Volunteer
Here at the Virginia Living Museum, our volunteers are an integral part of our staff. As a matter of fact, volunteers outnumber paid staff four to one. Without the help of our volunteer force we could not serve our visitors as well as we do. We are always pleased to welcome new volunteers to our program.
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. Another Astronomy position is that of planetarium usher.
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.
Those 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 Museum Store Volunteers are prompt, well-mannered individuals with a flair for customer service.
Horticulture volunteers excel at digging into the earth and watching their hard work grow!
Click here for a complete list of volunteer positions and responsbilities.
The Museum offers unpaid internships in Aquariums, Herpetology and Development.
Click here to learn about our internships.
Click here to read our current volunteer newsletter.
Click here to read the previous volunteer newsletter.
Summer Youth Volunteers
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. Summer applications are due on April 8th. Applications received by the deadline will be given first priority, and others considered on a space available basis.
Children of all ages can participate in the projects and programs of our Animal Aid Club that provide support for Museum animals.
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.
Join Our Volunteer Family
To join the Virginia Living Museum as a volunteer you need to:
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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.
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Have an interest in natural history, physical science and/or science in general.
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Be enthusiastic, friendly and dependable.
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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.
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Orientation and training are required of new volunteers.
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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.
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Be able to attend required training.
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Have reliable transportation to and from the Museum.
Note: Volunteer placement at the Virginia Living Museum is subject to a successful interview, reference check, an official position offer and space availability.
Volunteer Shifts
Fall/Winter/Spring Shift Times
(after Labor Day to Memorial Day)
- Monday-Saturday: Morning 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.; Afternoon 1 - 5 p.m.
- Sunday: Afternoon Noon - 5 p.m.
Summer Shift Times
(Memorial Day to Labor Day)
- 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.
Volunteer Seminars
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.
Current Volunteers
If you are unable to make your volunteer shift, please call 757-534-7428 so that we can make other arrangements to cover your area.
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Volunteer Application
Please allow 2-3 weeks for processing
To volunteer, please download and fill out our application:
Junior applicants need to fill out the above application as well as:
Please fill out the above forms and mail them to:
Volunteer Coordinator
Virginia Living Museum
524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd
Newport News VA 23601
Please call 757-595-1900 ext. 262 for more information about volunteering, or email the Volunteer Department.
You must have Adobe® Acrobat® Reader installed on your system in order to use the printable volunteer application. If you do not have it, go to Adobe's Acrobat Reader download site by clicking here.
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