Student Positions
Students from every discipline at Dickinson can take advantage of cultural life at The Trout by attending an art opening, joining our spring student Gala, studying in The Gallery during finals or attending special museum events. Become a Trout Fan to receive updates on what’s happening at The Trout each semester. For those interested in deeper engagement, The Trout Gallery offers both paid and volunteer opportunities.
Paid Assistantships
Curatorial Assistant
Working closely with the Director of The Trout Gallery, Curatorial Assistants will learn about different aspects of curating and organizing exhibitions. Assistants investigate works of art to assess upcoming and potential exhibitions, as well as research and write catalog entries, didactic texts and wall labels. Their work supports curatorial and administrative activities, including the evaluation of potential art acquisitions and the analysis of current collections. Applicants should have excellent research and writing skills, be detail-oriented and self-motivated as well as have an interest in the history of art and culture.
4-6 hrs/week on average. Hours may vary depending on nature and scope of independent projects. One assistant needed per semester with option to renew for second semester.
Museum Education Assistants
Museum Education Assistants receive intensive training in object-based learning and principles of museum education. They research, write, and teach lesson plans for middle school students and elementary age students participating in Gallery programs taught weekly onsite and in the local schools. In addition, assistants learn current exhibition content, develop, and lead discussion-based tours for visiting audiences of all ages. Experience working with children and public speaking is desirable. Assistants should be comfortable working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment responsive to evolving community needs. Availability one weekday (Tues-Thurs) between 3 and 5 is desirable. No previous art experience necessary.
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6-10 hrs/week. One year commitment preferred. Eight Assistants needed per semester.
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Exhibitions and Collections Assistants
Assists the Collections Manager with preparing and installing exhibitions, supporting object study programs, and cataloging the collections. Previous experience with art installation, construction or painting is desirable. Training week in the Fall suggested, but not required.
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4-6 hrs/week on average. Schedule changes based on museum installation schedule. One- year commitment required. One to two assistants needed per year.
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Language Education Assistants
Positions available for Spanish, French, German, Italian, Arabic and Japanese speakers. Language Assistants are trained in museum exhibition content, principles of second language acquisition and lesson planning. They teach college classes using objects on view in current exhibitions or from the permanent collection. Lessons are collaboratively written and edited by Language Assistants, relevant faculty and Trout Gallery staff. Spanish Language Assistants teach approximately 12 classes per semester and other language Assistants teach approximately 2 classes per semester.
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Hours vary weekly by language. For Spanish, approximately 4-6 hrs/week during four planning weeks and 1-2 hrs/week the rest of the semester.
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Summer Museum Education Assistants
Summer Museum Education Assistants receive intensive training in object-based learning and principles of museum education. Assistants will teach visiting day campers in the galleries and museum Education Center, research exhibition content, develop lesson plans and assist with museum-related marketing and communications work. Qualified candidates will have experience in or completed coursework in art, art history, educational studies, history or cultural studies and enjoy working with children. Previous experience teaching, working in museums, or developing lesson plans is desirable.
Students will work a total of 280 hours and must be available 9AM-5PM weekdays from mid-June to mid-August.
Compensation for the Assistantship includes on-campus housing and a weekly stipend of $350.
This position is available to current Dickinson College students only. Two assistantships available per summer.
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Volunteer Opportunities
The Trout Workshop
Make your mark on the Trout! Art museums can and should be places that ignite curiosity, self-discovery, learning, socialization, and personal connectedness for everyone. Trout Workshop collaborators work with Trout staff to put these values into practice and provide input on all areas of Trout operations in bi-monthly workshops (Thursdays 12-1:15 PM). During workshop sessions, the group will create social media content, test and evaluate art activities, lesson plans, and exhibition tours, and offer personal reflections about connections between art museums and the world we live in. Trout Workshop collaborators also plan a spring social event, The Trout Gala, for Dickinson students. Collaborators get behind-the-scenes access, learn about museum operations, and make the Trout a better place, all while gaining valuable transferable skills.
Maximum 35, applicants accepted in the order received.
3 Hours per month, expect increased hours in the four weeks before Trout Gala.
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Trout Fans
Do you want to be involved with The Trout Gallery, but don’t have time for a regular commitment? Sign up for our mailing list to become a Trout Fan!
Trout Fans receive regular email updates about happenings at The Trout, the latest Trout merch, and first dibs on tickets for the Spring Gala.
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Post-Graduate Position
Post Baccalaureate Fellow in Museum Education
The Post Baccalaureate Fellow in Museum Education will be considered a professional member of the museum's education staff. Under the supervision of the Curator of Education, the Fellow will research works of art, develop educational materials, and teach community outreach programs. The Fellow will train and supervise Museum Education Assistants teaching K-12 audiences and lead the Trout Workshop program. Ongoing professional development provided by our experienced museum staff and professionals within the field ensures that the Education Fellow leaves the program with extensive experience teaching and programming for a variety of audiences, and with a completed professional teaching portfolio. This is an eleven-month paid part-time position with the possibility of renewal for a second year.
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