Volunteering at the RMSC

Volunteer at the RMSC!

Volunteers are an essential resource of the Rochester Museum & Science Center. The involvement of hundreds of talented, committed individuals greatly extends the range, quality, and variety of RMSC programs.


Volunteers are needed in a variety of areas throughout the museum. See the descriptions below to find the best fit for your skills and talents, and then complete the application.

Floor Staff Volunteers

Floor Staff Volunteers are members of our daily operations team which creates an environment for excellent visitor experience that includes a welcoming atmosphere, functioning exhibits, as well as safety and security.

Floor Staff Volunteers are responsible for providing fun and safe learning experiences for the RMSC's diverse audiences by carrying out the daily operations within the museum galleries and monitoring all exhibit floors.

The Floor Staff Volunteer implements their part in the daily plan of operations, assists in the delivery of programming, maintains exhibits, and interacts with visitors and groups. Visitor interactions are based on a fundamental enthusiasm for promoting understanding of science and technology, the natural environment and our region's cultural heritage.

Floor Staff Volunteers will implement, evaluate, and provide feedback for continual improvement of all educational programming in the RMSC's galleries.

Examples of Assignments:

Floor Staff Volunteer Shifts:

Work schedule may include flexible hours, weekends, weekdays, evenings, holidays and extended hours in order to meet the needs of the organization. Management retains the right to alter work schedules accordingly.

Docent Program

Docents share their knowledge and passion of the RMSC's collections and exhibits with our visitors. As volunteers who are trained to further the public's understanding of science, technology, the natural environment, and our region's cultural heritage docents lead visitors of all ages on tours throughout the museum. Comprehensive training is provided and includes support from an experienced docent mentor. Association meetings, lectures and workshops are held on Mondays and are a time of sharing and learning.

Docents:

• Are outgoing, enthusiastic communicators
• Are willing to learn about the museum's exhibits and collections
• Enjoy working with the museum's school groups
• Help children get excited about exploring
• Are organized, flexible, problem-solvers
• Are available weekdays for training and leading tours
   

Exhibit Explainer Program

Exhibit Explainers enjoy getting people excited about science, technology, cultural heritage, and the environment by working in the hands-on and traveling exhibit halls, according to their area(s) of interest.

Exhibit Explainers complement RMSC floor staff by providing additional content expertise that enhances our visitor experiences. We are looking for interested and enthusiastic volunteers to help work with school groups and the public as explainers in the museum's galleries.

New Exhibit Explainers receive thorough training on RMSC artifacts, exhibits, and galleries as well as techniques for engaging visitors in an interactive experience.

Exhibit Explainers:

• Enjoy working with children and families
• Are excited about RMSC content
• Are outgoing and willing to engage visitors in exploration and discussion
• Are available weekdays or weekends to work on the floor with RMSC visitors

Behind-the-Scenes Volunteers

Behind-the-Scenes volunteers who wish to contribute their time and expertise to specific areas within the museum provide assistance to RMSC staff in a variety of ways. Volunteers in the program work with staff members on both short-term and long-term projects. 


Members of RMSC's Technical Advisory Group (TAG) volunteer their time and expertise to design and construct interactive exhibits.

Opportunities are generally available in the: administrative offices, library, education department, conservation lab, curatorial areas, gardening, building maintenance, marketing, etc. Placements are determined by matching volunteer qualifications, interests, knowledge, and availability with staff needs.

Upon completion of a written application and personal interview, qualified applicants are referred to staff members for consideration. The project supervisor provides training, if required. A time commitment during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, is requested for most projects.

The Behind-the-Scenes Volunteer Program accepts applications and places individuals throughout the year. 

Gardening Volunteers

Gardening volunteers help maintain our beautiful gardens and campus. Gardening volunteers assist in the maintenance of the existing gardens. Duties may include pruning, weeding, mulching, and planting. Previous gardening experience of any sort is a bonus, but is not a requirement.

Strasenburgh Planetarium Telescope Volunteers

Climb 60 steps to the top of the observing tower at the back of the Planetarium on clear Saturday nights and help guide visitors as they view astronomical objects of interest. First, join our friendly, diverse local astronomy club -- they coordinate all Planetarium telescope operations. Go to www.rochesterastronomy.org for information. Telescope operators work in teams of two. You don't have to be an astronomer; you only have to like the subject and enjoy talking to people.