OFFICIAL Denver Museum of Nature & Science : Volunteer at the Museum

Volunteer Positions

Docent

Volunteers in the Docent position will be able to sign up for a variety of assignments throughout the Museum to enhance the guest experience by providing overall support and information. These assignments include gallery ticket scanning and greeting assignments, Information Desk and wayfinding assignments as well as some special event and adult program support assignments. Docents are trained and knowledgeable about overall Museum happenings and the specifics required for the assignment. Docents will be supported and directly supervised by Volunteer Engagement Department staff unless otherwise specified. Shifts are available seven days a week and Friday evenings. Volunteers must volunteer for 12 shifts per year to remain on active status. Volunteers start with the Docent position and after six shifts they are eligible to participate in a facilitation review to possibly qualify as a facilitator.

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Facilitator

Volunteers in the Facilitator position will be able to sign up for assignments that focus on facilitating content-based discovery and exploration interactions with Museum guests. These assignments include all Exploration Station assignments (aka carts) and any assignment that requires content-based training like the Navigator assignment. Facilitators are first and foremost, fantastic Docents, displaying an overall understanding of Museum-wide happenings and exemplary customer service. All Facilitators are required to be trained and able to facilitate Museum-wide high-priority Facilitation assignments.

To be eligible for a Facilitator position, volunteers are required to complete six docent shifts to participate in a Facilitator Review Shift. During this shift, volunteers who are interested in facilitating will come to the Museum prepared to facilitate the Exploration Station of their choosing. Team Members will observe facilitation interactions and provide input on whether a volunteer is ready to start registering for Facilitation assignments upon completion of content-specific training.

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Adult Docent Volunteer Application

Applicants 18 years of age or older should complete the Adult Volunteer Application.

Adult Volunteer Application

Teen Docent Volunteer Application

Applicants who are 14 to 17 years of age should complete the Teen Volunteer Application.

As a teen volunteer at one of Denver's most prestigious cultural institutions, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while indulging your curiosity and love for learning. Whether you're an aspiring scientist, a history buff, need volunteer hours to graduate, or simply someone who enjoys engaging with the community, there's a place for you here.

Ready to Get Involved?

Join us in igniting curiosity and inspiring discovery! To start, please complete the Teen Volunteer Application

We can't wait to welcome you to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science volunteer team!

Teen Volunteering Requirements

Submit a completed application
Attend a group interview and be accepted into the program
Attend a New Teen Orientation
Meet a yearly requirement of 12 shifts in a calendar year
Effectively communicate (cancellations, lateness, etc.)

Schedule

Interviews will be conducted in April and May
New Teen Orientations are scheduled in April and May

Volunteer Shifts are available seven days a week and Friday evenings

Shift times are

8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
12:30 – 5 p.m.
Friday Evening: 4:30 – 9 p.m.

Volunteer Perks

Free admission to the Museum
Free access to Infinity Theater, Planetarium Shows, and Temporary Exhibits
50% Discount on food at the TRex Café, Deli, and Coffee Lab
10% Discount in the Museum Shop
Gain new skills and communicate with people from around the world
Gain community service hours that you can use for graduation if your school requires them

Questions?

Contact [email protected].

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Teen Volunteer Application

Family Group Docent Volunteer Application

The Family Application must be completed by the adult who will be volunteering with the youth applicant. The youth's account will be created upon being accepted to the volunteer program. Anyone 13 years of age or younger must volunteer alongside a parent or guardian.

Family Group Volunteer Application

Entomology Specialist Volunteer

Volunteers are needed to help identify and sort insect specimens in the entomology collection. The entomology collection has many specimens of a wide variety of taxa that need to be identified and sorted so they can be properly organized and made easily accessible to researchers. This project is suited for those who have experience in insect identification, either through education or other training. Experience using dichotomous keys is especially useful.

Assist the Museum’s entomology collection by working hands-on with insect specimens from around the world to help make our entomology specimens and their data useful for research! Shift times are from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., 12:30 – 4:30. p.m., and 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., and are available Tuesday through Friday with a 6-month commitment at a minimum.

Required Skills

Insect identification, either broadly across taxa, or more specifically within a certain taxon
Meticulous attention to detail
Computer skills (typing, web browsers, spreadsheets)
Willing to learn new skills
Manual dexterity skills, able to manipulate small and fragile specimens
Cooperative in a team environment
Ability to follow instructions and work independently
Must be able to commit to a set weekly schedule
Education or experience in biology or entomology helpful
Skilled in handling repetitive tasks with precision and care
Outstanding communication abilities, including timely responsiveness to notifications and the ability to address issues with collections staff

Training
On-the-job training will be provided by the Zoology Assistant Collections Manager.

Schedule and Commitment
Minimum of one shift per week for 6 months. Shifts are available Tuesday – Friday.

Age Requirement
Available to individual applicants 18 or older

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Adult Volunteer Behind-the-Scenes Application

Adult Behind-the-Scenes Volunteer Application

Inclusivity Statement

Science helps us understand that diversity in our natural world creates strength and nurtures life. We strive to be a diverse and collaborative team – a team of people from different backgrounds, identities and experiences who are open to being inspired, challenged and changed by one another. At all levels of our organization, in every policy, action and decision, we seek to create a workplace that lives our Museum values and foster opportunity and mutual respect. We realize that we are on a continual journey toward building community, understanding, and belonging. These aspirations are critical to bringing our mission to life.