Title: Education Program Volunteer
Department: Education
Do you want to inspire a passion for science and nature in a fun and creative work environment? Join the education team at the EcoTarium as a program volunteer!
Through conversations and hands-on activities, program volunteers help visitors make meaningful connections to our exhibits, encourage curiosity and scientific inquiry, and challenge visitors to dive deeper into the concepts explored at our museum.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Engage visitors through drop-in activities on the museum floor, in the Curator’s Workshop, and in the Nature Explore® Outdoor Exhibit
- Assist with the daily operations of museum program spaces
- Circulate amongst exhibits and interact with visitors
- During regular volunteer rounds, maintain and clean exhibit spaces as needed with support from our facilities and exhibits teams
- Help visitors navigate the museum and grounds, and answer visitor questions
- Train with museum educators to build facilitation skills and learn new programs
- As interested, work with museum educators to develop new programs for the exhibit interpretation catalog
- Longer-term volunteers may have the opportunity to explore additional areas of our education programs including animal handling and supporting group programs
Schedule & Training:
- Program volunteers are asked to commit to one or more 3.5-hour shifts weekly for at least three months. Continuation of volunteer shifts beyond three months is encouraged!
- Shifts are available Tuesday through Sunday, 9:30 am - 1:00 pm and 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm
- Comprehensive training will be provided during regular volunteer shifts
Requirements:
- At least 16 years of age
- Interest in STEM fields and/or education and a desire to learn more
- Excellent communication and customer service skills
- Demonstrated enthusiasm and reliability
- Willingness to work with visitors of all ages and backgrounds
- Ability to navigate the building and grounds under any weather conditions, lift and transport up to 15 lbs., and work in a highly sensory and stimulating work environment due to constant interaction with guests. Adjustments to the role may be made to support any individuals who require reasonable accommodations
- Must pass a CORI/SORI background check
- Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (requests for exemptions or reasonable accommodations may be emailed to phuzar@ecotarium.org)
Disclaimer: Please note this position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the volunteer for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.