Volunteer
Volunteer at the Virginia Living Museum
Volunteers at the Virginia Living Museum enhance the experience of our guests, are an integral part of the staff, and enrich the lives of our animals. Volunteers keep the museum thriving, functioning and continuously growing. They give their time and talents to ensure the success of this non-profit organization and support our mission to protect what’s precious.
Volunteers at the Virginia Living Museum work with staff members to promote conservation by teaching the beauty and uniqueness of Virginia’s many habitats. They can be found helping in the public parts of the museum or behind the scenes working to maintain the high level of quality care we provide for our animals. No matter what the service, volunteers are an asset to the Virginia Living Museum. In fact, volunteers outnumber paid staff four to one.
There are a wide variety of positions available to volunteers allowing people to find a location at the museum in which they would truly enjoy volunteering. Whether you enjoy working with the public, prefer engaging with plant and animal life, or are seeking to acquire skills in communication or husbandry, the Virginia Living Museum has it all! We are seeking enthusiastic and dependable people, regardless of background and experience. If this sounds like you, please consider volunteering at the Virginia Living Museum and become a part of our organization.
Join Our Volunteer Family
To join the Virginia Living Museum as a volunteer you must:
- Be at least 15 years old to volunteer alone. Volunteers aged 11 – 14 are eligible for Family Volunteering. Parental permission is required for volunteers under 18.
- Have an interest in conservation and the natural world
- Be enthusiastic, friendly and dependable
- Complete General Orientation
- Be able to commit to regularly scheduled shifts for a minimum of 3 months. Alternate schedules are available for Special Event Volunteers
- Have reliable transportation to and from the Museum.
Note: Volunteer placement at the Virginia Living Museum is subject to a successful interview, reference check, an official position offer and space availability.
As part of the screening process, adult applicants must complete an online background check with Sterling Volunteers. Cost to applicant: $12.50. Financial aid is available. A link will be provided after successful reference checks.
Volunteer Shifts
We are open 7 days a week, with a variety of shifts that range from 2 – 4 hours. Shifts for volunteers in Animal Welfare are 9AM – 1PM or 1 – 5PM each day. Special exhibits or rental events may have evening hours available.
Application Schedule
Volunteer applications are accepted on a rolling basis. For internship deadlines, please visit the Internships page.
Benefits of Volunteering
- Free admission to Museum for volunteers meeting monthly service minimum
- Some limited reciprocal admission to local attractions after 50 hours of service
- 10% discount on Museum store purchases
- 10% discount on membership purchase
- Free events and professional development seminars on topics such as animal care and welfare, veterinary sciences, animal enrichment, native plants etc
- Skill-building opportunities
- A chance to meet and work with outstanding people who share a common interest
- Letters of reference for school or job applications
- Course credits through internships
- An opportunity to enhance your employer’s standing in the community
- Exploration in new fields of interest and renewal of former skills
- Recognition awards and Museum publications
- Satisfaction of helping others – the opportunity to MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Volunteer Training
All new volunteers must submit an application, interview, and be accepted as a volunteer before attending training. New volunteers are required to attend an orientation session, to review the policies and procedures for volunteering and guest interactions.
In addition, specific training is provided for all positions to ensure that volunteers are prepared to perform their duties effectively and with confidence.
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