Volunteer
Devoted, caring volunteers bring the High Desert Museum to life.
Join a volunteer family who shares a passionate interest in the wildlife, culture and history of the High Desert. Volunteers help the Museum in a variety of ways and, in the process, gain a sense of accomplishment and personal satisfaction.
Here’s what some of our volunteers are saying:
- “We’re so proud to be associated with such a high quality attraction.”
- “All of the people you work with are just great!”
- “Sharing the history of the West is meaningful to me.”
- “It’s just plain fun!”
- “You can’t help but learn about new and different things on every visit.”
New Volunteer Orientations occur once a month September through May. The next orientation is scheduled for Monday, May 6th from 3pm to 5pm. Please email the Museum’s People and Culture Coach Kristen Campbell at kcampbell@highdesertmuseum.org if you plan to attend.
New Volunteer recruitment and onboarding is put on hold during the months of June, July and August.
Admissions Greeter
Greet Museum visitors and start them on their journey. Guide them to the daily happenings and new exhibits.
Visitor Services
Help the Admissions Team welcome admit visitors to the Museum and ensure a positive, memorable visit. Answer any questions visitors have during their visit.
Education
Assist in providing positive experiences for students, educators and chaperones to the High Desert Museum. Answer questions about content, educational materials, field trip logistics, and ensure schools are excited to return and feel welcomed into the Museum.
Nature Team
Interpret the High Desert’s natural history, including the region’s plants, fungi, climate, geological features, ecosystems and human interactions within those ecosystems. Assist with various special events including the monthly Natural History Pub, exhibit openings, educational programs, weed pulling on the grounds and other initiatives.
Living History Docent
Engage with visitors and interpret the lives of the historical late 19th and early 20th century people of the High Desert at the ranch or in the Spirit of the West gallery.
Living History Interpreter
Bring to life the people of the late 1880s through the 1930s of the High Desert at the 1904 ranch or the scenes of the Spirit of the West gallery. Don period costumes, portray historical characters and demonstrate historically significant crafts or technological skills.
Wildlife Interpreter
Engage with visitor and deliver multiple scheduled wildlife talks throughout the day, from the High Desert Hooves talk to the Otter Encounter.
Wildlife Behind the Scenes
Assist Wildlife keepers with animal care and husbandry in specific areas including Desertarium and Birds of Prey.
Wildlife Gallery Attendant
Work to connect Museum visitors to the welfare, natural history and conservation of animals in exhibit habitats while stationed at one of four areas: Birds of Prey, Otters, Mammals or Desertarium.
Wildlife Special Projects
Do you have a specialized skill or interest and wish to contribute to the Wildlife Department in unique ways? This may be the spot for you!
High Desert Ranger Station
Volunteers open and close the building, raise the flag when open, make sure displays are clean and available to guests, prepare and deliver information about the historic building, the role of the US Forest Service, and provide information about forest management and ecosystems in the current era.
Photography Team
Capture in still photography and video all of the fun and beauty found at the Museum. Photographers are sent to document special events and daily programs.
Silver Sage Trading Display Volunteer
| Silver Sage Trading Display Volunteers support store staff and visitor experiences by refilling the existing merchandise displays, replacing items moved by visitors, performing general cleaning tasks, and making note of any items the store is running low on. This opportunity would be a great fit for someone who is detail-oriented and enjoys interacting with visitors. This position requires frequent trips up and down stairs, as well as carrying items around the store. Display volunteers must be flexible and creative – displays in Silver Sage aren’t static! |
Silver Sage Trading Inventory Volunteer
Silver Sage Trading Inventory Volunteers have the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at store operations and work closely with store staff to process new and incoming merchandise. Inventory Volunteers work closely with the Store Lead and other staff to open new boxes (it’s like opening a new present every day!), accurately price and label the items, and keep the stockroom organized. This opportunity would be a good fit for someone who is detail-oriented and enjoys methodical work.
Central Services Support Volunteer
The Central Services Support Volunteers support our facilities staff to ensure the museum stays clean and presentable for visitors. This opportunity would be great for someone who enjoys physical labor and wants to volunteer while the visitors are away.
Trail Docent Volunteer
The Trail Docent is responsible for making rounds inside the Museum and the outside trails while engaging visitors, answering questions, and notifying Museum staff of any safety and security concerns.
Teen Volunteer Program
The Teen Volunteer Programs aims to provide a supportive learning opportunity for young people ages 11-18. Teens may qualify to volunteer within departments such as Kids Camps and Junior Gallery Attending.
*All Teen Volunteer positions are filled for 2024. Please check back in March 2025 for new opportunities*
If you have additional questions, please email volunteer@highdesertmuseum.org.