Volunteer
Enrich the Lives of Our Community’s Children
Volunteers play an invaluable role in helping the Virginia Discovery Museum fulfill its mission through their time and talents. From interacting with visitors and making their experiences fun and memorable to keeping exhibit spaces clean and safe to assisting with educational programs and community events, volunteers are vital to creating a Museum that is engaging and accessible to all. Annually, VDM depends on more than 300 volunteers who donate over 4,000 hours, and the Museum is looking for caring and enthusiastic individuals to join our volunteer team and assist our fully vaccinated staff.
Details | Apply | Opportunities | Resources | Contact
Requirements
All Applicants Must …
Be at Least 13 or Older
Be Vaccinated Against COVID-19
Complete an Application Online
Meet with the Gallery Manager
Benefits
Volunteering Provides …
Free Parking & VDM Passes to Share
Opportunities to Meet New People
School Service Credit
Valuable Training & Work Experience
Current Opportunities
Volunteers serve in various roles, including as front desk specialists, gallery monitors, and party and event helpers. Hours include weekdays and weekends, as needed.
Front Desk Specialists
Shifts: 2-4 Hours/Week
Responsibilities
- Greet visitors and create a welcoming environment.
- Check in visitors and process transactions such as daily admissions and memberships.
- Assist with answering the phone and directing calls to staff.
- Help maintain a safe, tidy, and attractive Museum lobby.
Gallery Helpers
Shifts: 2-4 Hours/Week
Responsibilities
- Interact with visitors and children and facilitate learning through exploration and play.
- Help maintain a safe, tidy, and attractive Museum environment.
- Assist Museum staff with exhibit maintenance and repair.
- Assist Museum staff with preparing activities for programs, camps, and community events.
Volunteer Resources
General Guidelines
Guidelines regarding masks, shift check-in, Museum-appropriate clothing, and earning/using VDM passes.
Parking & Directions
VDM validates parking for volunteers’ full shifts at both the Market Street Garage and Water Street Garage.
Public Transit
Most CAT bus routes, including the Free Trolley, stop at the Downtown Transit Station next to the Museum.
Contact Us
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Contact Director of Operations Lindsay Jones at (434) 977-1025 x102 or operationsdirector@vadm.org to learn more about volunteering at the Museum.