Arts Assistant (weekends)

We inspire and empower all children through transformative learning experiences.

Making our community the best place for all to learn through the power of play.

MUSE FOR ALL * POWER OF PLAY * LIFELONG LEARNER * COMMUNITY CONNECTOR

ARTS ASSISTANT VOLUNTEER DESCRIPTION 

Arts Assistant volunteers at Muse Knoxville work alongside our Playologists to help facilitate discovery, exploration and play in our Makespace exhibit area, while helping to maintain a clean and safe space for all. This volunteer is managed by the Director of Museum Operations, the Guest Experience Manager, Playologists, and Weekend Managers on Duty. Any questions or concerns regarding scheduled shifts, hours verification, etc. will be directed to Shelby Cornell at shelby@themuseknoxville.org. 

SCHEDULE: This volunteer opportunity occurs during Muse’s operating hours. Volunteer shifts are typically 2 hours in length, but can vary from 3-6 hours depending on the volunteer. Shifts are scheduled via Give Pulse, Volunteer East Tennessee, or other volunteer recruitment platform. Shifts can also be scheduled by emailing the Director of Museum Operations. 

LOCATION: Muse Knoxville, 516 N. Beaman Street Knoxville, TN 37914, 865-594-1494

DRESS CODE: Closed-toed shoes, attire appropriate for a children’s museum setting, shorts/skirts/dresses must be fingertip length, shirts must cover midriff area

WHEN VOLUNTEERING AS AN ARTS ASSISTANT, YOU WILL … 

• Engage and interact with children and families in Makespace 

• Facilitate creativity and discovery by asking questions, encouraging children in their work, and assisting them as needed

• Monitor the hot glue gun station and be in close proximity to children using the hot glue guns and ensure their safe use

• Help children and families find supplies as needed

• Restock supplies if bins are low or empty

• Clean off tables and surfaces often so that children have space to create

• Sweep the floor often and before the end of your shift

• Be aware of your surroundings and let a staff member know if you see something unsafe, witness an injury, or see a lost child or a parent looking for a lost child

• Communicate any items needed in Makespace to a staff member

• Answer questions from guests as applicable and/or direct them to the nearest staff member

• If also supporting on the exhibit floor

  • Help maintain museum safety and cleanliness by sanitizing individual toys and surfaces with bleach solution

  • Clean exhibit surfaces, tables, walls, etc. with Magic Eraser

  • Pick up toys and exhibit items and return them to their proper place

  • Facilitate Daily Discovery activity table as directed by staff

  • Complete other tasks as assigned by staff including but not limited to cutting Draw Alive copies, sharpening pencils for Draw Alive and Makespace, replacing zip ties on Zip Tie Car Wash, cutting out and laminating items for homeschool and camp programming, sanding and painting blocks for Norilla exhibit, and organizing staff kitchen

  • Complete outdoor tasks as assigned by staff based on availability and need including but not limited to pulling weeds, spreading mulch, leaf blowing, painting, etc. 

IMPACT OF THIS VOLUNTEER ROLE:

• Create memorable experiences with children and guests that will have a lasting impact, especially on the child

• Foster and encourage creativity and learning in children as they play

• Inspire children to be interested in STEM careers

• Help keep children safe as they explore exhibit spaces and help to prevent burns from hot glue guns

• Provide a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for children and all guests

• Ensure that children have space to create and supplies to create with

• Help to ease the burden on our exhibit floor staff

THIS VOLUNTEER POSITION HAS THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS: 

• Strong interest in engaging children

• Treat everyone with kindness and respect

• Dependability and arriving on time for your scheduled shift

• Not using cell phones or other electronic devices while actively volunteering

• Good verbal communication and interpersonal skills 

• Friendly and positive attitude

• Able to create and maintain a tidy workspace 

• Willingness to jump in and help where needed

• Have not been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor in the last 5 years

• If volunteering more than 3 shifts

  • Attend an on-site orientation with the Director of Museum Operations

  • Complete and pass a background check at no cost to the volunteer

*Please note: Muse Knoxville has a volunteer no-show policy. If you do not show up for your scheduled shift 3 times, you are no longer able to volunteer with Muse. We understand that unforeseen circumstances do come up. If you are no longer able to attend your scheduled shift, please unregister from the opportunity and/or email the Director of Museum Operations at shelby@themuseknoxville.org. 

Muse for All 

You belong, be yourself. We thrive that way. 

We believe in actively creating a place of diversity, inclusion, and belonging among our staff, volunteers, the audiences that we serve, the programs we develop, and the community partners that we pursue. 

We actively seek to recruit, promote, and retain a diverse volunteer workforce—one that welcomes and engages people from every background. We value our staff members, volunteers, and board members and their individual backgrounds, which further our ability to serve and learn from the diverse families that enrich our community. We invite you to join us on our journey.