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 will be posted below.

Seasonal Museum Greeter

Period of Employment: March 1, 2023 through August/September 2023

The seasonal museum greeter is the first person most visitors see and interact with when they come to the Sciencenter. The Museum Greeter must be a welcoming presence at the front desk.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Welcoming a diverse range of visitors to further the Sciencenter’s commitment to equity
Processing cash, check, and credit card payments
Answering phones and visitor questions Sales:
Selling memberships and mini golf
Selling and restocking store merchandise

Learn more and apply!

Summer 2023 Camp Counselor

As a Camp Counselor, you will care for campers ages 7-12, ensure their safety, provide leadership and companionship, and educate campers about basic STEM concepts by leading hands-on camp activities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Camper Care: Supervise a group of campers for the duration of each camp session.
Facilitate Activities: Lead informal science activities with camper groups, highlighting key STEM concepts at an appropriate level for the campers.
After-Camp Care: Independently supervise campers who stay for after-camp care.
Camp Breakdown: Assist in a cleanup of materials and program debrief in the week following camps.
Learn more & apply today!

Summer 2023 Camp Director

As Camp Director, you will work with the camp counselors to care for campers ages 7-12, ensure their safety, provide leadership and companionship, and educate campers about basic science concepts by leading hands-on camp activities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Camp Curriculum Development: Work with Sciencenter staff to finalize the curriculum for camp sessions. Includes camp and curriculum planning and preparation prior to the start of camp.
Camp Staff Direction: Direct camp counselors and summer interns as needed, with assistance from Sciencenter Education Staff
Camp Parent Communication: Directly communicate with camp parents, answering questions, sharing announcements, and sending reminders.
Camper Drop Off/ Sign In: Independently manage daily camper drop off each morning.
Camper Care: Supervise a group of campers for the duration of each camp session.
Facilitate Activities: Lead informal science activities with camper groups, highlighting key STEM concepts at an appropriate level for the campers.
Camp Breakdown: Assist in a cleanup of materials and program debrief in the week following camp.
Learn more & apply!

Summer 2023 Intern Position – Education Assistant

Application Deadline: March 15, 2023

Main Functions:
The Education Assistant Intern supports the Sciencenter’s mission and enhances the public experience through the delivery of interactive programs, hands-on science activities, and demonstrations. All staff and interns are expected to contribute to a culture that supports equity, inclusion, diversity, and access through their work at the Sciencenter.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Facilitate guest interactions and provide interpretation with live exhibits including the marine inhabitants in the tide pool touch tank as well as handling and introducing guests to teaching animals such as reptiles and lizards
Assist with the supervision of summer campers and summer camp activity preparation
Answer basic visitor questions and offer an inclusive, welcoming, approachable presence on the museum floor
Facilitate activities and demonstrations in the galleries
Staff the Discovery Space a lending library of discovery boxes designed for young scientists to explore topics such as astronomy, climate, math, engineering, and more
Support onsite and offsite events and special programs
Assist with activity prototyping and provide feedback for curriculum development
Assist with the delivery and dissemination of the GSK (Girls Science in the Summer) summer program
Work collaboratively with volunteers and summer Youth Employees (ages 14-18) as they deliver programming and develop job skills
Communicate with Sciencenter staff members about visitor questions and comments, exhibits needing repair, First Aid and other emergencies, and any other issues relating to visitors’ experience in the museum
Assist with museum cleanliness procedures
Other duties as appropriate
Learn more and apply!

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