What volunteers can do!
The Museum has many volunteer opportunities for you! Among our current selection are:
Animal Interpreter - Level 1: Interpretive
Host
Volunteers start off by choosing one of the following
live animal areas to interpret:
• Birds of Prey Team: Birds of Prey center tours,
bird presentations, encounters, and stations.
• Desertarium Team: Desertarium exhibit tours,
reptile (and insects, spiders, and other arthropods)
presentations, encounters, and stations.
• Mammals Team: Otters, Porcupine, Bobcat, and Lynx
talks and stations.
You will be conducting what is known as "informal interpretation" where you are stationed in front of an animal exhibit (with or without a Smart Cart) and give basic information and answer visitor's questions. Commitment: 2-4 hours per week. Complete training will be provided.
Animal Interpreter - Level 2: Interpretive
Guide
With approval of the Senior Manager of Education, Hosts can
move up to level 2 (Guide) and will be expected to either give
tours or presentations based on their area of expertise. These
formal presentations are scheduled at a specific time and are
conducted in front of an enclosure of a specific animal ( i.e.
otters, spotted owls, etc.) or a group of animals (i.e.
venomous reptiles). Tours of either the Bird of Prey Center or
the Desertarium are also scheduled at a specific time and can
last from 15-30 minutes. Commitment: 1 program or tour per
week. Complete training will be provided.
Animal Interpreter - Level 1+/2+: Interpreter
w/Animal Handling
One of the fun aspects working with wildlife is when
you can finally get to take an animal out to show the visitors.
This is not only fun for you but also a way to gain and improve
handling skills and develop a relationship with the animal. But
even more important, a great experience for the visitors too!
Commitment: Same as level 1 and 2 plus additional animal care
responsibilities. Training in both animal handling and animal
interpretation provided.
Wildlife Volunteer: Volunteers working for the Wildlife department will be general Wildlife volunteers, used in all areas of the department to help out as needed daily. Wildlife volunteers assist the Wildlife staff in cleaning animal enclosures, as well as preparing diets and assisting Wildlife staff in other approved activities such as providing enrichment. Environmental enrichment provides captive animals with stimulation necessary for psychological and physical well being. Note: there is no contact with the animals as part of this program, although volunteers work in close proximity of the animals and can study their behavior. Minimum qualifications: 18 years of age. Have 1 year of verifiable animal experience (please provide references). Ability to perform physical tasks including, but not limited to, lifting 50 pounds, carrying, stooping, bending, extensive walking, crawling, or climbing and ability to withstand working outside in the extreme weather conditions typical of Central Oregon.. Commitment: available on a weekly basis for a minimum of 4 hours.
Living History Interpreters: Bring history to life by donning period clothing and portraying historic characters. Or, demonstrate historically significant arts, crafts, or technology from the High Desert past.
Cultural History Interpreters: Illuminate history by conducting talks, presentation, and tours of the Museum's rich exhibitions of historic artifacts.
Natural History Interpreters: Help visitors
learn about High Desert wildlife. Lead nature walks on our
trails. Introduce visitors to the unique flora and fauna found
here.
Silver Sage Trading Store: Help visitors choose that perfect
gift to remind them of the High Desert. Meet fascinating people
from all over the world. Become an expert about Museum store
merchandise, from jewelry to a specialized selection of books
about High Desert nature and culture.
School Programs: You will learn right along with the children while assisting with engaging and enriching learning opportunities.
Totally Touchable Tales Storytelling: Read a story to children once a week and oversee a corresponding craft for the children to participate in.
Photography: Use your skills in still photography or video to capture all the fun and beauty of this nationally acclaimed Museum.
Crafters: If you enjoy working with your hands and like a friendly group of volunteers, then join our crafters.
Guest Services: Greet visitors at Admissions and help direct them to their favorite interests in the Museum or provide insightful information.
Special Events: If you enjoy a good party and love to entertain, help support the Museum's special events, including annual fund raisers and events for donors.
Community Outreach: Help spread the word about the Museum. Participate in outreach events promoting the Museum, and help deliver monthly event "Rack Cards" and event posters to local businesses in the Central Oregon area.
Volunteer Newsletter: use your PageMaker
skills to help produce our monthly volunteer newsletter, High
Desert Voices.
