Volunteer Opportunities

The Museum of Nature & Science strives to recruit, develop and retain individuals and group liaisons from racially and culturally diverse backgrounds and persons with disabilities. We create an environment for all staff, academic credit interns, teen and adult volunteers and trustees that is conducive to creativity, growth, ingenuity, resourcefulness, imagination and inspiration. We believe in lifelong learning and a passion for discovery and innovation.

You are invited to apply to become a volunteer and join the excitement! We welcome home schooled students, release time school sponsored and corporate sponsored volunteers, in addition to individuals!   We will work with you to provide the opportunity you expect!

Why should I volunteer?

• You want to share your enthusiasm for science and the natural world.
• You like to have fun with others who share your passion.
• We are thrilled to have your help!
• You want to give back to our community.
• You like working with children.
• You get the chance to meet many new people and have many new opportunities.
• Volunteers have discounts in the café and Science Store.
• Volunteers receive a free individual membership for 1,000 hours of volunteering.
• We appreciate you!

Teen and Adult Volunteer Job Opportunities
The Museum of Nature & Science offers individual volunteers opportunities to volunteer to complement your schedule! Depending on the day of the week and the time of day, there are a variety of opportunities from which to choose—from administrative help to engaging children to explore and imagine! Several volunteer positions do have age and knowledge requirements, but all positions are engaging and the need to give to the community is ongoing!

Basic Volunteer Duties:

• Serve at least one 4 hour shift per month for at least 30 hours over 7 months.
• Conduct yourself in an open, friendly, professional manner at all times.
• Attend all trainings as required by your assignment area.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date time sheets for your volunteer service.
• Wear your name badge when you are volunteering in or for the Museum.
• Maintain your schedule to the best of your ability.  Call ahead if you cannot make a shift.
• Arrive on time in appropriate dress.
• Follow the policies and procedures of the Museum of Nature & Science.
• A basic knowledge of the physical sciences would be helpful, but is not required.

Office Assistant: Office Assistants aid the office staff, other employees by performing basic office tasks.

• Assist with filing, data entry, copying, mailings, folding and assembling papers and packets in various departments; such as membership, and development, including special events.
• Assist specifically in the marketing department with filing, copying, mailings and data entry. This placement requires reoccurring scheduling of time.  Training is required.  No weekend placement.
• Assist with other tasks as assigned.

Gallery Presenter:

• Interact with Museum visitors to explain the scientific principles demonstrated in current exhibits.
• Enrich the Museum experience for our visitors by answering questions, offering directions and providing other general information.
• Participate or lead special exhibit activities.
• Present tours, science demonstrations, and hands-on activities.
• Ensures that visitors follow Museum guidelines.

Special Events Volunteer: Some evening or weekend hours.

• Assist with setup the day of the event.
• Assist with clean up.
• Welcome guests attending event.
• Be knowledgeable about the exhibits.
• Must be over 21 to assist when alcohol is being served.
• Assist with other tasks as assigned.

Children’s Museum Programming & Day Camp Helpers: Weekday mornings or summer and spring break daytime hours—please check website for specific topics and time for programs. 

• Assist the teacher in preparation and setting up the program area.
• Must enjoy working with children.
• Must be able to interact with young children and their caregivers or the campers.
• Assist young children or campers with projects on a daily basis.
• Assist the teacher with cleanup at regular intervals and at the end of the program.
• Assist with other tasks or duties as assigned.

Collections Specialist/Collections Data Entry: Qualifications: Must be at least 18 years of age.  This position requires a second interview with departmental staff. 

• Identify and describe parts of the collection.
• Knowledge of a specific type of object is not necessary, but helpful.
• Enter data on objects in our collection into a database.
• Ability to reference books or other materials would be a great advantage.
• Work with staff or on your own to record information on specific pieces in our collection.
• Need to be able to be good at typing, critical reading, proofreading, spelling, and enjoy data entry.
• Forms and training provided by Collections Manager.
• Hours are flexible Monday-Friday 10 a. m. to 3 p.m. 

Paleo-Lab Specialist: Qualifications: Must be at least 18 years of age.  This position requires a second interview with departmental staff. 

• Must be patient.
• Knowledge of paleontology is helpful but not required.
• Must be able to work in dusty environment with the ability to work with certain chemicals.
• Ability to follow the direction of the paleontologist.
• Training is provided by paleontologist.
• Hours are flexible when space is available Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

IMAX Control Booth Operator:

• Take tickets and seat groups and individuals.
• Control the house lights and floor lights during the film.
• Watch the film and “click” to remove dust from the film surface.

Planetarium Usher:

• Take tickets and seat groups and individuals.

Live Sky Talk Host in the Planetarium: This position requires a second interview with departmental staff.  

• Take tickets and seat groups and individuals.
• Operate the Planetarium computers, software, and lighting. Staff will normally be present.
• Knowledge of the night sky, constellations and their common descriptions is helpful, but not necessary.
• Training is provided by key Planetarium staff.  Must schedule 20- 40 show sessions to train fully.  Multiple daily sessions are normally available. 
• Planetarium staff will determine when a volunteer is ready to operate computer and/or present the Sky Talk.
• Hours are sporadic depending on bookings.

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State Fair of Texas
During the 3 weeks of The State Fair each year, we need nearly 200 volunteers to donate many hours. Our operating hours are extended. Planetarium and IMAX® shows are hourly and daily. We need 4 or 5 Greeters to be at each of the doors helping the guests plan their visit! We always have a special exhibit that will need volunteers to help. This is not counting our normal Children’s Museum area that always has hundreds of children playing daily. We can provide parking and gate entrance passes to volunteers who are willing to volunteer at least 4 hours every 5 days during the Fair. You must be an active volunteer before the beginning of the Fair.

Training
Training varies according to the project or program. You may need to come 30 minutes early to a special event in order to learn what to do!  You may need to have a training session to learn what is to be accomplished before you start.  Typically, training is on-the-job and hands-on. A staff member is always available if you have any questions.

Requirements
All volunteers must submit a complete application.  Volunteers over the age of 18 require an application fee of $10.00 for the background check.  A clear background check is required to be on file before the first day of volunteering.  We do accept court-ordered volunteers for truancy and some non-violent misdemeanors. We do not accept anyone with a felony record as a volunteer.

How do I get started?
Contact our Volunteer Manager today!

MNS is an AAM accredited institution that is the result of the merger of the Dallas Museum of Natural History, The Science Place, and the Dallas Children's Museum, supported in part by the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs, the Texas Commission on the Arts, and HP.