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

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.

Click Here to Apply

Benefits:

We simply could not offer the programs and special events that make the EcoTarium a unique resource to our community without our diverse and dedicated corps of volunteers. As a THANK YOU to our volunteers, we offer a Tier Volunteer benefit system which is calculated annually by calendar year. For any questions about benefits, volunteers should contact their direct supervisor.

In addition to the earned benefits below, all volunteers can:

  • Spend time having fun outside
  • Gain knowledge and skills related to nature, science communication, and education
  • View a planetarium before or after your shift
  • Take a train ride before or after your shift (seasonally)

Additional Earned Volunteer Benefits

Volunteers will receive initial benefits immediately after 50 hours of service. Benefits may increase at year-end to the appropriate level.

Complimentary tickets for train rides and planetarium shows are not available for sold-out rides or shows. Please check in at the train station or information desk for availability 10 minutes before a scheduled ride or show.

Membership includes free or reduced admission to 500+ other museums and cultural institutions through reciprocal programs.