Title: Docent (2026)
Department: Education
Reports To: Director of Education
Job Type: Docent Program
Pay: Unpaid
Deadline to Apply: July 31, 2026
Job Summary:
The San Antonio Museum of Art welcomes friendly people who enjoy engaging in dialogue with a variety of museum patrons of all ages, especially school-aged children. Docents must have a sincere interest in art and history (though no formal background is required in either subject area), as well as a passion for lifelong-learning and education.
Becoming a docent is a commitment, and each biannual class is carefully selected. Docents commit to a minimum of three years of service, including two years of weekly training during the academic year (Mondays, September-May, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.).
Interviews: Before being accepted into the Docent Program, candidates participate in an interview with current San Antonio Museum of Art docents and Education Department staff.
Orientation and Training: New docents who are selected for the program must attend a three-day New Docent Orientation (Monday, September 14-Wednesday, September 16, 2026). Following orientation, weekly training classes are held on Mondays from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. throughout the academic year (September-May). Training focuses on the Museum's collection, age-appropriate tour techniques, inquiry methods, and gallery activities.
Responsibilities and Duties:
Time commitment: Candidates must be able to commit at least three years to the program.
- Year 1: Participate in weekly training sessions. Select touring opportunities become available as docents progress through first-year training.
- Year 2: Participate in weekly training sessions with an increased emphasis on leading PK-12 school tours during the academic year.
- Year 3+: Participate in monthly continuing education sessions and lead at least four PK-12 school tours each academic year.
Docents must be flexible, friendly, and have a sincere interest in art and history (though no formal background is required in either subject area). Docents should also possess a passion for lifelong learning and education. With the aid of weekly training sessions, new docents must become proficient in all school tour themes offered by the Education Department, covering every collection area in the Museum.
Physical Requirements:
The physical requirements of the position described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform successfully.
- Walking, bending, climbing, stooping, and lifting up to 35 pounds.
- Must be able to sit and stand for long periods of time.
- Physical ability to climb stairs and work in a multi-level building.
Email Access: Docents must maintain email contact and internet access.
Membership: Docents must become a Museum Member at their preferred level. New and active docents are permitted to receive the educator discount on Member, Member Plus, and Family memberships. More information on becoming a member can be found here: https://www.samuseum.org/join-and-give/memberships/become-a-member/
Dues: The San Antonio Museum of Art Docent Association charges annual dues of $35 to support continuing education, docent events, recognitions, etc. New docents are not responsible for paying Docent Association dues until the beginning of their third year in the Docent Program.
To apply, please complete and submit this online application form. The deadline to apply is Friday, July 31, 2026.
If you have questions or would like to learn more about becoming a docent at the San Antonio Museum of Art, please contact Yuchen Liu, Volunteer Services Coordinator:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 210.978.8183
About the San Antonio Museum of Art
The San Antonio Museum of Art serves as a forum to explore and connect with art that spans the world’s geographies, artistic periods, genres, and cultures. Its collection contains nearly 30,000 works representing 5,000 years of history and is particularly strong in arts of the Americas; ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman art; Asian art; and contemporary art.
San Antonio is the nation’s seventh-largest city and is consistently listed as one of its fastest-growing. The Museum is housed in the historic Lone Star Brewery on the Museum Reach of San Antonio’s River Walk and is committed to promoting the rich cultural heritage and life of the city. It hosts hundreds of events and public programs each year, including concerts, performances, tours, lectures, symposia, and interactive experiences. As an active civic leader, the Museum is dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the city and the region, and to supporting its creative community.
EEO Statement:
San Antonio Museum of Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job posting describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.
SAMA is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Skills Required
- Must commit to minimum three years of service
- Participate in weekly training sessions
- Ability to lead school tours by Year 2
- Flexibility and friendliness
- Interest in art and history
- Physical ability to perform the responsibilities listed
- Maintain email and internet access
- Become a Museum Member
What We Do
The San Antonio Museum of Art is dedicated to presenting art of the world's cultures from ancient times to the present, housed in a renovated historic brewery. It features extensive collections of ancient Mediterranean, Asian, Latin American, contemporary, and American art.
