Volunteer with the Smithsonian

Smithsonian volunteers play an essential role in inspiring and engaging millions of people all over the world. We are always on the lookout for dynamic and curious people who want to be a part of the Smithsonian team.

We invite you to explore our many volunteer opportunities and discover the right volunteer program for you.

To help you in your exploration, our volunteer opportunities are divided into three categories:

Public Volunteers

Share your intense training, profound knowledge, and love of learning. Hook and engage audiences through inspiring and interactive educational experiences. Inspire with stories, tours, gallery talks, demonstrations, and creative hands-on experiences. Engage with people of all ages and from all walks of life by sharing your great range of Smithsonian knowledge and offering infinite options to explore the Smithsonian.

• Discovery Stations (Air and Space Museum and Udvar-Hazy Center)
• Docent Programs (Smithsonian museums)
• Education and Outreach (Natural History Museum)
• Education Volunteer Program (Zoo)
• Event Monitor Program (Smithsonian Associates)
• Museum Information Desk Program
• Public Programs (Postal Museum)
• Behind-the-Scenes Visitor Information Specialist
• Visitor Services Program (Air & Space Museum and Udvar-Hazy Center)
• Visitor Services Volunteer Program (National Museum of African American History and Culture)

Non-Public Volunteers

Foster the Smithsonian mission and support its interdisciplinary programs through less public oriented activities related to art, history, and sciences. Support administrative offices, archives, libraries, laboratories, translation services, social media initiatives, and more.

• Behind-the-Scenes (Smithsonian Museums)
• Citizen Science
• Digital Volunteers
• Office Volunteers (Smithsonian Associates)
• Special Events and Zoo Support (Zoo)

Seasonal Volunteers

Spark the interest of people from all over the world by participating in short-term seasonal opportunities.

• Folklife Festival
• Public Program Assistant (Freer/Sackler)
• Smithsonian Gardens, Interpreter Programs
• Teen Volunteers (Zoo)
• Youth Teacher Assistants (Smithsonian Associates)