Docent / (Training Program + On-Call Team)

About Floating Museum:

Floating Museum is a Chicago-based arts collective that creates site-responsive public art and programming that centers community histories, cultural memory, and public space.

Floating Museum’s Floating Monuments series presents temporary, mobile public artworks that engage communities across the city and create space for reflection, visibility, and dialogue.


Position Overview:

Floating Museum is seeking individuals to participate in a paid training program starting in May through mid-June, with the opportunity to join an on-call team of trained docents supporting Floating Monuments programming.

This role is designed for individuals interested in public art, community engagement, and hands-on exhibition work. Docents will receive training on Floating Museum’s Floating Monuments series and exhibitions, the conceptual and material frameworks of the artworks, and the technical processes required to install, operate, and deinstall an artwork in public space.

Following the training period, docents will be invited to support programs on an as-needed basis throughout the summer and fall. Scheduling will primarily occur on weekends, with some weekday opportunities.


Responsibilities:

• Attend and complete all required training sessions (late April–mid June)


• Pack and transport monuments and related materials to and from sites


• Support set up, installation, and deinstallation of inflatable monuments


• Monitor and troubleshoot artworks on-site


• Engage with visitors and answer questions about the artwork and project
  


• Represent Floating Museum in a professional, welcoming, and respectful manner

Compensation & Schedule

• $18/hour


• Training period: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 am-5 pm, May 12–June 17 (detailed schedule to be shared in advance).


• Post-training: On-call, project-based hours throughout summer and fall including some weekends and holidays.
  


• Locations: Training will take place at Floating Museum’s studio and Park district sites around the South Side. Work after the training period will take place at various locations across Chicago.

Skills & Qualifications

• Must be based in the Chicago area


• Valid driver’s license required


• Ability to lift up to 80 pounds


• Strong communication and interpersonal skills


• Problem-solving ability and comfort working in dynamic, outdoor environments


• Team-oriented, dependable, and self-motivated


• Organized, flexible, and attentive to detail

How to Apply:

Please send a brief cover letter and resume to Eric Perez at eric@floatingmuseum.org with the subject line: “Floating Museum Docent”.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. Friday April 17th.

In your cover letter, please include your interest in the role, relevant experience, and general availability.

Floating Museum encourages applicants from across all of Chicago’s communities and is committed to building a team that reflects the city we serve.