Volunteer

Position Summary: Group Hosts welcome students as they begin their educational journey at OMSI and provide support throughout their time onsite. Volunteers who feel comfortable with public speaking, connecting teachers with resources and find satisfaction in working with schools and clubs will enjoy this position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Greet groups as they arrive, providing brief agenda on buses.
• Provide directions to museum exhibits, attractions and lunchrooms
• Support group leaders in navigating spaces in order to maintain a smooth schedule.
• Use two-way radio to communicate with staff about any changes with group plans.
• Encourage parties to adhere to OMSI’s safety protocols and report any problems that arise to OMSI staff

Knowledge and Skills:

• Interest in informal science education and nourishing curiosity in kids.
• Comfortable with coordinating schedules in a customer-first environment.
• Able to maintain a calm, pleasant, and cheerful demeanor in a variety of atmospheres and crowd levels.
• Able to listen to and communicate with people of diverse backgrounds, education levels, and ages.
• Self-directed and willing to take initiative.
• Dependable and punctual.
• Willing to follow OMSI rules and procedures.

Schedule and Support:

• Minimum 4 hours per week
• Attend the following trainings or classes provided by OMSI:
  • Volunteer Orientation
  • Onstage Emergency Protocols

Position Summary: Submarine Tour Guides provide tours of the USSBlueback, a diesel-electric submarine oftheBarbel 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.
* Please note that you will have to complete 8 hours of Submarine Queuing before starting this position. Read Submarine Queuer Position Description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead interpretive tours with guests on the USS Blueback submarine.
• Develop a complete and thorough understanding of the USS Blueback and its subsystems.
• Perform maintenance and administrative tasks as needed.
• Provided quality customer service to visitors and perform crowd management duties, acting as a ticket-taker, as needed.
• Master all boat safety and emergency procedures.
• Utilize a 2-way radio to communicate with staff regarding the number of tour guests and arrival times.
• When necessary, encourage parties to adhere to OMSI’s safety protocols, including social distancing and wearing protective face coverings.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Interested in supporting the USS Blueback or submarine science education. Strong communication, public speaking and customer service skills.
• Comfortable speaking to 1-14 tour guests with the use of a microphone.
• Foreign language skills or naval background highly desirable.
• Able to listen to and communicate with people of diverse backgrounds, education levels, and ages.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Able to maintain a calm and cheerful demeanor in a variety of atmospheres.
• Dependable and punctual.
• Must present a professional appearance.
• Willing to follow OMSI rules and procedures, supporting OMSI’s commitment to safety and accessibility.

Schedule and Support:

• Shift Times: 9:30 to 1:30 pm or 1:30 to 5:30 pm
• Minimum number of hours: 8 hours per month, 4 hours per shift.
• Minimum age:18 years
• Attend the following trainings or classes provided by OMSI:
  • Volunteer Orientation
  • Emergency Protocols
  • Customer Service Training
  • Role Specific Training

Position Summary: Enhance our guests’ ice skating experience by welcoming and helping guests navigate their check in process and to gliding their way through on a unique indoor synthetic ice rink. This position will be in tandem with the Guest Services Team. This will be a short-term event that will run from November 14th, 2026- January 2nd, 2027.

Learn more about the synthetic ice rink technology:
https://www.glicerink.com/synthetic-ice-rink-technology/

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist guests with their check in and or guide them to the arts and crafts area.
• Ensure guests have signed the liability waiver.
• Provide directions to guests in order to navigate the line.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Enthusiastic and friendly demeanor.
• Able to maintain a calm, pleasant, and cheerful demeanor in a variety of atmospheres.
• Enjoy working with people of all ages.
• Reliable and punctual.

