Carnegie Museum of Art creates experiences that connect people to art, ideas, and one another. Founded in 1895, Carnegie Museum of Art is arguably the first museum of contemporary art in the United States and the Pittsburgh region’s preeminent venue for presenting, collecting, preserving, and interpreting visual art. For 129 years, the museum has been committed to showcasing the art and artists of the current moment, while also building a vital archive of art from the past. Its collection of more than 110,000 objects encompasses a broad spectrum of visual arts with an emphasis on art, architecture, photography, and design from the 19th century to the present.   From its ambitious execution of the Carnegie International—the museum’s signature recurring exhibition of global contemporary art established in 1896—to compelling special exhibitions, programs, and publications, to the daily work of the entire organization, the museum seeks to build on its legacy of thought leadership through rigorous research, adventurous and artist-centered programming and partnerships, and forward-thinking contributions to museum discourse and practice. Through its artistic program, Carnegie Museum of Art frequently explores the role of art and artists in confronting key social issues of our time, combining and juxtaposing local and global perspectives. With its unique history and resources, Carnegie Museum of Art strives to be a leader in defining the role of art museums for the 21st century.

High School student apprentices are temporary staff members who learn from and work alongside museum staff in a variety of professional roles, building skills for future educational opportunities and art museum careers. Apprentices perform work that contributes significantly to museum projects and initiatives, or to ongoing delivery of professional services and programs for the public. The apprentices attend and/or participate in meetings with and shadow museum staff, attend museum programs, and carry out projects under the supervision of museum professionals. Activities could include short or long-term projects within the Department of Education and Public Programs while integrating learning from museum professionals in other departments. Apprentices will work in collaboration with their peers and museum professionals to complete a capstone project at the end of the experience.

This is a temporary assignment estimated to run from July 2, 2026, through August 14, 2026.

A valid work permit is required for this position. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Candidates must be upcoming 11th or 12th grade students.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:

• The position requires a creative, open-minded thinker with curiosity about art and artists and a genuine interest in understanding art museums.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills are preferred.
• Residents must thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented environment and have a strong sense of pride in the quality of their work.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The position requires some occasions that involve remaining in one place and/or moving about for up to 3-4 hours at a time in the galleries.

SCHEDULE:

• Monday – Friday, 6.5 hours per day.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Meet with and shadow museum staff in a variety of departments and functions.
• Attend public programs participating alternately as a participant, contributor, or observer learning from and contributing to the experience.
• Complete work assignments and tasks under the direction of staff in one or more departments.
• Meet with Manager of Youth and Family Programs regularly to identify steps and monitor progress toward completion of the capstone project.
• Document and summarize experiences, insights, and recommendations in a format that can be shared with the museum at the completion of the apprenticeship.
• Have some fun, meet some people, become comfortable in the professional museum environment.

The following PA Act 153 clearances, or proof of application of clearances, are required beginning employment and as a condition of continued employment: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check Obtaining the required clearances is completed as part of the new hire process.

Carnegie Museums is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The above job description reflects the essential functions and qualifications for the position identified, and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position. The job description does not constitute an employment contract and does not alter the at-will relationship between CMP and the employee.   

*GUIDANCE ON ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:   The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) requires employers to consider and accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities.  An individual is qualified if he or she can perform the essential functions of a job with or without reasonable accommodation. An essential job function is any task that is a fundamental part of the job.  When considering essentiality, one must focus upon whether the function is essential to this particular job and not to the department as a whole. Some additional guidance on essential functions follows below.  Please note that the following guidelines are non-exhaustive.  If you have any questions or need additional guidance, please contact Human Resources. A. Is the function required to be performed on a regular basis? If the function is rarely performed, it may not be essential. B. Is the function highly specialized? Is the incumbent hired for his/her expertise or ability to perform the function?  The need for special expertise is an indication of an essential function. C. Does the position exist, at least in part, to perform the function?  If so, the function is more likely to be essential. D. How much time is spent performing the function and how often?  Note that even functions performed 10% of the time could be essential if they are required on a regular basis. E. Would elimination of the function fundamentally alter the job?  If so, the function is more likely to be essential. F. What are the consequences of not requiring the incumbent to perform the function? If they are significant, the function is more likely to be essential.  G. Are there a limited number of employees among whom the performance of the function could be distributed if the incumbent could not perform it?  If so, it is more likely to be essential.