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Volunteer Opportunities

 

This is the fifth year of MNS' summer teen program, Discovery Corps. This popular program is open to teens aged 14-17 who have a passion for assisting with furthering the growth of young children, a desire to enrich their own knowledge of science, and the willingness to speak to and be comfortable with the public while doing demonstrations.


The program consists of ten two-weeks-long sessions throughout the summer. A teen may attend one session. The sessions last from 8:30am-3:30pm, Monday through Friday for the two weeks. The first week will be spent assisting the Discovery Camp instructors and the second week will involve hands-on demonstrations in our current traveling exhibit as well as throughout the Museum.

 

The application process is competitive, requiring an application, an essay discussing the teen's interest in the program, a resume including extra-curricular activities, a letter of recommendation from a current teacher, and an interview with the Volunteer Manager.

 

Requests for application packets will be accepted through March 27, 2012. Included in the packets are the dates of the sessions.

 

Interest in this program is very high and the Sessions begin filling up quickly. Please keep this in mind.

 

For further information and to request an application packet, contact:
Fyve Hilton, Manager of Volunteers
fhilton@natureandscience.org
972.201.0552
*PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR MAILING ADDRESS WITH YOUR REQUEST*

Opportunities
Following is a list of our opportunities and a general description of each. Most are available on an ongoing basis for both teen and adult volunteers, but there are age and knowledge requirements for some positions. These are noted.

Special Exhibit Volunteer

  • Attend a training session about information specific to the exhibit
  • Participate in or lead special exhibit activities after you have been trained
  • Interact with Museum visitors by assisting with any questions, etc.., they may have about the exhibit

Gallery Volunteer

  • Enrich the Museum experience for our visitors by answering questions, offering directions and providing other general information
  • Familiarize yourself with the various permanent exhibits in the Museum and be able to discuss some of the principles associated with these exhibits

Collections Department Volunteer – Must be 18 years of age. Second interview with Collections Manager required. Weekday hours only. (THE COLLECTIONS DEPARTMENT HAS A FULL ALLOTMENT OF VOLUNTEERS AT THIS TIME. PLEASE CONTINUE TO CHECK BACK FOR FUTURE NEEDS.)

  • Identify and describe items in our collection
  • Requires exceptional attention to detail and concentration
  • Must be good at typing, critical reading, proofreading, data entry, and spelling
  • Training provided by Collections Manager
Paleo Lab Volunteer – Must be 18 years of age. Second interview with Paleontologist required. Weekday hours only. (THE PALEO LAB HAS A FULL ALLOTMENT OF VOLUNTEERS AT THIS TIME. PLEASE CONTINUE TO CHECK BACK FOR FUTURE NEEDS.)
  • Knowledge of paleontology helpful but not required.
  • Must be patient
  • Must be willing to work in dusty, loud environment and be able to work with chemicals
  • Training provided by Paleontologist

IMAX® Volunteer

  • Take tickets and assist with seating
  • Work the control booth by controlling the house lights and performing dust removing operation
  • Training provided by IMAX® staff

Lobby Greeter

  • Be the smiling face to greet our visitors as they enter the Museum.
  • Offer information about prices, memberships, IMAX® showings, directions, exhibits

Special Event Volunteer

  • Assist with various preparations, set-up and clean up
  • Will be assigned specific tasks at event itself
  • Examples of Special Events: Discovery Days, FIRST LEGO® League, travelling exhibit openings, State Fair of Texas®

School Break Volunteer

  • Extra volunteers are always needed during Winter & Spring Breaks due to increased attendance

Administrative Volunteer

  • Assist with filing, copying, mailings, assembling packets, and other special projects in various departments

Who can volunteer?

  • Adults of all ages
  • Teens ages 14 and older
  • Small groups (usually 10 or less)
  • Corporate volunteers

What are the Requirements?

  • Have completed application on file
  • Complete an individual interview with the Volunteer Coordinator
  • Attend a scheduled orientation
  • Attend all training sessions (these are determined by the exhibits and volunteer activities associated with them)
  • Have cleared background check on file prior to first day of volunteering
  • Commit to a minimum of one 4 hour shift per month for a one year period - Service Learning hours will not be reported until commitment is fulfilled
  • Adhere to our dress code: navy polo and khaki pants or solid white top and black slacks with closed-toed shoes.

How do I get started?
Contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Thomas Close, at 214.428.7285 or tclose@natureandscience.org