Live Animal Programs

Here at the Virginia Living Museum, our volunteers are "staff." Without the help of our volunteer force we could not serve our visitors as well as we do. We are always looking for new "recruits."

We are very proud of the compliments our volunteers receive from visitors. "Kudos to the volunteers" wrote a visitor from Vienna, Va. "Had very nice people educating us in all the exhibits," said a couple from Sierra Madre, CA.

Volunteers at the Virginia Living Museum work with staff members to promote conservation by teaching the beauty and uniqueness of Virginia’s many habitats.

Astronomy volunteers use their love of learning to educate visitors on the daytime sky and the safe way to view the sun.

Volunteers who enjoy working with the public and do well with minimal supervision become Exhibit Interpreters. These volunteers entertain the public with knowledge spanning a variety of Virginia’s animals and marine life.

Students who are interested in teaching and mentoring youth do well as Classroom Assistants. They help our Education Staff with the many children’s classes the museum offers throughout the summer.

Greeters and Sales Associates are prompt, well-mannered individuals with a flair for customer service.

And last but not least, Horticulture volunteers excel at digging into the earth and watching their hard work grow!

Note: Volunteer placement is subject to space availability, completion of three-hour orientation session, plus additional training depending on assignment. Parental permission required for volunteers younger than 18 years.

Click here to see some of our volunteer positions.

Click here to learn about our internships.

Click here to read our current volunteer newsletter.

Click here to read the previous volunteer newsletter.

Click here to read about the 2007 volunteer awards and recognitions.

Each summer, we look for mature, dedicated high school students (ages 15 and older) who want to make a difference in themselves and their community. Please note that there are a limited number of available volunteer spots. We invite students who excel in the qualities listed above and who would benefit from our program. Training for summer youth volunteers begins in early June. Please apply early. To be considered for later training sessions, all junior applicants must have completed the application process no later than July 1.

If you have any questions about the application process, or our volunteer program, feel free to contact the Volunteer Services office at 757-595-1900, ext. 262.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Touch Tank Interpreter

To join the Virginia Living Museum as a volunteer you need to:

	Be at least 15 years old (ages 11-14 are eligible for Family Volunteering) Parental permission required for volunteers younger than 18 years of age.

	Have an interest in natural history, physical science and/or science in general.

	Be enthusiastic, friendly and dependable.

	Submit a completed application to Volunteer Services.

	All applications are reviewed. Selected applicants will meet with Volunteer Services staff to match skills and interests. Position offers are made based on successful interviews and reference checks.

	Orientation and training are required of new volunteers.

	Must be able to commit to one regularly scheduled shift (usually four hours) per week for a minimum of 3 months. Alternate schedules can be arranged if available.

	Be able to attend required training.

	Have reliable transportation to and from the Museum.

	Note: Volunteer placement at the Virginia Living Museum is subject to an official position offer and space availability.

Fall/Winter/Spring Shift Times

	Monday-Saturday: Morning 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.; Afternoon 1 - 5 p.m.

	Sunday: Afternoon Noon - 5 p.m.

Summer Shift Times

	Daily: Morning 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.; Afternoon 1 - 5 p.m.

	Special summer exhibits may have additional evening hours

Volunteer Training

All new volunteers must submit an application and meet with Volunteer Services before signing up for training. New volunteers are required to attend an Orientation session. Orientation is a tour of the museum and review of the policies and procedures for volunteering.

In addition, specific training is provided for all positions to ensure that volunteers are prepared to perform their duties effectively and with confidence. Training sessions provide specific information about the four galleries in the museum (Coastal Plain, Piedmont/Mountain, World of Darkness, and Virginia Underground) and the outdoor trail.

Learn More

Volunteer seminars are offered the first Tuesday of each month and are optional. Seminars are offered to volunteers for their personal enrichment, to enhance their knowledge. Enjoy good company and a fascinating, hands-on, natural history presentation designed to help you add that special touch to your interpretation, or just satisfy your curiosity.

Learn More