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Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Volunteering

Two volunteers in Q?rius holding an animal skull with large teeth.
Two volunteers in Q?rius hold an animal skull with large teeth. Photo by Eris Qian, Smithsonian.

Release Your Inner Scientist: Become a Natural History Volunteer!

Public Engagement and Behind-the-Scenes Opportunities Available

Are you interested in natural history and curious about scientific research? Join the volunteer team at the National Museum of Natural History.

Whether your interests lie in supporting researchers and staff behind-the-scenes or engaging our over 6 million annual visitors in nature and science, we have an opportunity just for you!

View All Open Opportunities

A woman working at a desk, a woman in front of the Information Desk, and a man showing a fossil jawbone to a visitor.
Volunteers can work behind the scenes, at an Information Desk, or in an exhibit hall. Photos by Josh Contois, Smithsonian.
  • Be 18 years or older
    • Looking for youth volunteer opportunities, join our Q?Crew!
  • At least a 1 year commitment at 96 hours
  • Complete a Smithsonian institution Background Check
  • Attend a New Volunteer Orientation
  • Complete necessary training requirements for your unique volunteer role
    • Training includes instruction on science content, teaching techniques, and learning how to work with the public. Behind-the-scenes volunteers may receive specialized training related to specific projects. Instruction includes lecture, interactive sessions, demonstrations, guided lessons, and activities
  • Log and track your own volunteer hours online
  • Schedule your shifts in advance online (Public Engagement)
  • Open communication with the Volunteer Program including reading biweekly news updates, attending pre-shift meetings, and more!
  • Learn from and work with fun and talented Smithsonian Staff
  • Help the Museum forward its mission to understand the natural world and our place in it
  • Experience programs, professional enrichments, and fieldtrips exclusive to Smithsonian and Natural History volunteers
  • Invitations to curatorial lectures and programs
  • Annual Recognition Events and Service Awards
  • Ability to create your own schedule an opportunities available 7-days per-week!
  • 20% discount at SI museums’ public cafeterias
  • 20% discounts at Smithsonian Museum Shops
  • 20% discount on Smithsonian Magazine
  • One free ticket to an IMAX screening, the Planetarium or the National Mall Carousel
  • One monthly free ticket to the Butterfly Pavilion and $5 Guest tickets to the Butterfly Pavilion
  • Free or Discounted entry to selected Museums around the World
  • Free Membership to the Agriculture Federal Credit Union (AgFCU)
  • Smithsonian Library card with access to world class resources and online journals
  • Free Parking at the Smithsonian’s Udvar Hazy Facility

After 96 volunteer hours:

  • Professional references from Museum staff
  • 10% off Smithsonian Journeys

E-mail NMNHVolunteer@si.edu

Current Volunteer Resources