Schedule and Support:

• Wednesday, November 11, 2026 – Saturday, January 2nd, 2027
• Shift Times: 9:30 am – 1:30 pm + 1:30 pm – 5:30 pm
• Guest Services staff will be onsite
• Attend the following trainings or classes:
  • Volunteer Orientation
  • COVID-19 Safety Training

Position Summary: 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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Greet and welcome all submarine tour guests prior to their tour to share any pertinent information.
• Utilize a 2-way radio to communicate with submarine staff regarding the number of tour guests and arrival times.
• Coordinate with tour guides and guest services representatives to determine the number of tickets sold and people for each tour.
• Lead tour participants outside to the top of the boat ramp.
• Give clear and accurate information about other museum attractions and events, as well as an introduction to the history and
  story of the Blueback.
• When necessary, encourage parties to adhere to OMSI’s safety protocols, including social distancing and wearing protective face
  coverings.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Interest in supporting the USS Blueback or submarine science education.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Comfortable speaking to a large group without the use of a microphone.
• Able to listen to and communicate with people of diverse backgrounds, education levels, and ages.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Able to maintain a calm and cheerful demeanor in a variety of atmospheres.
• Dependable and punctual.
• Must present a professional appearance.
• Willing to follow OMSI rules and procedures.

Schedule and Support:

• Shift Times: 9:30 am – 1:30 pm + 1:30 pm – 5:30 pm
• Minimum number of hours: 8 hours per month, 4 hours per shift
• Minimum age: 16 years
• Attend the following trainings or classes provided by OMSI:
  • Volunteer Orientation
  • Emergency Protocols
  • COVID-19 Safety Training
  • Customer Service Training
  • Role Specific Training

Position Summary: 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 safety will be an important additional aspect of the volunteer opportunity. Detailed training related to these protocols will be provided to volunteers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Greet visitors and welcome them as they enter OMSI.
• Encourage guests to follow safety protocols and museum procedures as expressed by Guest Services supervisors and OMSI staff.
• Direct guests to appropriate lines to redeem pre-purchased tickets or purchase tickets onsite.
• Communicate clear and accurate information about the museum’s exhibits, attractions and policies
• Assisting museum staff with additional guest support as needed, including but not limited to, operating the intro video and regulating the number of guests entering the Featured Hall exhibit.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Able to maintain a calm, pleasant, and cheerful demeanor in a variety of atmospheres.
• Able to listen to and communicate with people of diverse backgrounds, education levels, and ages.
• Dependable and punctual.
• Self-directed and willing to take initiative.
• Must present a professional appearance.
• Willing to follow OMSI rules and procedures.

Schedule and Support:

• Shift Times: 9:30 am – 1:30 pm + 1:30 pm – 5:30 pm
• Minimum number of hours: 4 hours per week or 8 hours per month
• Attend the following trainings or classes:
  • Volunteer Orientation
  • COVID-19 Safety Training

Position Summary: 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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Greet and welcome all planetarium guests prior to their show utilizing a microphone to share any pertinent information..
• Facilitate admittance into the planetarium utilizing timed tickets to allow limited seating inside.
• When necessary, encourage parties to adhere to OMSI’s safety protocols, including social distancing and wearing protective face coverings.
• During the show, monitor the audience for any safety concerns and escort guests out if they need to leave early.
• Assist the Space Science Educator as needed prior to, during, and after the show.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Interest in supporting astronomy or space science education.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Comfortable speaking to a large group with the use of a microphone.
• Able to listen to and communicate with people of diverse backgrounds, education levels, and ages.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Able to maintain a calm and cheerful demeanor in a variety of atmospheres.
• Dependable and punctual.
• Must present a professional appearance.
• Willing to follow OMSI rules and procedures.

