ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Volunteer Docent Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Dublin (CA)

Volunteer

Dublin, CA · On-site

As a docent, you will learn and enjoy meaningful time spent in a beautiful park setting. You will ... Volunteers are asked to give three hours a week.With the variety of volunteer needs at Heritage ...

Volunteer Polk

Bonnet Springs Park

Lakeland, FL · On-site

Docent This is a volunteer opportunity, not a paid position. This volunteer opportunity is NOT eligible for court-ordered service. Bonnet Springs Park is seeking History Gallery Docents to interact ...

Anoka County, MN

Position Description This is for the position of We Are Water Exhibit Docent at Northtown Library ... This is an unpaid volunteer position. Interviews will take place as applications are received for ...

GREAT BASIN INSTITUTE

CORE Volunteers

Reno, NV

A VIP (Very Important Person) is a volunteer or docent who is brought on as part of the Great Basin Institute (GBI) Galena Creek Visitor Center team, on temporary or semi-permanent assignment and may ...

Great Basin institute

CORE Volunteers

Reno, NV · On-site

A VIP (Very Important Person) is a volunteer or docent who is brought on as part of the Great Basin Institute (GBI) Galena Creek Visitor Center team, on temporary or semi-permanent assignment and may ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsVolunteer Docent Jobs

Volunteer Docent information

See salary details

$8

$19

$33

How much do volunteer docent jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer docent in the United States is $19.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges volunteer docents face when engaging visitors, and how can they be addressed?

Volunteer Docents often encounter diverse audiences with varying levels of interest and background knowledge, which can make it challenging to keep everyone engaged. Adapting presentation styles, fostering interactive discussions, and being responsive to visitor questions are key strategies for overcoming these challenges. Additionally, staying current with exhibit information and participating in ongoing training can help docents feel confident and better prepared. Support from museum staff and peer docents also contributes to a positive, collaborative environment.

What is a volunteer docent?

Volunteer docents are individuals who donate their time to guide and educate visitors at museums, galleries, historical sites, zoos, or similar institutions. They provide tours, answer questions, and share insights to enhance the visitor experience. Docents often receive specialized training about the institution's exhibits or collections, and they play a key role in connecting the public with art, history, science, or nature. Their work is typically unpaid, but it is highly valued and integral to many educational programs.

What is the difference between Volunteer Docent vs Museum Educator?

AspectVolunteer DocentMuseum Educator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; often no formal certification neededTypically requires a degree in education, history, or related field; certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentVolunteers in museums, galleries, or historical sites; often part-time and flexibleFull-time or part-time roles within museums or educational institutions; more structured
Employer & Industry UsageMuseums, historical societies, cultural institutionsMuseums, science centers, educational organizations
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding volunteer roles in museumsSeeking professional educational roles in museums

Volunteer Docents typically assist visitors by providing tours and information without formal teaching credentials, often volunteering part-time. Museum Educators usually have formal education backgrounds and develop educational programs, working in more structured roles. Both roles serve educational purposes but differ in credentials, responsibilities, and employment structure.

What key skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a volunteer docent?

To thrive as a Volunteer Docent, you need a solid understanding of the institution's subject matter, strong public speaking abilities, and a passion for education, often supported by initial training from the organization. Familiarity with visitor management systems, audio-visual equipment, and basic digital presentation tools is also valuable. Exceptional interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, and adaptability help docents engage diverse audiences and foster a welcoming environment. These competencies are crucial for effectively educating visitors, enhancing their experience, and supporting the institution's mission.

What cities are hiring for Volunteer Docent jobs?

Cities with the most Volunteer Docent job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Docent jobs?

The most popular types of Docent jobs are:

What states have the most Volunteer Docent jobs?

States with the most job openings for Volunteer Docent jobs include:

Volunteer Docent jobs near you

Volunteer Program Coordinator

Oakland Museum of California

Oakland, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Overview
OAKLAND MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA (OMCA) MISSION
We inspire understanding and empathy with stories and experiences of California's art, history, and natural environment to build more equitable and connected communities.
OAKLAND MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA (OMCA) VISION
We envision a just and vibrant future where our communities value and honor one another and the world around us.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Volunteer Program Coordinator assists with the effective management and coordination of a large volunteer program involving more than 600 volunteers in delivering high quality tours and outreach activities to the public, school groups, adults, students of all ages, families, and a range of community groups. The Coordinator provides administrative support and facilitation of activities for the ongoing operation of recruiting and sustaining a broad range of organizational volunteers, including scheduling and facilitating training sessions, and a variety of efforts for engaging volunteers at the Museum.
This position is exclusively represented and is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between OMCA and the OMCA Workers United, AFSCME Local 4510 (AFL-CIO).
Responsibilities
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The following reflects OMCA's definition of essential functions for this position, but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. OMCA may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.
INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Support the Museum's mission, values, vision, and core commitment to the visitor experience, community engagement, and institutional relevancy for the future
  • Contribute to and support the OMCA strategic plan, annual priorities, and institutional initiatives such as diversity advancement
  • Contribute to a positive organizational culture based on mutual respect, a spirit of collegiality, cooperation, and openness to many perspectives
  • Participate in a culture of ongoing learning, collaboration, innovation, creativity, and community engagement
  • All positions will have core functional responsibilities, cross functional team activation and learning and development as a core function of each role.

POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Volunteer Support
  • Maintain schedule of Volunteers within scheduling database and ensure adequate Volunteer coverage of all shifts, while working cross collaboratively with multiple departments.
  • Assist with the production of school programs online information, Docent annual roster, volunteer communications and training materials
  • Serve as administrative support for volunteers with scheduling, technology questions, volunteer appreciation and general information; create a positive and supportive atmosphere for all volunteers
  • Create signage for public tours and other activities
  • Partner with staff to identify potential volunteers for special project requests from database

Docent Support
  • Maintain schedule of docents within scheduling databases and ensure adequate docent coverage of all tours including working closely with Visitor Services team to fulfill private tour requests
  • Provide support for volunteer recruitment, onboarding and training, including working closely with Visitor Services to provide quarterly volunteer information sessions

Project Management and Administration
  • Calculate monthly and year end volunteer statistics from databases, participate in survey administration
  • Maintain database reports, layouts and implement other database changes as needed
  • Schedule rooms for volunteer trainings and events, submit required forms and attend monthly calendar meetings
  • Assist museum visitors, potential visitors, school groups, and adult groups by responding to in-person, telephone, and email inquiries
  • Respond to inquiries for volunteer opportunities and maintain database of potential volunteers

Qualifications
EXPERIENCE
  • Ability to display and encourage visitor and internal customer service, take and share responsibility and treat others with respect
  • 1-2 years of related experience
  • English language proficiency in both spoken and written form
  • Volunteer program administration and dynamics of working with and motivating volunteers
  • Customer service practices and procedures
  • MS Office (Word, Excel),Asana and shiftboard, and working knowledge of Macintosh programs
  • Basic office skills

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The environment may include:
  • Museum environment involves both indoor and outdoor working conditions
  • Ability to travel between OMCA locations, and other travel as required by position responsibilities
  • Engage with diverse visitor populations for extended periods of time in the galleries or throughout the campus
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends
  • The schedule for this position is Wednesday-Sunday

EEO STATEMENT
The Oakland Museum of California is dedicated to diversity, inclusion, accessibility and equity. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ability/disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We highly encourage our diverse community to apply for available employment, internship, fellowship and volunteer positions at the Museum, as we aim to ensure our staff reflects the diversity of our visitors and surrounding community. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, OMCA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.
COMPENSATION: $ 65,052

Apply