Established in 1979, The Museum of Contemporary Art is the only artist-founded museum in Los Angeles. We are dedicated to collecting and exhibiting contemporary art. We house one of the most compelling collections of contemporary art in the world, comprising roughly 7,500 objects, and have a diverse history of ground-breaking, historically-significant exhibitions.

Overview

The Museum of Contemporary Art seeks a detail-oriented and self-starting team player to support the ongoing work of the Environmental Initiatives department. Sitting at the intersection of climate and culture, this department seeks to braid sustainable thinking into the exhibitions, programs, and operations of the museum. It is the first of its kind for an American contemporary art museum and an exciting experiment in institutional climate action.

A primary responsibility of this role is to support the efforts of the Green Team, a staff-led interdepartmental sustainability group composed of 16 team members. The Green Team touches on every department, providing a unique view into the workings of the museum. The Environmental Intern will also assist in the development of the Sustainable Skillbuilding workshops, a new pop-up series providing hands-on environmental education in areas such as composting, natural plant dying, creative reuse, native plants, and more. In addition to these primary projects, the Intern will be responsible for assisting in research and database management for the Green Resources and environmental mailing list databases.

This role is designed to offer real-world, project-based experience in a contemporary art museum for those interested in learning about climate action and meaningful institutional change. As one of two participants in MOCA’s recently established internship program, this intern will meet with the Environmental & Sustainability Strategist, Chief of Public Engagement, Learning & Impact and other museum staff to identify opportunities to maximize their learning and advise on internship programming.

Reporting to the Environmental & Sustainability Strategist and working closely with a variety of staff within the area of Public Engagement, Learning & Impact, the Environmental Initiatives Intern will gain a basic understanding of the emerging field of art museum sustainability, through work in public programs and cross-departmental collaboration. The Intern will play a critical role in supporting ongoing efforts to reduce MOCA’s carbon footprint and will support creating a space for climate dialogue at the museum.

Essential Functions

Research and support the development of the Sustainable Skillbuilding workshops. Attend planning meetings with partners and participate in workshops.
Contribute to the Green Team’s Green Resource Database which includes green vendors, educational videos, green material-selection tools, climate guides, and more.
Assist with preparation for monthly Green Team meetings and Working Group breakout sessions. Observe Green Team and Working Group meetings, take meeting minutes and support follow-up on action items following the meetings.
With guidance from Human Resources, assist with development of content for the Green Team section of MOCA Monthly, the museum’s internal newsletter.
Research and contribute to the environmental mailing list, supporting communication about public programs, workshops, and museum initiatives to climate curious audiences.
Assist in the development and maintenance of the Environmental Family Project, to be launched in Spring 2024 in the Grand Avenue reading room.
Observe and participate in departmental and interdepartmental meetings as appropriate.
Participate in reflection and documentation of internship experience.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma required
Must possess the ability to communicate and interact well with others
Demonstrate an ability to learn quickly and independently
Detail-oriented, with excellent grammar, writing, and organizational skills
Interest in contemporary art required
Interest in sustainability preferred
Interest in contemporary culture, and organizational structure and procedures at a museum or other non-profit arts institution preferred
Ability to use or quickly learn to use basic Google Suite applications, scanners, and the internet
Commitment for the duration of the program
Completion of an end-of-internship reflection

Hourly Rate: $17.00

POSITION COVERED BY MOCA/AFSCME COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT: NO

Schedule and location:

Beginning in January 2024 or later and concluding in May 2024, a mutually agreed-upon schedule not to exceed 280 hours; two full days per week including some Saturdays as programs require. On-site in MOCA Grand Avenue staff offices or The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, with some remote work.

Physical Demands

While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent must be able to do the following: sit for extended periods; bend and reach for filing and other job-related functions; must be able to visually inspect work. Manual dexterity to operate a computer and other office equipment is required. Heavy usage of computers and phones required.

The Museum of Contemporary Art is an equal opportunity employer. We will extend equal opportunity to all individuals without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military status, veteran status or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local laws. Our policy reflects and affirms the Museum of Contemporary Art’s commitment to the principles of fair employment and the elimination of all discriminatory practices.

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.

MOCA | The Museum of Contemporary Art

New Jobs

Environmental Initiatives Intern