education Director

Purpose and Goals: The Timken is committed to providing challenging opportunities and career-enhancing experiences to college and graduate students. Working directly with staff and the public, Education Department volunteers contribute to the Museum’s mission. They work as part of a skilled team, assisting with a variety of significant projects as well as helping with day-to-day operations and special programs and events. The program supports students by providing a professional experience and an overview of the museum education field. Education Department volunteers have the opportunity to gain useful skills, and the chance to build a professional network. References gained through the work as a volunteer can be helpful in securing future employment and admission to further programs of study.

Eligibility: The Timken Education Department volunteer program is open to qualified college seniors, recent college graduates, or graduate level students. Students and recent graduates in art history, museum studies or education are encouraged to apply.

Academic Credit: The Timken encourages volunteers to seek academic credit and will assist in any way to help the volunteer receive it. Contact your advisor or department chair to inquire about your school’s requirements.

Duration: Education department volunteer positions average a 12-week duration and usually take place throughout the typical academic spring, summer or fall semester. The volunteer will be required to work an average of 10-15 hours per week.

Duties and Responsibilities: Working under the direction of the Education Director, the volunteer will be involved in all aspects of the Education Department. He/she will mainly assist with facilitating virtual presentations. The volunteer will also be involved in the planning and implementation of various education programs, including docent and teacher workshops, lectures, gallery talks, programs for families and other special events. The volunteer might also be asked to assist with ongoing research on the permanent collection and the development of educational resources, such as lesson plans and educational materials for families.

Qualifications: The Timken is looking for personable, outgoing applicants with excellent communication skills and a desire to assist with a variety of projects. He/she should be highly motivated and able to work with staff and volunteers in a professional manner. Basic filing, typing and computer skills are required.

Application Process: Please submit a letter of interest, resume and two letters of recommendation to education@timkenmuseum.org.

The letter of interest should include reasons for wanting to be a volunteer, what the volunteer hopes to achieve from the experience, how volunteering at the Timken's Education Department relates to career plans and what he/she believes they can contribute to the Museum. The letter should also include days available to work and number of hours per week.

No phone calls, please. Only selected individuals will be notified and contacted for interviews.

Please note that our volunteer opportunities are subject to change and may not be available at all times.

For more information please email krosenberg@timkenmuseum.org.