Volunteer

Docents are well-trained museum educators who have a robust understanding of fine art, history, architecture, and craftsmanship in addition to a detailed focus on the museum’s collection of miniatures. Docents lead tours for diverse groups including school children, families, clubs, and older adults and must be very comfortable with public speaking and audience engagement. Docents are imaginative, flexible, eager learners, and good listeners. No previous knowledge of miniatures is necessary. Aspiring docents must attend a season-long training that culminates in a practice test and practice tour. This position requires a two-year commitment.

Additional Requirements:

• Completion of the Docent training
• Minimum of a two-year commitment
• Can work alone and as a member of a team
• Excellent communication skills
• Comfortable with public speaking
• Desire to be a lifelong learner
• Weekly and monthly availability to lead tours
• Background check (and/or AZ Fingerprint Clearance Card) recommended (and required to lead youth tours)

Volunteering seasonally (with Rodeo Break Camp in the Spring and with Summer Camp) is a great way to start your Volunteer journey at The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures. Seasonal Education Support Volunteers work directly with Education Staff, including The Museum's Teaching Artists, to present art-based STEAM camps for youth learners. These multi-day camps introduce students to the art of miniature making. Before participating in these camps, Volunteers must complete training prior to each season of participation.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to work as a member of a team
• Great communication skills
• Creative with an interest in crafts or art
• Welcoming attitude
• Fingerprint Clearance Card required
• Great at following instructions

Education Support Volunteers assist in preparing craft projects – cutting, gluing, organizing, and gathering supplies – while providing additional support to Education Instructors in art-based and craft programs such as Minis for All, Summer Camp, and Adult Workshops. These opportunities are seasonal and require training upon onboarding.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to work as a member of a team
• Great communication skills
• Creative with an interest in crafts or art
• Welcoming attitude
• Fingerprint Clearance Card recommended (and required to work with youth)
• Great at following instructions

Guest Services Volunteers are the welcoming face of The Museum, acting as Gallery Emissaries and/or Event Support. These positions are the best way to start as a Volunteer as these roles introduce the Volunteer to museum staff, collections, and facility while working directly with museum guests. Museum policies and an introduction/orientation will be provided.

Additional Requirements:

• Comfortable interacting with the public
• An understanding of the museum’s rules and policies
• Introductory knowledge of the museum, museum programming, and upcoming events
• Fingerprint Clearance Card recommended (and required to work with youth)

Museum Operations Volunteers spend more time behind-the-scenes than they do interacting with the public. Hours are more flexible, and projects are coordinated depending on organizational needs. Potential projects may depend on the skills and background of the volunteer and may vary from academic research or records organization to building maintenance.

Additional Requirements:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365
• General understanding of current technology and analog office equipment
• Follows directions
• Works well in teams, but can get work done independently
• Willingness to accomplish a variety of tasks
• Fingerprint Clearance Card recommended (and required to work with youth)
• If interested in Facility Support: must be able to bend, reach, lift objects