Volunteer at the Virginia Living Museum
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.
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.
There is a TRAINING FEE of $15 for volunteers accepted into the program. No fee will be required for applying, any volunteer accepted into the program on or after May 1, 2013 will be required to pay this one time fee.
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
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Free admission to Museum for volunteer. Free admission for household family members after 30 hours of volunteering.
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10% discount on Museum store purchases, Museum classes and safaris.
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20% discount in the Wild Side Cafe.
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10% discount on membership purchase.
- Check out passes to museums in the Peninsula Museums Forum.
- Free monthly seminars by natural and space science experts.
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A chance to meet and work with outstanding people who share a common interest.
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Letters of reference for school or job applications.
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Use of the Museum's research library.
- Course credits through internships.
- An opportunity to enhance your employer's standing in the community.
- Exploration in new fields of interest and renewal of old skills
- Recognition awards, special social events and Museum publications
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Satisfaction of helping others - the opportunity to MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
The Virginia Living Museum uses volunteers in a wide variety of areas.
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.
Join VLM staff biologists, naturalists
and scientists to explore the natural world in special adult-oriented
programs on the first Tuesday evening of the month. Each activity-oriented program is presented in a relaxed,
hands-on format and includes classroom instruction combined with
opportunities to examine specimens from the Museum's extensive
collections and up close encounters with live animals. Come and share a
journey of discovery with others who have an enthusiastic desire to
continue to learn about the natural world of Virginia and beyond. Active volunteers are admitted free to the seminars, but must reserve in advance at 757-595-9135.