Gallery Assistant - Part-time

The University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Complimentary museum admission

20% discount at Museum Store

Free CapMetro rides

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin's Blanton Museum of Art is seeking a part-time Gallery Assistant to support visitor services and security on UT's Main Campus. You will help protect the collection, assist visitors, and uphold museum policies while delivering excellent customer service.

This 19-hour per week role requires strong communication, calmness under pressure, and flexibility for evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to engage with the public and promote a collaborative climate.
• Ability to remain calm in emergencies and respond decisively.

Responsibilities

• Assist in guarding and protecting the collection, visitors, galleries, and grounds.
• Conduct interior patrols during public hours and monitor access points.
• Provide clear guidance to ensure a positive visitor experience and adherence to policies.
• Inform visitors about exhibits, events, and nearby amenities.
• Deliver excellent customer service in a courteous manner.
• Report missing or damaged objects and any irregularities related to building safety.
• Document interactions with artworks for security records.
• Follow procedures for opening/closing and artwork activation/deactivation.
• Act as first responder during emergencies and communicate evacuation routes.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Verbal and written communication

Calm under pressure

Team collaboration

Multitasking

Emergency response

Customer service

Professional demeanor

Flexibility for evenings/weekends

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job Posting Title

Gallery Assistant - Part-time

Hiring Department

Jack S Blanton Museum of Art

Position Open To

All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours

19

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date

Immediately

Position Duration

Expected to Continue Until Aug 31, 2028

Location

UT MAIN CAMPUS

Job Details

General Notes

The Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin is known for its bold vision, from a dynamic reinstallation of the collection galleries in 2017, to the opening of Ellsworth Kelly's monumental work of art, Austin, in 2018, and redesign of its grounds by Snohetta in 2023, and the exhibitions and educational programs that define the museum's role in the community.

There is even more to come for the Blanton and the thousands of school and university students and visitors we serve. With a proven track record as a museum that is deeply relevant, and where education is embedded into everything we do, we have put The University of Texas at Austin, and the city of Austin, on the forefront of the visual arts.

Part-time Blanton staff members receive complimentary admission to the museum, selected museum events, and a 20% discount at the Museum Store. In addition, they receive the many perks offered by part-time employment at UT Austin, including free CapMetro rides and free entrance to libraries and other campus offerings.

The Blanton is home to a vast array of roles matching a wide range of interests and talents. No matter the staff position at the Blanton, all contribute to the preservation of culture and history for the entire community. We invite you to view and apply for this professional opportunity.

Purpose

The purpose of this position is to protect the University's collections and property, safeguard visitors and staff, while assisting in creating an overall positive museum visitor experience with specialized expertise and customer service.

All applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis for any employer without sponsorship.

Important to note: this is a 2 year position subject to renewal based on funding and performance.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the security of the Blanton by monitoring and protecting the collection, visitors, galleries, and grounds.
• Perform interior patrols of museum galleries during museum public hours and maintain order in assigned areas, including monitoring access and egress points of the building, and addressing inappropriate behavior in a confident, calm, and courteous manner.
• Provide clear guidance, direction, and information to ensure that all visitors have a positive experience and adhere to museum policies.
• Provide knowledge of museum exhibitions, events, and the surrounding area to visitors.
• Provide excellent customer service and maintain a courteous and friendly manner.
• Report any missing, damaged objects, or unusual conditions to supervisors. Report any irregularities pertaining to building operations, safety or fire hazards during patrol of premises.
• Document and report observed physical interactions with works of art by visitors.
• Follow security procedures to assist in the opening and closing of the museum and assist in the activation and deactivation of some artworks.
• Serve as initial responder in the event of an emergency, know evacuation procedures and routes, and contacting a supervisor when appropriate. Act in a calm and decisive manner when assisting in the evacuation of the public and staff from the building, during fire alarms or other emergencies.
• Actively participate in training programs to improve knowledge of the museum, security best practices, and customer service skills.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Must enjoy interacting and conversing with the public.
• Excellent verbal, written communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Promotes collaborative climate.
• Ability to deal calmly with a wide variety of people in varying, often stressful circumstances.
• Ability to calmly organize and effectively direct in emergency situations.
• Ability to work effectively within a team.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize duties within the galleries.
• Demonstrated professional demeanor and personal initiative.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Salary Range

$20.00 per hour

Working Conditions

• Uniforms (uniform shirt provided).
• Use of radio with earpiece.
• Required to be in motion while en route in galleries.
• Interaction with the public including occasional large crowds.

Work Shift

• Part-time position: 12-15 hours per week.
• Varied scheduled hours per business needs such as special events and holidays.
• Evening, weekend and holiday availability required.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with contact information including email addresses; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest

Employment Eligibility

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer,complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university's company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Compliance

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.