Volunteering at the Science Museum or Virginia gives you the opportunity to share your experience and knowledge, making science more inspiring for our guests.
The commitment and support of our volunteers provides valuable assistance in all areas of the Science Museum, from engaging with guests in the exhibits and labs to providing administrative support.
There are a number of volunteer positions available. Please review the opportunities below to learn more.
Step 1: Submit an application
We'll use the information from your application to better understand your skills, goals and motivations for volunteering. Applications can be submitted online using our portal. Make sure to indicate your position preference on your application.
Step 2: Try it out
All new volunteers complete a trial shift for their preferred role (or roles). Trial shifts give you a chance to explore roles and meet Science Museum team members. You're welcome to complete trial shifts for as many roles as you want, but you will need to select one role to move forward with.
We try to find a match for all applicants, but volunteer positions are not guaranteed. Availability is impacted by our current exhibitions, staffing and organizational capacity.
When we find a role that is a match for both you and the Science Museum, you'll move on to orientation and training.
Step 3: Orientation and Training
The Science Museum provides an initial online orientation program to create access and support broader completion. However, we require all volunteers to attend an in-person orientation before moving forward and completing a shift on their own. This orientation, offered quarterly, is designed to introduce volunteers to the museum's culture, provide an understanding of expectations and present an opportunity to explore the museum.
Once you are able to volunteer, we will provide you with the opportunity to conduct on-the-job training and shadowing—which can begin as soon as you are available.
Please keep in mind that volunteers cannot complete a shift on their own until they have attended a quarterly orientation and completed a background check. After successful completion of the background check and orientation, you will be issued a volunteer t-shirt and name tag.
Have more questions? You may contact Jared Strawderman, Volunteer and Internship Coordinator, with any questions by email ([email protected]).
Are you a high school student who likes math and science? Do you like working with kids? Would you like to gain public speaking and leadership experience while learning? Then apply to join our amazing team as a Summer Camp Science Guide.
Time Commitment/Hours:
Gallery Education Volunteers bring passion, skills, and special talents to work closely with Science Museum staff to provide a quality, fun, engaging, inclusive, science experience for guests - encouraging and assisting them as they interact with exhibits and in labs.
Time Commitment/Hours:
Apply now to join our amazing team as a Gallery Education Volunteer.
Dome Ushers greet, scan electronic tickets, answer questions and assist guests as they enter and exit the Dome. These volunteers are comfortable interacting with the public, reliable and able to work independently.
Time Commitment/Hours:
Apply to join our amazing team as a Dome Usher.
The Forge Maker Challenge and Workshop Assistant will help facilitate a variety of open-ended, design/engineering challenges during pre-scheduled Maker Challenge times and assist guests during focused, small group workshops.
Time Commitment/Hours:
Apply to join our amazing team as a The Forge Maker Challenge and Workshop Assistant.
Special Event volunteers offer invaluable support, enhance guest engagement, and contribute to the scientific experience of events hosted by the Science Museum. These events predominantly occur during evenings and weekends.
Time Commitment/Hours:
Sign up through our Community Foundation profile to support special events at the Science Museum.