Schedule and Support:

• Minimum number of hours: flexible hours during shifts; 10 hours per month
• Minimum age: 14 years
• Attend the following trainings or classes provided by OMSI:
  • Volunteer Orientation
  • Emergency Protocols
  • COVID-19 Safety Training
  • Customer Service Training
  • Role Specific Training

Position Summary: Young children (ages 0 – 6) are able to learn and explore in fun, educational settings in places like OMSI’s Science Playground, the Curium (4− 8) 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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Connect with a wide age range of visitors in a variety of spaces by facilitating activities and exhibits and modeling age-appropriate science process skills.
• Share accurate science and museum information with guests.
• Ensure a safe and secure environment for visitors by assisting caregivers in supervision of children, including observation of consistent rules and limits.
• Present demonstrations such as bubbles, leading story time, etc., depending on assigned space.
• Maintain ongoing safety and cleanliness procedures, which includes bending and stooping at times.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills.
• Interest and/or experience in early childhood education and child development.
• Ability to learn and model adult-child interactions for positive early learning experiences.
• Dependable, punctual, and willing to commit to a regular schedule.
• Willing to follow OMSI rules and procedures.

Schedule and Support:

• Minimum number of hours: 4 hours per week or every other week.
• Attend the following trainings or classes provided by OMSI:
  • Volunteer Orientation
  • Mandatory Reporter Training
  • Recognizing & Preventing Harassment Training.
  • Position-specific training with ECE staff.

Position Summary: The Mezz is a free dynamic, hands-on maker space designed for youth ages 13–18 to explore creative technology, express themselves, and build real-world skills. From music production and digital art to coding, crafting, and 3D design — it’s a space where imagination meets innovation. We’re looking for Mezz Hosts who are excited to support teens as they explore, experiment, and create. You’ll help welcome visitors, guide teens through the check-in process, and engage with them as they work on short activities and projects — all while fostering a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Greet teens and their families, assist teens as they enter the space, including helping teens sign in and get initially oriented to available activities.
• Facilitate activities at the first activity stations .
• Support teens in using tools and materials for activity kits and self-directed projects.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming environment.
• Encourage curiosity and creativity through open-ended questions and collaborative problem-solving.
• Promote a culture of respect, inclusion, and safety for all participants .

Knowledge and Skills:

• Comfortable greeting and welcoming teen visitors.
• Comfortable with open-ended exploration and creative problem-solving.
• Ability to work well with OMSI staff and other volunteers to maintain a positive and productive learning space.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Committed to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive engagement with an emphasis on creating a welcoming space for youth with diverse backgrounds.
• Commitment safety and willing to uphold OMSI rules and procedures.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills:

• Experience with creative technologies, including: Adobe Creative Suite, Pro Tools, Ableton, AutoCAD, Scratch, etc.
• Experience with arts/crafts including: sewing, embroidery, knitting, drawing, painting, etc.
• Background in education, youth work, or mentoring.

Schedule and Support:

• The Mezz is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm, Saturdays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Sundays 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• Minimum hours: 4 hours a month. 4 hours every/other week.
• Minimum age requirement for this volunteer role is 16 years old.
• Attend the following trainings or classes provided by OMSI:
  • Volunteer Orientation
  • Safety Training
  • Mandatory Reporter Training
  • Recognizing & Preventing Harassment Training
  • Position-specific training with The Mezz Center Coordinator

Position Summary: The Mezz is a free dynamic, hands-on maker space designed for youth ages 13–18 to explore creative technology, express themselves, and build real-world skills. From music production and digital art to coding, crafting, and 3D design — it’s a space where imagination meets innovation. As a The Mezz Digital Media Project Mentor, you’ll support youth as they dive into self-directed projects using tools like video editing software, graphic design platforms, music production gear, and more. This is a unique opportunity to empower young creators, encourage exploration, and help teens build confidence in a welcoming, inclusive, STEAM rich environment. This position is ideal for creative individuals who enjoy working with teens, are comfortable with digital tools, and want to make a meaningful impact through mentorship and project-based learning.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• • Encourage Exploration & Creativity: Support teens as they explore, collaborate, innovate, and create personal digital media projects using tools like video editing, music production, graphic design, 3-D printing, and more.
  • Mentor Through Co-Learning: Guide youth by asking open-ended questions, co-investigating ideas, and using facilitation techniques that promote curiosity and self-directed learning—rather than lecture-style instruction.
  • Support Project Development: Provide guidance and encouragement during the inspiration, planning, and creation phases of youth-led digital media projects.
  • Support Skill Development: Provide guidance and encouragement during structured workshops and unstructured drop-in period.
  • Maintain a Positive Environment: Help ensure the The Mezz remains a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for all participants; assist with class and program activities.
  • Uphold The Mezz Mission: Work alongside OMSI educators and fellow mentors to support daily activities and Care for the Space: Assist in maintaining the integrity, cleanliness, and functionality of the The Mezz’s equipment and creative workspaces.

