Greeters welcome visitors to OMSI as they enter the museum’s exhibit halls and attractions, and provide them with friendly and helpful service to explore OMSI in a safe and welcoming environment. In this particular period, answering questions and stating OMSI protocols as related to COVID-19 will be an important additional aspect of the volunteer opportunity. Detailed training related to these protocols will be provided to volunteers.
Volunteer
It takes a village.
Our volunteers come from all over, bringing energy and talent to the museum. From greeting visitors to presenting amazing science demonstrations to helping behind the scenes, there’s a place for you here.
We're Ready for You.
We're Ready for You.
Share your passion for learning and science with your community by joining our volunteer team. As an OMSI Volunteer, you'll gain new skills and experience, meet interesting people, and enjoy a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. What does it take? Most volunteer positions require at least 4 hours per month for 3 months.
Interested? Fill out an application and we’ll contact you about getting started.
Questions about getting started? Contact volunteer@omsi.edu or 503.239.7814. We look forward to hearing from you!
All Are Welcome at OMSI
OMSI is committed to recruiting, hiring, developing, and retaining individuals from a diverse candidate pool regardless of race, age, ethnicity, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, citizenship status, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other legally protected status.
Equity, diversity, and inclusion guide our process as we build a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills so that we can better reflect and serve our community. We strongly invite applications from candidates who share our commitment to diversity.
Benefits of Volunteering
- Volunteering is rewarding in itself, but you do get some special bonuses.
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- Admission to the museum and attractions
- Family membership upon completion of 50 hours of service
- Discounts at the Science Store and the Empirical café
- Discounts on OMSI Outdoors and Science Classes
- Individual recognition for service
- Ongoing training and support for an exciting and rewarding experience
Teens, looking to get involved?
Look no further than the Teen Science Alliance.
Current Openings
To see more options for high school students, check out the Teen Science Alliance.
Chemistry Lab Solution Specialist
Visitors to the OMSI Chemistry Lab wear goggles and perform hands-on, wet chemistry experiments, view activities, and observe chemistry demonstrations. Volunteers who are comfortable with a rotating content schedule will enjoy this position!
Early Childhood Education Play Champion
Young children (ages birth-8) are able to learn and explore in fun, educational settings in places like OMSI’s Science Playground, the Curium and sometimes special exhibits! Volunteers in all of these spaces assist caregivers and children in experiencing the activities and exhibits, and assist staff in maintaining the space to ensure the safety of our youngest visitors and their families.
Featured Exhibit Docent - Nelson Mandela
Volunteers in the Featured Hall share science and history in the context of a regularly changing exhibit. Volunteers facilitate educational demonstrations and activities as well as assist on the exhibit floor with visitor needs and inquiries. Due to the changing nature of the hall, duties may vary considerably between exhibits. Below is a description of volunteer responsibilities for our current exhibit, Nelson Mandela: The Official Exhibition, on view at OMSI October 9, 2021 - February 13, 2022.
OMSI After Dark Education Facilitator
OMSI After Dark Education Facilitators connect with life-long learners at OMSI After Dark, an evening event just for adults, by engaging guests with educational demos and providing customer service at the museum. Because these events have a variety of themes, duties may vary considerably. Flexibility with event plans and enthusiasm for education are a must. Volunteers will be able to enjoy OMSI After Dark from an insider's perspective! Must be 21 or older.
Physics Phenomena Facilitator
Volunteers in the OMSI Physics Lab support museum guests' exploration of a variety of physics phenomena, from light and sound waves to magnets and hair-raising experiences with electricity! Volunteers should have enthusiasm for experimentation and passion for presenting hands-on learning activities in a safe manner to further engage museum guests in the amazing interactions that happen in the world.
Planetarium Usher
The Planetarium Usher guides guests as they experience OMSI’s Kendall Planetarium shows, featuring a domed display of space and live commentary. Volunteers who have some experience with public speaking and customer service, as well as a passion for supporting space science, will enjoy this position.
Science Pub Greeter
Science Pub Greeters volunteers support adult education by partnering with OMSI’s Events team to support guests and presenters at Science Pubs in Portland. Volunteers will be able to enjoy OMSI’s Science Pubs from an insider’s perspective! Most Science Pubs take place in the evening and individuals are encouraged to commit to volunteering for at least four hours each month with Science Pubs. Flexibility with event plans and enthusiasm for education are a must! Must be 18 or older.
Special Event Greeter
Special Event Greeters connect with life-long learners by supporting vendors, presenters and guests at a variety of OMSI events. Volunteers will be able to enjoy OMSI’s special events from an insider's perspective! Most special events take place on evenings and weekends and individuals generally commit to volunteering for at least four hours per month with events. Because of the changing nature of OMSI’s special events, duties may vary considerably. Flexibility with event plans and enthusiasm for education are a must! Must be 18 or older.
Submarine Queuer
Submarine Queuers coordinate with the USS Blueback and Guest Services teams to assist visitors as they begin their tour experience of the USS Blueback submarine. In this particular period, answering questions and stating OMSI protocols as related to COVID-19 will be an important additional aspect of the volunteer opportunity. Detailed training related to these protocols will be provided to volunteers.
Submarine Tour Guide
Submarine Tour Guides provide tours of the USS Blueback, a diesel-electric submarine of the Barbel class, launched in 1959. It was one of the first subs to have a “teardrop-shaped” hull, and it was the last non-nuclear submarine in the U.S. Navy, decommissioned in 1990. It was brought to OMSI in 1994 and is open for organized tours during daylight hours when OMSI is open. Detailed training related to these tours and safety protocols will be provided to volunteers.
Teen Tech Center Facilitator
Volunteers engage visitors to design and create projects in the Teen Tech Center (TTC). The TTC is a free multimedia and creative technology- focused maker space specifically for ages 13-18. We provide space, materials, and support so teens can express themselves creatively and gain hands-on experience with high tech tools and programs. Successful volunteers will encourage youth to create through questions rather than lecture-style instruction, maintain a flexible outlook, and be ready to take on any challenge.
Looking for real-world experience?
Have we got an internship for you.
Questions? We are here to help!
Contact us at volunteer@omsi.edu or (503)239-7814.
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