Volunteer Opportunities

Whether behind-the-scenes or on the Museum floor, volunteers are integral to the success of the Montshire. We hope you'll consider joining the team!

Special Volunteer Opportunity

Aquariums volunteer — We are searching for a reliable adult volunteer who loves fish and is charmed by toads to help with animal feedings one day a week andfor occasional vacation coverage.

The many volunteer opportunities at the Museum include:

Program Volunteers

Explainers interact with visitors to enhance their experience at the Museum. Explainers greet groups, demonstrate exhibits, lead informal science activities, and more. Explaining is ideal for individuals who enjoy working with the public, appreciate children, and can work independently. Initial and ongoing training is provided by Museum educators. Time commitment: 3 hours/weekly or bi-weekly.

Preschool volunteers work with a staff teacher to introduce science to young children through fun activities and experiments in the physical and natural sciences. The Museum Preschool runs weekly in the fall, winter, and spring on Wednesday mornings and afternoons. Experience is not necessary; the only requirements are a love of children and ease in sitting on the floor. Time commitment: 3 hours/week on Wednesday mornings or afternoons.

Magic Carpet volunteers organize the popular Magic Carpet Luncheons, which feature travelogues on different locales and regionally-inspired meals. Volunteers line up the speakers, select appropriate menus, prepare meals, set-up and serve at the Museum, and coordinate reservations. Time commitment: 6-10 hours/luncheon.

Exhibits Volunteers

Design and research volunteers assist the curator of exhibits as needed. Projects may include initial planning and research for new or revised exhibits. Time commitment: Varies.

Production and repairs volunteers help with building, painting, maintaining and fixing exhibits. Experience with carpentry, power tools, and machinery helpful. Time commitment: Flexible. Regular schedule preferred.

Trails and landscaping volunteers help with trail maintenance and special plantings. Volunteers with plant identification skills may assist with plant labeling. Time commitment: Varies.

Museum Operations and Fundraising

Public relations volunteers work on a variety of projects as needed. Possibilities include photographing events and exhibits, updating database information, and archiving photos. Periodically, volunteers may help create interesting, accurate, and engaging content for Museum publications or the Montshire Minute radio spot. Time commitment: Varies.

Auction volunteers provide leadership and creativity to make the Museum's principal fundraiser a success, year after year. Opportunities include procuring auction items and helping out on the night of the event. Time commitment: Varies. Primarily from January to May.

Volunteer Groups

The Montshire welcomes small groups of volunteers organized by schools and other organizations. Students often work with our facilities staff on building, grounds, and exhibit upkeep, or they may help out in the office and gift shop.

For more information about volunteering at the Montshire, please call 802-649-2200 or write to volunteer@montshire.org.