Studio at SAM Assistant

Seattle Art Museum; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fitness facility

Library access

Employee Assistance Program

Shop discount

Cafe discount

Guest passes

CAB rides

Sick leave

Job summary

The Seattle Art Museum is seeking a Print Shop Assistant to support and guide visitors in the SAM Studio printmaking activities. You will set up and reset DIY activities, restock materials, assist in hanging artwork, and engage with diverse visitors during exhibition runs.

Excellent customer service and problem-solving skills are required. This temporary, non-exempt role runs Sept 24, 2026–Jan 10, 2027 with a Wed–Sun schedule 10:00am–5:00pm and occasional Thursday evenings.

Qualifications

• Facilitation or teaching experience with diverse audiences is required.
• Knowledge of art materials.
• Strong customer service/public engagement skills.
• Adaptability and flexibility to deliver a high-quality educational experience.
• Excellent oral communication; English and Spanish preferred.
• Ability to work independently and in a team; self-motivated.

Responsibilities

• Warmly welcome visitors to the installation, orient them to the activity space, and support their artmaking.
• Share information about the SAM Studio installation with visitors.
• Adapt the content of offered activities to visitor needs and interests.
• Interact with multiple visitors or groups simultaneously.
• Replenish and restock activity materials and supplies as needed.
• Assist visitors in hanging their artwork in the collective installation.
• Engage with artists and guest printmakers during select Print Shop hours.
• Inform SAM staff of issues in the space.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Facilitation

Art materials knowledge

Public engagement

Bilingual English/Spanish

Time management

Teamwork

Job description

ABOUT THE ROLE

In support of the installation Studio at SAM, the Print Shop Assistant supports and guides visitors through self-guided and hosted printmaking activities. Utilizing pre-established materials and activities, the facilitator provides dynamic and hands-on ways for visitors of all ages to explore major themes and topics presented in the exhibition. This role will be responsible for welcoming visitors to the space and orienting them to the activity. They are also responsible for setting up and resetting the DIY printmaking activity, preparing and restocking materials, assisting in the hanging of visitor artwork, and interacting with a diverse public. Excellent customer service and problem solving skills are required.

Applications due by: 9/8/2026

ABOUT SAM

As SAM heads into its second century, we are boldly reimagining what we can and should be. Our goal is to be a model for the future of museums - a bold, dynamic hub of creativity, belonging, and cultural leadership, shaping the future of art and community. Embracing new ways of engaging communities and seeking innovative partnerships - all while keeping art and community at the center of what we do. This ambitious effort represents a transformative shift and radically redefining how art museums operate. This is a pivotal moment for SAM, and we are seeking great talent to join us on our journey. Working at SAM is not just a job- it's a chance to be part of a vibrant, creative community.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Warmly welcome visitors to the installation, orient them to the activity space, and support their artmaking


• Share information about the SAM Studio installation with visitors


• Adapt the content of offered activities to meet the needs and interests of visitor(s)


• Interact with multiple visitors or groups of visitors simultaneously


• Replenish and restock activity materials and supplies as needed


• Assist visitors in the hanging of their artwork in the collective installation


• Engage with and support artists and guest printmakers during select Print Shop hours


• Inform other SAM Staff of issues and needs in the space


• Perform other duties as assigned

WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Required Qualifications

• Facilitation or teaching experience with diverse audiences is required


• Knowledge of art materials


• Strong customer service/public engagement skills


• Adaptability and flexibility are required to deliver a high-quality educational experience for a range of visitor interests


• Excellent oral communication skills; able to communicate effectively with visitors. Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish preferred


• Openness to ongoing training and feedback on the activity content and facilitation strategies from the Interpretation Department


• Ability to work independently and in a team setting; ability to self-motivate


• Ability to take initiative, prioritize tasks and meet deadlines


• Excellent time-management, problem-solving, and problem-prevention skills


• Ability to work accurately with close attention to detail


• Ability to work with co-workers, vendors, and volunteers professionally and tactfully


• Ability to adhere to Museum policies and to support management decisions in a positive, professional manner

FLSA Status: Temporary, Non-Exempt

Reports To: Associate Director, Education

Work Location:Onsite, Seattle Downtown

Work Schedule: Employment period for this role is September 24, 2026 to January 10, 2027. Required in-gallery work will occur during the run of the exhibition, with a typical schedule of Wednesday to Sundays 10:00am - 5:00pm with occasional Thursday evening hours.

WORK CONDITIONS

• Work areas are primarily inside, in a climate-controlled environment with light to moderate background noise


• Approximately 80% of time is spent standing or sitting in the gallery area. Balance of time (approximately 20%) is spent moving around the work area. Occasional extended periods of standing may be required when assisting at Museum events


• Clear and effective communication with volunteers, donors, members, the public, and co-workers is necessary


• The ability to move up to twenty pounds on occasion is necessary for moving equipment and supplies


• Ability to effectively and regularly operate a computer, keyboard, and other office productivity machinery, such as copy machines and printers, and ability to inspect, prepare and use paperwork, files, equipment, and supplies is necessary

BENEFITS

• Temporary SAM Staffhaveaccess toan onsitefitness facilityand SAM's museum library


• can access a no-cost Employee Assistance Program resource


• enjoya 20% discount at theSAM Museum Shop


• anda 15% discount at SAM'sMARKET cafe


• receive2 SAM guest passes per quarter worked


• can access 8 Home Free Guarantee cab rides homeperyear


• andaccrue paid sick leave at a rate of .0385 per hour worked.

ACCOMODATION

The Seattle Art Museum will consider reasonable accommodations for all employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions/duties of this position. If you need an accommodation during the application or interview process, please [e-mail]. For candidates, we ask that, if possible, you wait until you're invited to a screen, online technical assessment or interview before requesting an accommodation.

SAM is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming workplace for all employees and volunteers. Guided by our mission to connect art to life and engage diverse communities, we strive to create a sense of belonging for all of the communities we serve. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, military status, or any other protected characteristic

Not sure you check every box? Research shows that candidates from underrepresented backgrounds often only apply if they meet 100% of the criteria. If you believe you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply!

$21.75 - $24 an hour

with a target hiring range of $22.55 - $23.75 /hour