Smithsonian Visitor Information Specialist:
Museum Information Desk Program

As a Visitor Information Specialist Volunteer, you will engage with visitors and inspire them to plan memorable and exciting experiences across the Smithsonian. Volunteers provide essential services to the Smithsonian by providing a warm welcome and useful information to our visitors about Smithsonian exhibitions, activities, services, and more. If you’re looking for a volunteer role that allows you to meet people from around the world, learn about new and exciting things happening at the Smithsonian, and be at the center of the action, this position is for you!

Qualifications

Dynamic and friendly individuals 18 years or older who have a desire to talk with visitors and share their enthusiasm for the Smithsonian and all that it has to offer. Also looking for people who...

• show strong customer service skills
• are approachable and outgoing
• enjoy working with diverse people
• have basic computer skills
• Foreign-language skills are a plus.

Applicants must be able to volunteer for a minimum of one year, once a week or once every other weekend. Regular shift times are 2 to 4 hours in length, depending on location.

Locations

Visitor Information Specialists serve at Information Desks across the Smithsonian. The Office of Visitor Services is currently recruiting volunteers for the following Smithsonian locations:

• African Art Museum
• American History Museum
• American Indian Museum
• Freer | Sackler Galleries (Asian art)
• Hirshhorn Museum
• Postal Museum
• Renwick Gallery (American craft)
• American Art Museum & Portrait Gallery
• Smithsonian Visitor Center in the Castle

Training

Training is provided for all Visitor Information Specialists through the Office of Visitor Services and is a prerequisite to service. The next training class for this position will take place in the spring of 2017.

Placement Process

1. Complete an online application
2. Interview with a staff member to ensure mutual fit
3. Receive tentative placement and initiate a background check
4. Attend and complete online and in-person training
5. Start volunteering!

Check back this winter to apply.

For more information

We are not currently recruiting for this position. We will launch recruitment by posting information to this webpage and our online application page. Contact Abbey Earich, Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator, at EarichA@si.edu or 202.633.5260 for more information.

To view all current volunteer opportunities at the Smithsonian, visit our application page here.