Science Museum of Virginia Volunteer

Select from one of the volunteer applications below:

VOLUNTEER!

Join our volunteer team and share the excitement of science and technology!

High school students and retirees alike their time and talents in numerous positions throughout the museum. Our volunteers are committed to personal growth and a love of learning.

Benefits enjoyed by Science Museum of Virginia volunteers include:

• Involvement in an environment of life-long learning;
• Professional skill development and work experience;
• Free admission to exhibits and IMAX®DOME films;
• Free Individual Membership for volunteers who give a minimum of 100 hours per year (renewable);
• 10 percent discount in our gift shop and cafe:
• Invitations to museum special events and adult educational programs;
• Service recognition at annual volunteer recognition awards dinner and presentation;
• Flexible scheduling;
• Letter of reference.

Become a part of this outstanding group of volunteers, today! Please submit your application by clicking on the appropriate circle to the left. If you have any questions call 804.864-1514 or e-mail sfarrow@smv.org.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Gallery Education Volunteer
Help guests explore and understand interactive exhibits relating to aerospace, physics, biology and more. Minimum age is 14. Two, four-hour shifts a month are required.

IMAX®DOME Usher/Information Assistant
Provide assistance and information to guests entering and exiting our IMAX®DOME movie theater, help front desk staff answer phones and provide general information to museum guests. Minimum age is 14 years old. Two, four-hours shifts a month are required.

Exhibit Maintenance Volunteer
Maintain mechanical, electrical and electronic exhibits. Minimum age is 16. Two, four-hour shifts a month are required.

Gardening Volunteer
Assist with planting, harvesting, weeding and general upkeep of the Urban Farm, BayScapes Garden and Solar House Garden. Must enjoy being outdoors. Minimum age is 14. Weekly four-hour shift required

Gift Shop Assistant
Assist guests making purchases; receive, ticket and stock merchandise; and organize the sales floor. Must be able to use a cash register. Minimum age is 16. Weekly shifts are required. Must be able to commit to one year of volunteering.

IMAX®DOME Console Operator
Volunteers with extensive computer experience can operate giant screen films in our IMAX®DOME. Minimum age is 18. Requires a weekly four-hour commitment. Must be able to commit to one year of volunteering.

Special Events Volunteer
Volunteers are on-call for IMAX®DOME film, exhibit openings and our weekend programs. Volunteers greet museum guests, distribute programs, give directions and conduct educational activities. Minimum age is 14. Flexible schedule.

Membership Assistant
Process and service new and renewing museum members, assist with membership mailings. Volunteers prepare membership packets, file processed memberships and help with database administration. Minimum age is 14. Requires a weekly four-hour commitment, Monday–Friday.

Camp In Aide
Welcome and familiarize overnight Camp In participants to the museum, assist teachers and group leaders in presenting hands-on science activities and help in the preparation and cleanup of the event. Minimum age is 14. Weekends during the academic year. These are overnight events. Learn more about Camp In.

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The Museum's internship program provides an environment for college and high school students to participate in the daily operations and to expand their educational experiences outside of the classroom. All internships are pre-arranged, structured learning experiences generally targeted toward a specific project, but interns also participate in daily Museum activities. A designated supervisor assigns intern projects.

Part-time and full-time internships are available during the spring, summer and fall semesters. All internships are unpaid. Internships are available to high school, college and graduate students, career changers and retirees. All interns must be at least 16 years old. All candidates must submit a Science Museum of Virginia volunteer application, resume and two letters of reference to:

Director of Volunteer Services
Science Museum of Virginia
2500 West Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23220
Email sfarrow@smv.org

Deadlines for internship applications:
Spring Semester Nov. 15
Summer Semester March 15
Fall Semester July 15
You will receive an acknowledgment card as receipt of your application package. Candidates whose background and skills most meet position requirements are contacted by phone for an interview.

INTERNSHIP PLACEMENTS
The following list is a brief description of possible internship placements. If selected for an interview, a detailed position description will be provided.

Education, Gallery Education
Participate in hands-on science demonstrations and activities for the public. Positions are also available to research, develop and implement new educational demonstrations and activities.

Staff Scientist, Research
Interns develop their knowledge, expertise and skills in environmental science ethical research, collaborative work, communication and presentations skills.

Science Museum of Virginia Foundation, Special Events
Create, promote and implement fundraising, governmental and membership events. Plan events, prepare contracts, invoices and conduct correspondence to help create awareness about the museum.

Science Museum of Virginia Foundation, Corporate Development
Assist with corporate functions, assist in the solicitation of new corporate donors and conduct donor research.

Gallery Education