Volunteer Opportunities at ASDM
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum!
Volunteer Opportunities are available in the following areas:
- 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)
- Volunteer Description:
- The primary role of the Exhibits Monitor is to circulate throughout the grounds, inspecting exhibits prior to and following the arrival of guests, acting as a liaison to report problems or damage to the Exhibits Maintenance Team and/or Security. May perform some routine daily service.
Essential Tasks for Exhibits Monitors include, but are not limited to:
- Circulating around grounds and inspecting exhibits
- Performing some routine daily servicing
- Identifying and reporting problems or damage
- Must be able to communicate effectively
- Benefits:
- A great opportunity to help maintain the Desert Museum’s exhibits for guest enjoyment, interact with keepers and botanists, and learn more about the Sonoran Desert’s natural history. Due to the nature of the position, volunteers in this role receive behind-the-scenes access, and get to experience the Museum in a way that few people do! Active status volunteers receive numerous benefits including complimentary membership and discounts for the duration of their service.
- Requirements:
- Applicants must be able to make a 12-month commitment, volunteering for 2-4 hours per week. Applicants must have the ability to navigate and maneuver around the Museum grounds in all types of weather conditions and negotiate all exhibit areas. Possessing the ability to assess damage and needed repairs is a plus, but not necessary. Must be able to present a pleasant and welcoming demeanor with guests. 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:
- Friday morning, 7:00am to 9:00am
- Volunteer Description:
- Volunteers in this position are stationed around the front patio and they support Guest Services staff by approaching museum Guests and welcoming them in a friendly manner. Volunteers in this position are also the Museum’s first impression for Guests and they are essential when it comes to creating a welcoming and informative museum experience.
- Approaching Guests (of all group sizes) and welcoming them to the Museum
- Directing Guests to the appropriate entry lines to keep things moving
- Suggesting that Guests become museum members
- Distributing maps and providing information on daily programing/upcoming events
- Assisting GS staff by retrieving wheelchairs
- Assisting GS staff by retrieving electric scooters and demonstrating their use to Guests
- Helping to answer or solve a variety of visitor questions or concerns
- Monitoring the exit gates and thanking Guests as they depart
- Collecting Lost & Found items and giving them to GS staff
- Benefits:
- This is a great opportunity to meet Guests from around the world, while sharing your passion for the Sonoran Desert region. Active Museum Volunteers enjoy benefits which include free memberships, discounts in the gift shops and restaurants, and Service Merit Awards.
- Requirements:
- Physical requirements: Applicants must be able to maneuver around the front patio areas and be comfortable working in winter cold and summer heat. Able to learn and retain the Desert Museum’s safety procedures and protocols, as well as position specific responsibilities and competencies.
Skills/knowledge required: Applicants must demonstrate excellent customer service skills and be comfortable interacting with a diverse population of Guests (i.e.: age, race, gender, etc.).
- Current Openings:
- Various days and shifts available
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.