Cleveland Museum of Natural History

VOLUNTEER Program

More than 327 volunteers graciously donated over 16,000 hours of service across 20+ departments this past fiscal year.  From volunteering behind the scenes in Collections & Research to working directly with our guests, we do our best to match the best position for each volunteer.  

Please be as detailed on your application as possible and include a resume to give a better overall picture of your skills and experience.  Keep in mind that volunteer placement is selective and not all applicants are accepted into the program.

Becoming a Volunteer

• The minimum age to volunteer is 16.
• All of our positions are available on a weekly or biweekly basis and require a 3-month commitment. Unless otherwise stated.
  
• Fingerprinting and/or background check is required for all volunteers.

CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES

See 'Available Volunteer Opportunities' below for position descriptions. 

Visitor Engagement:

Weekdays and weekends available

• Information Desk/ 3D Movie Attendant- in the newly renovated galleries, answer visitors questions, hand out and clean 3D movie glasses
• Discovery Navigator:  Provide professional guidance, ensuring an enriching visit for all. They assist with information, accessibility, and wayfinding, ensuring seamless interactions with the Museum spaces. From access control to personalized visitor support, their number one goal is to enhance our visitors experience. 
• Cleveland Community Ambassador: Utilize our ticketing system to facilitate complimentary Sunday admissions for residents of Cleveland and East Cleveland for Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Community Days. Your welcoming presence will ensure seamless registration and entry, fostering a stronger connection between the community and our museum
• Survey Collector: Collect surveys on Sundays 12-3pm for the Museum's grant providing free admission to Cleveland and East Cleveland residents.
• Activity Leader -lead fun science or craft activities with Museum visitors.

Research and Collections:

• Biological Anthropology Volunteer
• Earth Sciences Volunteer

Education:

• Discovery Center Assistant 

Wildlife:

• Song Bird Aviary and Perkins Steward - seasonal April through November

Nature Preserves:

Weekdays and Sundays available

• Nature Preserve Monitor 
• Land Steward
  
• GIS Technician
• Mentor Marsh Trail Tender
• Mentor Marsh Nature Center

In 2024 we will begin our new Discovery Ambassadors or Docent program for the newly transformed and renovated Museum.  If you are interested, please indicate interest on your application and get added to the email list for this exciting new program.  

See full position descriptions by clicking on links below.

CONTACT US

Hannah Driscoll

Manager of Volunteer Engagement
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History
1 Wade Oval Drive
Cleveland, OH 44106
hdriscoll@cmnh.org
216.231.4600