Volunteering FAQ
More than 650 volunteers work alongside staff to provide learning and enjoyment to guests of all ages. The Museum offers numerous volunteer positions in a dynamic and enriching environment. No experience is necessary; the Museum will provide you with training and support to make your volunteer experience rewarding.
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 SciCORE 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 manager.
Applicants who are in college, graduate school, or are adult career changers can apply for any internship listed online.
At the conclusion of an internship, interns are welcome to apply for any jobs listed online.
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. A four to six month commitment is required, 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, Omni films, and Planetarium shows, as well as free parking, discounts in the Museum store and café, and library privileges.
How can I get started?
Print, complete, and mail an application (adult [PDF] or youth [PDF]) to:
Office of Volunteer Services
Museum of Science
Science Park
Boston, MA 02114-1099
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 at volunteer1@mos.org or call 617-589-0380.
