Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are valued and important members of the Nevada State Museum team. They provide service to the museum that impacts tourism, education, artifact preservation, and research. After reading the short descriptions of the volunteer opportunities here, please complete the volunteer application and we will contact you about getting started.

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS AVAILABLE

Museum Store: Assist customers, conduct sales, prepare and arrange merchandise, respond to mail orders, and assist with off-site sales at special events. Preferred volunteer traits include enthusiasm for history merchandise, a friendly and helpful attitude, ability to learn cash register operation, accuracy with money handling procedures, attention to detail, and ability to keep reliable hours. Shifts typically last 4 hours.

Special Events: Assist visitors with information about the museum and specific event details, facilitate craft activities with visitors, and provide superior customer service. Events typically occur on Saturdays once a month, 2 -3 hour shifts expected.

Education Office Materials Prep: Many education programs and special events require craft materials prepared in advance. Volunteers will use scissors, copier, paper cutter, and other office equipment. Training provided.  This will be concentrated during the week before a special event but can also be done on a weekly basis.

Education Office Scheduler: Assist the Education Department by answering phone calls and documenting school and adult tour requests. With experience, volunteers can enter information into the computer and generate tour guide requests. Volunteers will use office phone, Microsoft Windows and Office software. Training provided. Needed 2-5 hours Monday-Friday.

Ambassador: Greet visitors and help them find their way around the museum. Needed 4-5 hours Wednesday-Saturday.

OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE AFTER SPECIALIZED TOUR GUIDE TRAINING PROVIDED TWICE A YEAR

Tour Guide: Provide both entertaining and educational tours through museum exhibits and the Capitol building for school groups and adult groups. After Tour Guide training, shadow experienced tour guides and be paired with a mentor to refine your tour skills. Preferred volunteer traits include enthusiasm for engaging with a variety of groups and ages, ability to learn and accurately share historical information and provide an exceptional visitor experience. Training provided. Tours tend to be seasonal. During the school year guides are needed approximately 4 hours per week, depending on the number of tours requested.

Education Program Leader: Present fully developed educational programs to school-aged children either at the museum or at schools. Program topics vary from fossils to fungus. Preferred volunteer traits include enthusiasm for educating children, ability to learn science material and presentation techniques, patience, and flexibility. Training provided. Tours tend to be seasonal. During the school year, program leaders are needed approximately 4 hours per week, depending on the number of tours requested.

AVAILABLE ON A PROJECT-BY-PROJECT BASIS

Curatorial assistant: Opportunities in History, Anthropology, Education, and Natural History departments. Work is very project specific. Usually includes data entry and record keeping, working with department-specific collections, and research. After completing an application you will be put in touch with the curator who has opportunities available at the time that matches your interest.

If you have questions about volunteering at the Nevada State Museum, Carson City or you would like to enroll as a volunteer, please contact the Education Department at 775-687-4810 ext. 237 or nsmeducation@nevadaculture.org.