The Bruce Museum offers many opportunities to get teens involved. The Bruce Museum's Youth Intern positions, and the Junior Docent Team give teens a chance to get on-the-job experience in various fields.
Junior Docents
Job Title: Junior Docent
Department: Youth & Family Programs
Reports to: Manager of Youth and Family Programs
Program Dates: October 2025–June 2026 (option to continue into summer)
Position Summary
Junior Docents are high school students who serve as teen educators, facilitators, and ambassadors for the Bruce Museum. Through a yearlong training and service-based program, they gain real-world experience in museum education by leading gallery tours, hands-on workshops, family programs, gallery carts, and special events. Working closely with museum educators, curators, and peers, Junior Docents build valuable skills in public speaking, teaching, leadership, and visitor engagement while deepening their connection to art and science.
Key Responsibilities
- Attend and actively participate in Sunday and occasional Monday training (October–June)
- Lead or co-lead at least one program per month, rotating across formats such as gallery carts, tours, birthday parties, and art/science workshops.
- Engage visitors of all ages in meaningful conversations about art and science.
- Serve as a positive representative of the Bruce Museum in all public-facing roles.
- Complete and present a Final Project in the spring, reflecting on the year’s experiences.
- Maintain accurate timesheets and submit hours on time.
- Communicate promptly and professionally with staff regarding scheduling or questions.
Requirements
- Must be a current high school student (grades 9–12).
- Must submit an application and teacher recommendation.
- Must sign and uphold the Junior Docent Agreement.
- Must be available and have reliable transportation to lead one program per month and attend at least 75% of training sessions.
Preferred Qualities
- Interest in art, science, museums, or education.
- Comfort speaking with the public or willingness to learn.
- Enthusiasm for working as part of a team.
- Curiosity, reliability, and a growth mindset.
Benefits
- Exposure to the museum and non-profit field through workshops, lectures, and field trips.
- Access to professional development and career readiness resources.
- Opportunities to build leadership skills through public engagement and teamwork.
- Eligibility to join the Teen Council after one year, helping plan teen workshops and recruitment.
- Stipend of $15/hour for training and programs.
- Increased pay for leadership roles: $16/hour for Peer Mentors, $17/hour for Teen Council.
- 15% discount at the Bruce Museum Store.
Commitment
- Training Sessions: Sundays with occasional Mondays, October through June.
- Programs: Lead or assist at least once a month
- Final Presentation Showcase: March 22, 2026
How to Apply
Applications are open Friday, August 1–Sunday, September 14.
To apply, please fill out the required form here.
Email a Teacher Recommendation Letter to juniordocents@brucemuseum.org with “LAST NAME Junior Docent 26” as your subject.
Teen Afternoons
Experiment, create, explore and so much more with the Junior Docent team.
Free for teens!
Teen Nights
Teen Nights are museum-wide events that are exclusively for teens that include hands-on activities, performances, and more.
Free for teens!
For more information about teen programs, please contact Manager of Youth & Family Programs, info@brucemuseum.org.
