Pentacrest Museums Undergraduate Student Docent

Pentacrest Museums Undergraduate Student Docent Position

Quick Requirements:

·        Any degrees or Field of studies are welcome.

·        Must be a student enrolled at the University of Iowa while employed at UIPM. 

·        Availability for a minimum of 10 hours per week and able to work weekends and evening hours is required.

·        To begin any form of employment with the University, federal law requires that you complete an I-9 form to confirm your eligibility to work. You must be prepared to present appropriate documentation to a University representative on or before your first day of employment, who will then work with you to complete this form.

Only applicants who complete all the requirements will be considered:

·        Application in Handshake

·        Upload their Cover Letter, Resume (if applicable), and Class Schedule for the current or upcoming semester.

·        Complete the online Pentacrest Museums Docent Introduction Form (https://forms.gle/ar7KfYoWdTrRCLaY7). 

Docent Position Details 

The Museum Docent serves as a gallery guide engaging diverse audiences with the exhibits at the Pentacrest Museums. Docents have the responsibility to operate and provide access to the Museum of Natural History and the Old Capitol Museum during normal business hours, at special events, and at programs. Docents help carry out the Museums’ missions to engage and inspire audiences to discover and be curious about the world around them through the Pentacrest Museums’ exhibits. 

 Docent Position Goals and Responsibilities: 

·        Docents serve the important role of creating a welcoming environment and engaging all visitors at the Pentacrest Museums. A docent is knowledgeable about museum exhibits and can effectively communicate and engage museum visitors about exhibit content. 

Core Docent responsibilities include: 

·        Evening and weekend shift availability is required.

·        Arrive on time for scheduled shifts.

·        Open and close the Museums following established security protocols and procedures.  

·        Welcome all visitors and groups to the museums in a friendly, helpful, and professional manner. Ensure visitors and groups follow museum behavior guidelines. 

·        Record visitor and group attendance. 

·        Operate the cash register sales and maintain gift shop merchandise that is well stocked, neat, and attractive. 

·        Learn exhibit content and lead group tours of the exhibits, tailoring tours for diverse audiences and age groups.  

·        Assist staff in supporting special events and educational programs at both Museums. This may require evening or weekend hours. 

·        Conduct routine museum cleaning. 

Shift Responsibilities:

Docents are required to work a minimum of 10 hours a week and may work up to 15 hours a week. The Visitor Services Coordinator will determine shift schedules that include onboarding and training. Docents are required to report to their scheduled shift on time and follow required Pentacrest Museums Attendance Policies. Docents are required to attend a monthly all-docent training meeting and a bi-weekly 1:1 meeting.