Volunteer
Every year, hundreds of volunteers with diverse backgrounds help the American Museum of Natural History meet its mission and goals. Find out how you can participate!
"I've been a volunteer at the Museum of Natural History for more than 10 years, and each year it gets more interesting and rewarding."
—Linda Scalbom, Tour Guide and behind-the-scenes-volunteer
Our Volunteers
Becoming a Volunteer
- The minimum age is 16; there is no upper limit.
- You must provide a regular commitment of time, ranging from one-half day to several days per week, for at least one year (although longer commitments are sometimes required for certain positions).
- All applicants must complete our online application. Once you have completed the application, you may also contact us directly regarding specific openings listed below.
- If you are interested in becoming a Teaching Volunteer, please fill out this interest form first.
Current Opportunities
Teaching Volunteers
Join the Teaching Volunteers to greet, assist, and teach students on field trips to the American Museum of Natural History!
All you need is passion, curiosity, and a love of sharing knowledge. We are seeking to broaden who interprets and what it means to interpret our exhibits, and we’d love to have your perspective, skills, and style as we share the Museum with school groups that reflect the diversity of New York City. This dynamic program features continuous training and practice in community for a fun, supportive, and fulfilling environment for all of our Teaching Volunteers.
Program Details: Teaching Volunteers work with K-12 school groups on field trips to the Museum to help them feel connected and engaged. They take on varying roles in science and cultural Halls such as greeting and directing groups, engaging kids’ interest in exhibits, and showing touchable objects and specimens. As part of the Museum Volunteer community, our volunteers:
- Create a welcoming atmosphere for positive field trip experiences
- Inspire kids from all over the city and region to become excited about science and culture
- Collaborate with colleagues who care about helping children learn
Shifts: School days, 9:30 am–12:30 pm between September and June.
To signal your interest in becoming a Teaching Volunteer, please fill out this form.
Information Desk Volunteers
Volunteers are needed to staff information desks throughout the Museum and in the new Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation. The ideal candidate is approachable, friendly, adept at giving directions, and enjoys interacting with people from all backgrounds.
Information Desk Volunteers:
- Offer excellent customer service while answering visitors inquires, delivering accurate directions to Museum facilities, theaters, Security, etc.
- Provide information about the Museum, its programs, exhibitions, show times, etc.
- Assists visitors with disabilities, giving appropriate information when requested (e.g., wheelchair locations- the 81st Street, Roosevelt Rotunda, and Garage, and the rules for borrowing wheelchairs for Museum use)
Shifts:
12-2:00pm│ 2-4:00pm
If interested in volunteering at the information desk, complete the application linked above and email [email protected].