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  • © Michael Malyszko

    Picture of volunteer and children

Volunteer Opportunities

Our visitors learn more about the world around us through touch, observation, interaction, and play. Their experiences are made substantially more meaningful through the dedication of our enthusiastic core of volunteers, who are an integral part of the Museum's community. Volunteers support the Museum in activities that range from interacting with visitors to providing administrative support for the staff. In all that they do, their commitment enables the Museum to provide a lively, fun, and educational experience for everyone.

The Museum of Science seeks to recruit, develop, and retain individuals from racially and culturally diverse backgrounds and persons with disabilities. We strive to create and sustain a more affirming environment for all staff, interns, volunteers, trustees, and overseers. We value expertise gained at the Museum and encourage professional development and career growth.

Available Volunteer Opportunities:

How to Apply

Become part of our volunteer team! To apply, please review the Current Opportunities section listed below and complete a volunteer application (if using a Mac, please open and complete the application in Adobe Reader).

Once completed, save the PDF file and email it as an attachment to volunteers@mos.org.

If you are a youth applicant between the ages of 14 – 18, please fill out the youth volunteer application, which includes a guardian consent form. You must also include a letter of reference with your application.

Once we have received your application and an appropriate match can be made, a representative from volunteer services will contact you to discuss the program.

Volunteer FAQ

  • +  -   What can I do?

    Opportunities vary from interpreting exhibit spaces to guiding and providing information. You can help welcome guests and provide them with information about coming attractions, visiting exhibits, and new films. In the Exhibit Halls, help visitors use computers as tools for creativity, or experiment with hands-on materials. Share in the enthusiasm of our Museum guests while encouraging them to explore objects and ideas throughout the Museum.

    Behind the scenes, you can help the Museum run smoothly. Assist with the handling, care, and feeding of the wild animals used in educational programs, or work with our curators to inventory our collections with over 30,000 objects. You can also volunteer after hours with special events, openings, and previews.

    Our volunteers also play a role in providing an enjoyable experience for the thousands of school children who visit the Museum each year. You might give a tour to a group of second graders from Boston Public Schools, or even facilitate a laboratory program.

  • +  -   Is there a career pathway at the Museum of Science?

    Yes! The career pathway varies depending on whether you are a youth in high school or a post-high-school applicant.

    High school youth age 14 – 18 are required to volunteer at the Museum for at least 50 hours before becoming eligible to apply for a paid internship. Once they have completed this requirement, most high school students apply for the Summer Youth Internship Program which is only open to high school volunteers. However, some high school volunteers apply for academic year internships.

    We require the 50 hours of volunteer service in order to familiarize students with the institution, help them develop valuable professional skill sets, and give them an appreciation for the culture and community of the Museum. For more information on this career pathway, please contact the internship program coordinator.

    Applicants who are in college, graduate school, or are adult career changers can apply for any available internship.

    At the conclusion of an internship, interns are welcome to apply for any available jobs.

  • +  -   What are the requirements?
    We are looking for people who enjoy volunteering and are eager to learn new things. Our volunteers should also be enthusiastic to work with people of diverse abilities and backgrounds. A background in science is welcome, but not necessary. We ask for a four to six month commitment, and you must be at least 14 years of age.
  • +  -   What benefits will I receive?

    In addition to rewarding opportunities and ongoing training and support, volunteers receive free admission to the Exhibit Halls, IMAX® films, and Planetarium shows, as well as free parking, discounts in the Museum store, and café, and library privileges.

  • +  -   How can I get started?

    To apply, please print the appropriate volunteer application, complete it, and mail it to our Office of Volunteer Services.

    Please note that if you are a youth applicant (ages 14 – 18), you must include a letter of reference with your application.

    If you have questions, email the Volunteer Office or call 617-589-0380.

An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/D/V

The Museum of Science is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting, retaining, developing and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to their race, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state, or local law. We are dedicated to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and where employees are treated with respect and dignity.