Be a part of the Sciencenter family

There are many ways you can support the Sciencenter’s mission to inspire excitement for science through interactive exhibits and programs that engage, educate, and empower.

Become a Member Make a Donation

Volunteer

Volunteer Information

Volunteers are an integral part of the Sciencenter team!
If you have an upbeat and positive attitude, strong oral communication skills, and a passion for teaching and learning, we want you to become a Sciencenter volunteer! You will receive ongoing opportunities to grow and gain skills within the organization. Science content expertise is not required.

Before you are eligible to volunteer, you must:

1. Fill out an application. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
2. Complete an “Explore Session” (a 30 minute self-guided exploration of the museum). Regular admission fees are waived for Explore Sessions.
3. Have a successful 20 – 30 minute interview. If your application is accepted, the Volunteer Programs Manager will contact you to schedule.
4. Attend a New Volunteer Orientation/Training, held monthly.

Contact volunteer@sciencenter.org with any questions!

Volunteer Opportunities

Education Programming Assistant: Enhance the guest experience by facilitating hands-on activities, supporting memorable interactions with exhibits and helping to maintain a safe, clean museum environment for all.
Animal Room/Tidepool Touch Tank Facilitator: Introduce our guests to teaching reptiles and Tidepool Touch Tank inhabitants. Training in these areas is available to experienced volunteers.
Special Events: Individual and group volunteers are needed for 2-4 hour shifts at special events, which generally take place on weekends and weekday evenings. Events include Spooky Science in October, featured Saturday Showtimes!, and various outreach appearances throughout the year.
Community Work-Study: Complete all necessary paperwork with your college/university. Listings available through Cornell’s Public Service Center and Ithaca College’s Community Service Federal Work Study program.
Internships: Hoping to complete an internship requirement? Send a cover letter, resume, and description of your skills and interest areas to volunteer@sciencenter.org

If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities, please email us at volunteer@sciencenter.org.

Group Volunteer Opportunities

The Sciencenter has limited one-time group volunteer opportunities throughout the year. For more information, please email us at volunteer@sciencenter.org.

Employment

Available Positions:

Volunteer Program Manager

Description
This position enhances the experience of Sciencenter guests by maintaining a regular cohort of enthusiastic floor staff volunteers, through ongoing recruitment, training, and supervision. This individual will also engage museum guests through hands-on science activities and demonstrations; work collaboratively with others on special museum projects including work-study placements, and assist on grant-funded projects.

Responsibilities

Coordinates Sciencenter volunteer recruitment across the organization, including long-term, short-term, and event volunteers
Interviews potential candidates and provides regular orientation and training
Oversees daily scheduling and evaluation of volunteers for Interactive Floor Programs; ensures coverage of special content areas, including Discovery Space, Touch Tank, and Animal Room, and oversees daily cleaning by volunteers
Assists with special programs and events both on- and off-site including volunteer recruitment and training
Collaborates with Education team and other departments to develop ongoing specific content training
Coordinates with Development department to recognize volunteer contributions
Mentors and provides ongoing opportunities for professional growth for volunteers
Develops and maintains productive relationships with community partners to recruit, place, and mentor youth employees, job training placements, and work-study participants
Manages work-study, youth, and community service participants in their role with the Sciencenter including appropriate follow-up with supervisors and support staff
Develops work-study budget and schedule, and tracks hours and submits timecards
Facilitates Interactive Floor Programs and covers volunteer stations as needed
Delivers weekend birthday parties, along with Guest Relations staff
Supports other departments on special projects and initiatives, as appropriate
Other duties appropriate to the position, as assigned

Learn more and apply!

More About Ithaca, NY

Ithaca is located in the heart of New York’s treasured Finger Lakes region. Known widely for its natural beauty, its cultural attractions and as a hub for higher education and high-tech business, Ithaca is a small city that thrives in its diversity and its commitment to the community. Ranked the “Smartest City in America” (Luminosity, 2013); named as the “Best Healthy City in the Northeast” (Organic Style Magazine); and ranked sixth in Outside Magazine’s list of “20 Best Towns in America” (2008), Ithaca is a great place to call home.

For more information about Ithaca, NY, visit: www.visitithaca.com