Knowledge and Skills:

• • • Comfortable with engaging with 13-18 year olds in a positive, consistent manner.
    • Experience with tools such as video editing software, graphic design platforms, music production equipment, or 3D modeling programs.
    • Ability to guide youth through open-ended projects by asking questions, encouraging experimentation, and supporting self-directed learning.
    • Comfortable jumping into different types of projects and adjusting to the needs and interests of the teens.
    • Ability to work well with OMSI staff and other volunteers to maintain a positive and productive learning space.
    • Committed to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive engagement with an emphasis on creating a welcoming space for youth with diverse backgrounds.
    • Commitment to safety and willing to uphold OMSI rules and procedures.
    • Reliable and able to maintain a consistent volunteer schedule.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills:

• • • Experience with creative technologies, including: Adobe Creative Suite, Pro Tools, Ableton, AutoCAD, Scratch, etc.
    • Experience with arts/crafts including: sewing, embroidery, knitting, drawing, painting, etc.
    • Background in education, youth work, or mentoring.

Schedule and Support:

• • Typical Schedule: The Mezz is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm, and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Sundays 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
  • Minimum hours: 8 hours a month. 4 hours every/other week.
  • Attend the following trainings or classes provided by OMSI:
    • Volunteer Orientation
    • Safety Training
    • Mandatory Reporter Training
    • Recognizing & Preventing Harassment Training
    • Position-specific training with The Mezz Coordinator
  • Supervisor will provide ongoing training on The Mezz equipment and software during the shifts.

Position Summary: 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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ask open-ended questions, co-investigate, and use other facilitation techniques to help promote inquiry and encourage museum guests to engage with physics phenomena.
• Present various interactive physics demonstrations to an audience of diverse backgrounds and ages (demonstration examples include the dancing water bowl, vacuum chamber, Van de Graaf generator, and more; training provided).
• Assist in maintaining lab exhibits and activities, including refilling activity supplies and tidying exhibits.
• Maintain a safe, secure, and inviting environment for museum guests and staff Assist staff with other duties as needed .
• Assist the Space Science Educator as needed prior to, during, and after the show.

Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: 70% sitting, 25% standing, 5% lifting/carrying 5-20 lbs;
  • Ability to push or pull carts and other equipment up to 5-20 lbs;
  • Requires some crouching, bending, or stooping;
  • Requires some climbing, crawling, kneeling, and twisting.
• Vision Demands include:
  • Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less)
  • Distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more)
• Environmental Demands include:
  • Regular and consistent public interaction
• Noise Levels include:
  • Moderate (examples: indoor playground, light traffic)
  • Heavy (examples; gym class, elementary school recess)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Interest in physics or science education.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills and ability to provide positive, culturally-responsive customer service.
• Comfort and ability to engage diverse populations of learners in interactive learning, with an emphasis on customer service and presentation.
• Ability to model and support teamwork and collaboration with colleagues (paid and unpaid) with varied skills and responsibilities;
• Ability to pivot between individual and team work.
• Ability to maintain a calm, friendly, and professional demeanor in a variety of settings.
• Ability to adhere to OMSI policies, procedures, timeliness, and professional appearance standards.
• Ability to learn current equity, diversity, inclusion and social justice theories and practical applications, including critical theories of systemic oppression, unconscious bias, and personal identity and intersectionality matter.

