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Volunteer Opportunities at ASDM
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum!
Share your passion for the Sonoran Desert by facilitating educational experiences for future conservationists! For more information, select 'School Group Assistant, Education' in the list below.
Volunteer Opportunities are available in the following areas:
- Volunteer Description:
- Are you looking for a short-term service project, ideal for groups of any size? Consider signing-up for a Buffelgrass pull. These volunteers enjoy a guided hike into the mountains that surround the Desert Museum while learning about the invasive plant species, Buffelgrass. Removal efforts focus around wildfire prevention.
- Benefits:
- This is a great opportunity to enjoy a scenic hike in the early morning or late afternoon while directly contributing to desert conservation.
- Requirements:
- Applicants must be able to hike off trails and handle steep/rocky terrain.
Applicants must also be willing to perform manual labor in hot and cold weather conditions. - Current Openings:
- Buffelgrass pulls typically occur during a 3-4 hour period in the early morning. Weekly pulls will be scheduled based on volunteer sign-up.
- Volunteer Description:
- Works with a group of other volunteers digging out buffelgrass in the mountains near the Desert Museum. Primary Specific Tasks: 1. Hikes into the mountains near the museum 2. Digs out buffelgrass and puts rocks on top of the piles
- Benefits:
- Benefits to the volunteer: Volunteers get to hike out into the Tucson Mountains and enjoy the desert outdoors and the beautiful scenery. Volunteers can feel good that they are contributing to a very worthy cause — the eradication of a serious invasive species. In this volunteer job they will learn about the ecological problems of non-native species.
- Requirements:
- Physical requirements: Must be able to hike cross-country, off trail, over very steep and rocky terrain. Must be able to do manual labor in hot or cold weather on steep slopes with precarious footing. Skills/knowledge required: None Background/Experience desired: Experienced hiker
- Current Openings:
- Varies, usually 1 morning/week during mild weather season. Infrequent during hot season. Hours: Varies, usually 7am - 11am. Season: Fall, Winter, & Spring
- Volunteer Description:
- Assist in the care of several plant propagation locations and nursery stock. 1. Watering 2. Weeding 3. Potting 4. General assistance to Nursery Horticulturists
- Benefits:
- Gain knowledge of propagation and Sonoran region flora, enjoy professional networking opportunities.
- Requirements:
- Physical requirements: Able to do manual labor, including using a pick, shovel, and wheelbarrow. Able to lift and carry 50 lbs. Able to do work on the knees, and able to stoop, bend, and squat. Willing to work in the summer heat and winter cold. Skills/knowledge required: Plant growing experience with familiarity working with cacti and succulents. Background/Experience desired but not required: Irrigation systems, gardening.
- Current Openings:
- 1 day/week, Mondays or Thursdays, 7:30 am start time, half day.
- Volunteer Description:
- Summary: The School Group Assistant act as a liaison to schools and youth group visiting the Museum by achieving outstanding customer service and providing details specific to their visit.
Essential Tasks (including, but not limited to):
- Greets arriving schools/youth groups
- May need to collect paperwork from school/youth group leader
- Directs school/youth group leader to admission window
- Provide adult chaperones with wristbands (if applicable), tracking guides (if applicable), and maps of the Museum
- Instructs group on entering and existing the Museum
- Go over rules and behavior expectations
- Coordinating and facilitating lunch times and the use of the picnic ramada
- Provide information on using picnic ramada and how to reenter Museum if necessary
- Help maintain ramada area during its use
- Provide instructions to Theater and/or Stingray if applicable
- Checking in on school/youth groups throughout their visit and provide assistance if needed
- Report any emergencies or behavior issues
- Benefits:
- Benefits: Membership, discounts, and a fun way to share your passion for the Sonoran Desert by facilitating educational experiences for future conservationists!
- Requirements:
- Qualifications: Applicants should have the ability to navigate the Museum grounds in all types of weather conditions. Must be able to communicate effectively to provide instructions by using guest friendly language. Must be able to provide exceptional customer service to guests and staff members. Preference will be given to applicants who are enthusiastic to volunteer with youth of all ages.
- Current Openings:
- Days: Monday-Friday Hours: 8:00am-2:00pm Duration of Service: August – May, mirrors local school calendar.
If a position aligns with your interests and availability, please fill out the following form:
Volunteer Application Form
If you're having trouble accessing the online application, please print this application form (PDF) and mail it to Volunteer & Internship Programs Coordinator (Catherine Kastens) at: 2021 N. Kinney Road, Tucson, AZ 85743.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please don't hesitate to call the Volunteer & Internship Programs Coordinator (Catherine Kastens) at: 520-883-3082 or at ckastens@desertmuseum.org.
