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Volunteer Opportunities at ASDM
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum!
Are you intrigued by owls, bewitched by ravens, and entranced by hawks? Have you ever wanted to be a part of our unique birds of prey presentation? For more information, select 'Animal Experiences - Raptor Free Flight Handler' in the list below.
Volunteer Opportunities are available in the following areas:
- Volunteer Description:
- The Raptor Free Flight program hosts seasonal demonstrations during fall through spring seasons. The RFF collection consists of predatory birds native to the Sonoran Desert. The RFF demonstrations feature free-flighted birds in a desert setting (the birds are loose and are not presented on the glove). Volunteers assist with every aspect of the program, including husbandry, demonstration setup, and active participation in the demonstration- maintaining crating behaviors, doing glove calls and cueing birds to perches.
- Benefits:
- This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about birds of prey- their natural history, their behavior, proper handling techniques and what is needed to care for them in captivity. Raptor Free Flight volunteers will learn information about falconry, operant conditioning techniques and the philosophy of power of choice training. This is also a good opportunity to be of service, as The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a non-profit organization and Volunteers are critical to the success of the organization. In addition, active Museum Volunteers also enjoy Museum benefits, which include free memberships, discounts in the gift shops and restaurants, and Service Merit Awards.
- Requirements:
- Applicants must be 18 years or older to participate. Volunteers in this position make a once a week commitment, from mid-November through March (9:00am-1:00pm). Applicants must be able to crouch for an extended period, stand upright quickly, run short distances quickly over rough, natural terrain, and lift/carry up to 40 pounds steadily. Applicants need to be comfortable volunteering outdoors in all weather conditions including heat, rain and cold inclement conditions, in wild desert surroundings, including cactus, loose footing, wild snakes, scorpions, etc. For the safety of applicants and the animals, applicants must be able to think and react quickly in demanding situations, multitask, listen well, and communicate decisions via radio that relate to animal needs. Applicants should have a clear understanding of the boundaries of animal interactions. All Desert Museum Volunteers must be able to learn and follow the Desert Museum’s safety procedures and protocols, as well as position specific responsibilities and competencies. Additionally, applicants are asked to submit three references. Following the initial interviews, selected applicants will be invited back for a “working interview”, which will include a demonstration of physical ability. Volunteers selected for this program will be required to complete six-weeks of training beginning the 1st week of October, and including a four-week probationary period. All volunteer positions are at-will and can be ended at any time by either party, with or without cause or notice.
- Current Openings:
- positions available Saturdays or Sundays - 9:00am-1:00pm
- Volunteer Description:
- The documentation of the Desert Museum’s electrical and potable water systems currently consists of a combination of blueprints, hand-drawn schemas and the memory of senior staff members. As the current Supervisor of Maintenance prepares to retire in 2026, a major loss of institutional memory threatens the continuity of daily Museum operations.
The GIS Volunteer will create a map of Desert Museum utilities according to priorities identified by the Maintenance department and then create a GIS map/app that will allow staff to access and edit this information in areas with poor phone and internet connectivity. Primary tasks include:
- Create a polygon layer of the buildings and other structures on Desert Museum grounds;
- Scan and digitize existing electric blueprints and georeferenced them;
- Assist Museum staff in documenting additional systems not available in hard copy;
- Create a map that integrates all utility systems of interest to the Desert Museum Maintenance team and make it available offline for museum staff.
- Benefits:
- Volunteer will gain experience interacting and working in a professional setting as a GIS support person. They will also gain familiarity with the components of electrical and water systems such as those used at the Desert Museum. This is also an excellent opportunity to provide impactful community service, as the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a non-profit organization and Volunteers are critical to the success of the organization. Active status Volunteers receive numerous benefits including complimentary membership and discounts for the duration of their service.
- Requirements:
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Applicants must have at least 3 completed semesters of GIST coursework, plans to enroll in GIST 909 in Fall 2025, access to an independent means of transportation to and from the Desert Museum site at 2021 N Kinney Rd. . Applicants must possess the ability to plan, organize and manage work independently, strong communication skills, and the ability to interact positively with people of all backgrounds. Familiarity with water and electrical utility systems and components thereof is highly desirable. Applicants must be willing to work outdoors and possess the ability to navigate locations over rough terrain, off designated paths and roads, if needed. All Desert Museum Volunteers must be able to learn and retain the Desert Museum’s safety procedures and protocols, as well as position specific responsibilities and competencies. Volunteers selected for this position will be required to complete a four-week probationary period. All volunteer positions are at-will and can be ended at any time, by either party, with or without cause or notice.
- Current Openings:
- Duration: Starting ASAP and finishing in December 2025 (with a possibility of extension, if needed/justified) Hours: Flexible (when working remotely); During operating hours and according to availability of supervision (when working on grounds) The Museum’s minimum for “Active” status is 8hrs per month/96hrs per year.
- Volunteer Description:
- The primary role of the Education Volunteer/School Greeter is to act as a liaison to schools and youth groups visiting the Museum by providing information and assistance specific to their visit, while maintaining excellent customer service. Potential future opportunities include assisting with our kid camps and community outreach programs.
Essential Tasks for School Greeters include, but are not limited to:
- Welcome group and review rules and behavior expectations
- Collect paperwork from school/youth group leader (if needed)
- Direct school/youth group leader to admission window
- When applicable, provide chaperones with wristbands, tracking guides, and maps of the Museum
- Instruct group re. entering and exiting the Museum, meal schedule, etc.
- Coordinate and facilitate lunch times and the use of the picnic ramada
- Help maintain ramada area during its use
- Provide instructions for Theater program and Stingray exhibit if applicable
- Check-in on school/youth groups throughout their visit and provide assistance if needed
- Report any emergencies or behavior issues
- Benefits:
- This is a fun way to share your passion for the Sonoran Desert by facilitating educational experiences for future conservationists! Active status volunteers receive numerous benefits including complimentary membership and discounts for the duration of their service.
- Requirements:
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Applicants should have the ability to navigate the Museum grounds in all types of weather conditions. Must be able to communicate effectively to provide instructions by using guest friendly language. Must be able to provide exceptional customer service to guests and staff members. Preference will be given to applicants who are enthusiastic to volunteer with youth of all ages. Applicants are asked to provide two references, and must be able to pass a multi-state background check. All Desert Museum Volunteers must be able to learn and retain the Desert Museum’s safety procedures and protocols, as well as position specific responsibilities and competencies.
- Current Openings:
- Monday-Friday, 8:00am-2:00pm (days and times vary based on group reservations, but individual scheduling is flexible)
If a position aligns with your interests and availability, please fill out the following form:
Volunteer Application Form
If you're having trouble accessing the online application, please print this application form (PDF) and mail it to Volunteer & Internship Programs Coordinator (Mike Walker) at: 2021 N. Kinney Road, Tucson, AZ 85743.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please don't hesitate to call the Volunteer & Internship Programs Coordinator (Mike Walker) at: 520-883-3082 or at mwalker@desertmuseum.org.
