Docent

Job Title: Docent

Reports to: Visitor Services Manager

Summary:

Docents fill a vital role at Chinati by sharing the collection with the public.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Docents work as part of the Visitor Services team to guide groups through installed spaces, secure the spaces and grounds, and protect the art. In October, docents assist in hosting Chinati’s annual weekend-long open house.

While leading groups on tours, docents are entrusted with access to installed spaces and fragile artworks. Docents safeguard these spaces and the collection by communicating clearly with visitors and reporting incidents to the Conservation Department according to established protocols.

This position allows for flexible hours on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. A docent may work from 5 to 20 hours per week as suits his/her schedule. Shifts range from 3 to 6 hours. Additional opportunities become available with experience.

Skills and Qualifications:

Docents are excellent communicators who readily engage with the public. Leading tours requires punctuality, patience, strong recall, reliable transportation, and the ability to navigate groups and enforce rules. No prior experience is necessary, but a sincere interest in learning about the collection is key.

Terms:

This is a part-time hourly position based in Marfa, Texas. After completing training and being certified to lead tours, compensation is $115 for Full Collection tours and $65 for Selections tours.

To Apply:

Interested parties should email jobs@chinati.org with the subject line “Docent”

EOE Statement:

The Chinati Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, national origin, ethnic origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law in its employment policies. In addition, Chinati will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

About the CHINATI FOUNDATION:

The Chinati Foundation is a museum created by the American artist Donald Judd in far West Texas. At Chinati, large-scale works of art by 13 artists are permanently sited in relation to architecture and the land. The museum complex of 340 acres and 34 buildings is located primarily on a former military base surrounded by desert grasslands, with several additional sites in the historic town of Marfa. The stewardship of Judd’s vision and supporting the visitor experience are paramount. Applicants should consider the remote location and unique culture of an art town in a border community in the high Chihuahuan desert. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.