Schedule and Support:

• Minimum 4 hours per month
• Schedule follows Monday (if open)-Sunday shifts from 9:30am-1:30pm and 1:30pm -5:50pm.
• Volunteers will be asked to sign up for shifts which match their availability.
• Attend the following trainings or classes provided by OMSI:
  • Volunteer Orientation
  • Emergency Protocols
  • Mandatory Reporter Training (if over18)
  • Hazardous Communication Training
  • Informal Education Training

Position Summary: 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!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Interact with visitors to help them explore and engage with Chemistry Lab experiments and activities.
• Prepare and maintain laboratory experiments, including the appearance and functionality of experiment stations.
• Present various chemistry demonstrations, depending on comfort level, to a diverse audience of backgrounds and ages [Activity examples include Rocket Launch, Elephant Toothpaste, and Sugar Flares].
• Assist with other duties as assigned by Chemistry Lab Educators Working Conditions.

Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: 70% sitting, 25% standing, 5% lifting/carrying 5-20 lbs;
  • Ability to push or pull carts and other equipment up to 5-20 lbs;
  • Requires some crouching, bending, or stooping;
  • Requires some climbing, crawling, kneeling, and twisting.
• Vision Demands include:
  • Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less)
  • Distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more)
• Environmental Demands include:
  • Regular and consistent public interaction
• Noise Levels include:
  • Moderate (examples: indoor playground, light traffic)
  • Heavy (examples; gym class, elementary school recess)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Interest in physics or science education.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills and ability to provide positive, culturally-responsive customer service.
• Comfort and ability to engage diverse populations of learners in interactive learning, with an emphasis on customer service and presentation.
• Ability to model and support teamwork and collaboration with colleagues (paid and unpaid) with varied skills and responsibilities;
• Ability to pivot between individual and team work.
• Ability to maintain a calm, friendly, and professional demeanor in a variety of settings.
• Ability to adhere to OMSI policies, procedures, timeliness, and professional appearance standards.
• Ability to learn current equity, diversity, inclusion and social justice theories and practical applications, including critical theories of systemic oppression, unconscious bias, and personal identity and intersectionality matter.

Schedule and Support:

• Minimum 4 hours per month
• Schedule follows Monday (if open)-Sunday shifts from 9:30am-1:30pm and 1:30pm -5:50pm.
• Volunteers will be asked to sign up for shifts which match their availability.
• Attend the following trainings or classes provided by OMSI:
  • Volunteer Orientation
  • Emergency Protocols
  • Mandatory Reporter Training (if over18)
  • Hazardous Communication Training
  • Informal Education Training

You must be at least 14 years old for most volunteer positions. There are some select positions in which you must be 18+ or 21+ to volunteer in.

Potential volunteers go through an interview process, and interviews happen on a once-a-month schedule. If you are selected for an interview, we then begin scheduling for onboarding and training. The whole process can take about a month, depending on your schedule and availability. This can change during busy seasons, like the end of spring/beginning of summer.

Yes! We encourage volunteers to explore spaces and find what best matches what they are looking for in volunteering. Depending on your schedule and the needs of your chosen area(s), we will help you find a combination that works best for everyone.

All of our episodic (single day) volunteer positions are currently limited to Corporate or Group outings. Otherwise, we are generally looking for volunteers who can commit 3-4 months of service, or more!

Yes, all potential volunteers 18+ must submit and pass a background check before becoming a volunteer.

You are welcome to park in the perimeter rows of either the North or South parking lot. You are entitled to complimentary parking while you are volunteering at OMSI; but your license plate must be logged with Volunteer Engagement. Please reach out to us via email if you need to register or update your vehicle information.

Please email volunteer@omsi.edu to notify us of an absence. If you have your supervisor’s email, please CC them as well.

Log your volunteer hours through the ‘Service Tab’ of VicNet, on your phone or web browser. Additionally, there is a paper timesheet onsite to fill out if you cannot access VicNet. You do not need to do both.