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Volunteer at MOAH



Our organization encourages the participation of volunteers who support our mission. If you agree with our mission and are willing to be trained in our procedures, we encourage you to complete this application. Click here to be redirected to the form. For the department interest section of the application, please make sure to include MOAH.
The Lancaster Museum of Art and History (MOAH, MOAH:CEDAR and WHM) is currently accepting volunteer applications!
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Our volunteers are passionate about art and history and make valuable contributions to the museum at all levels. As a volunteer you will be an integral part of the museum, working directly with staff and gaining real world experience.
Museum volunteers enjoy invitations to exclusive volunteer events, a 10% discount on select purchases in the Vault Museum Store and ongoing educational workshops!
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Volunteers will:
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Learn to lead a diverse audience of all ages on high energy and interactive exhibition tours.
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Become experts on each of our various exhibitions and engage MOAH’s visitors by sharing their knowledge and experience.
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Foster direct relationships with our community of patrons, artists, residents and staff members participating in various programs including workshops, lectures and other presentations.
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Go behind the scenes at the Museum and work directly with staff members to catalog MOAH’s permanent and ever-expanding collections.
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Learn principles regarding exhibition design and installation, as well as, general art handling techniques and other museum best practices.
Ideal Volunteer Qualifications:
The ideal volunteer will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a commitment to exceptional customer service, including the ability to remain calm, courteous and polite in stressful, hectic and high energy situations. Ideal volunteers are punctual and have a willingness to interact with diverse groups of the public, from children to seniors. Volunteers must exercise good judgment, solve problems and be flexible to last minute changes. Volunteers should be able to stand for long periods of time.
Volunteers will also have the ability to manage and maintain a large group of people. Volunteers are present to ensure visitors have a positive experience at MOAH, feel engaged and experience learning something new. Volunteers who can communicate in multiple languages (especially Spanish, American Sign Language and Standard Mandarin) or have CPR training are highly desirable.
Volunteer Requirements:
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Volunteers will be subject to fingerprinting and will undergo a criminal background check.
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Volunteers must also submit a PPD Skin Test (TB) clearance before starting a volunteer assignment. If you already possess a TB clearance report administered by your own doctor, it must be dated within the last six months. Volunteer applicants are responsible for the cost of the test, however, if the applicant does not have insurance coverage for the test, the applicant can have the test performed at the Antelope Valley Health Center located at 335 E. Avenue K-6, Building B, Lancaster, CA 93534. The Health Center will administer PPD Skin (TB) Tests Monday through Friday from 7:30 to 10:30 AM and 12 to 3:30 PM on a first come, first serve basis. They are closed the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month. You may reach the Antelope Valley Health center at 661-723-4526.
Volunteer Shifts:
Volunteers will opt in for each available shift. There are two standard volunteer shifts during each of MOAH’s open, regular business days (Morning/Afternoon - 10:40 AM to 2:40 PM and Afternoon/Evening - 2:10 PM to 6:10 PM). On Thursday and Fridays, the Museum offers an extended hours shift (Night - 4:10 PM to 8:10 PM). If you are unable to volunteer for any of our standards shifts, the museum may be able to accommodate your availability.
How to Apply:
To apply, complete and submit the City of Lancaster's Application here and specify your department interest in MOAH. Please attach a current resume, if available. Applications are also available at the Lancaster Museum of Art & History’s reception desk and can be picked-up and dropped off during our regular operating hours.
Volunteer Orientation:
Once your volunteer application has been processed and you are selected as a volunteer, you will be scheduled to attend a volunteer orientation!
During orientation, volunteers will be given a specialized tour of the facility and current exhibition by one of MOAH’s engagement specialists. There, you will learn about what makes a great museum tour, techniques to engage your audience with the exhibit and fundamentals of storytelling! You’ll also learn basic principles of art handling through various workshops and be introduced to some of the Museum’s most prized objects and artifacts in our collection.
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