Are you passionate about natural and cultural history? Want to share your enthusiasm with others? Volunteering at the museum is a great way for lifelong learners to make new friends and share their passion for science and history. From leading exhibit tours to helping with children's events, the museum offers a variety of fun ways to get involved.

• Comfort greeting visitors and assisting families with activities
• Interest in science, history, and culture, and a willingness to share information with visitors
• Availability to commit to one Friday or Saturday shift each week from July 10 through August 29
• Ability to work and stand outside for extended periods

Applications for the fall 2025 volunteer training are now closed. Please email mnchvolunteers@uoregon.edu with any questions.  

Trainings for Public Programs volunteers are offered once to twice a year and are required for all new volunteers. If your volunteer application is accepted during the recruitment period, you'll be invited to register for a training. The entire training series costs $40 and includes a one-year individual membership to the museum (a $40 value) plus materials and supplies. All sessions are held at the museum.

Interested? Click here to fill out our volunteer application. 

• Exhibit hall interpreters provide the personalized experiences and perspectives that make museum trips memorable and meaningful for our visitors.
• Educational program instructors inspire curiosity and critical thinking about Oregon's past and present and lead hands-on activities for K-12 classes and community members.
• Visitor Experience volunteers help with special events, share information about membership, and greet visitors.

  Benefits

Aside from making a difference in our community and making new friends, volunteering at the MNCH comes with a variety of great rewards, including:

• A certificate in museum interpretation, following completion of the volunteer training series
• Additional trainings to further your education
• Free one-year individual membership to the museum, with upgrade options
• Invitations to special museum events
• Job references
• 10 percent off museum store purchases
• Invitation to our annual volunteer appreciation luncheon
• Quarterly volunteer meet-ups

Questions? Contact the museum's volunteer coordinator at mnchvolunteers@uoregon.edu or 541-346-1717.

Volunteering in our Collections or Research Divisions

Contact the divisions directly for more information.

• Anthropological Collections: Contact Elizabeth Kallenbach, Anthropological Collections interim director, at 541-346-2853 or eak@uoregon.edu. 
• Paleontological Collections and Research: Contact Edward Davis, Condon Collection director, at 541-346-3461 or edavis@uoregon.edu.
• Archaeological Research: Contact Julia Knowles, archaeological labs manager, at 541-346-0932   
  jknowles@uoregon.edu.