Play an essential role in inspiring tomorrow’s scientists.
You don’t have to be a scientist or a physicist. If you love to learn and you care about the way we inspire tomorrow’s scientists today, consider becoming a Science Center volunteer! We are always on the lookout for dynamic, curious individuals who want to be a part of our team of volunteers.
Whether you decide to serve in one of the many important, non-public roles, and work behind-the-scenes or if you can’t wait to share your knowledge and love of learning with our guests, there is a volunteer role waiting for you!
Perks of Volunteering:
Free on-site parking while volunteering
Discounts in the Science Store and invitations to special events
All active volunteers receive FREE membership to the Maryland Science Center at the Adventurer Level
Join us as we create engaging events to help adults experience MSC their way! Adult (21+) events take place once a month and have additional special activities centered around a theme—like Music Under the Dome, Grown-Up Field Trips, or Wine and Dinosaurs. Volunteers will work a station with an activity in 4-hour shifts.
Duties:
Greet guests as they check-in and arrive
Facilitate and explain the activity
Inform guests about Maryland Science Center rules, exhibits, activities, etc.
Required Skills:
Excellent communication and customer service skills; at ease with people
Friendly and conversant with guests and able to handle various size groups
Previous teaching or stage experience a plus, but not required
Training:
Training for your assigned activity will be provided by the Marketing Assistant. You will always be trained before speaking to guests.
Schedule:
Adult (21+) events take place on Friday nights once a month, year round. Shifts are typically available from 6:30-10:30pm.
Minimum Commitment:
One 4-hour shift per month, for a minimum of three months. A willingness to volunteer for additional hours is always welcome!
Camp-In is a one-night overnight program that combines an indoor, overnight adventure with exciting, interactive science education. Help behind the scenes with a myriad of prep work (prepping activity materials, making material kits, organizing and sorting supplies, and additional tasks as needed) Additionally, we need assistance taking inventory of our current exhibits to determine correlating Scout badge requirements. Someone familiarity with Scout organizations would be ideal for this role.
Duties:
Prep materials for activities counting, cutting, photocopying, laminating, measuring, bagging, and sorting
Assist in correlating Scout badge requirements with existing exhibit content
Inventory materials, and re-stock as needed
Required Skills:
Organized, attentive, and detail oriented
Ability to work without direct supervision
Ability to communicate effectively
Basic computer skills
Physical Requirements:
Ability to lift at least 10 pounds with some bending and kneeling
Training:
Provided by Camp-In Supervisor
Schedule:
4-hour shifts are available Wednesday-Friday. (January – May only)
Minimum Commitment:
At least one 4-hour shift per week. A willingness to volunteer for additional hours is always welcome!
The Fabrication Shop at the Maryland Science Center is responsible for maintaining and repairing current exhibits, creating exhibit pieces for the museum, and making activities for the other departments that can be fabricated in-house. We are looking for Woodworkers, Makers, DIYers, Artists, and any other Tradesfolk passionate about science and education who would like to help enrich the experience of the young minds coming through our doors.
Duties:
Fixing broken exhibits on or off the exhibit floor
Tasks assigned by Head Fabricator relevant to exhibit projects including cut-lists and assembly of exhibit pieces
Cleaning and organizing the shop
Finishing tasks as needed: sanding, filling, painting, and finishing
Tool maintenance and sharpening
Complete work order tasks assigned to fabrication shop
Preferred Skills:
Basic knowledge of tools and shop safety
Comfortable on ladders
Ability to lift 25-50lbs infrequently preferred
Ability to read plans and follow a cut-list
Shop orientation and training as needed
Knowledge Of:
Woodworking, Cabinetry, Machining (Manual and CNC), and/or Welding
Machine maintenance and calibration
General fix-it know-how
3D modeling
Training:
Shop orientation and project guidelines provided by Exhibit Fabrication Team. Willing to teach skills listed above to anyone passionate about science education or making whacky things!
Schedule:
Opportunities to volunteer usually occur between the hours of 9am and 4:30pm Wednesday – Sunday.
Minimum Commitment:
At least one 4-hour shift every other week, for a minimum of three months. A willingness to volunteer for additional hours is always welcome!
The Family Science Night program is part of the Maryland Science Center’s outreach programs. Family Science Nights take place during after school time in elementary and middle schools across the state of Maryland. Volunteers of this program facilitate hands-on STEM activities for students and their family members. These 2-hour long events take place on Tuesdays, Wednesday, or Thursdays depending on the bookings received.
Duties:
Facilitate activities at school sites—including greeting, engaging, and assisting participants in STEM exploration
Model developmentally appropriate behavior with children
Assist in maintenance of Family Science Night supplies and equipment
Provide feedback and evaluation of activities and events
Required Skills:
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Comfortable speaking to crowds of all ages—elementary school aged children to adults
Comfortable working independently in busy environments
Training:
Training for activities will be provided prior to Family Science Night events
Schedule:
Events take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays depending on the bookings received.
Transportation to the event location from the Maryland Science Center is provided. Staff and volunteers leave the Maryland Science Center between 3pm – 4:30pm to travel to the event location. Volunteers may also choose to provide their own transportation and meet at the location of the event.
Event start times differ depending on the needs of the school. Most events start between 4:30pm -6pm.
Shifts last between three and six hours due to the travel time needed plus set up, clean up, and runtime of the event.
Minimum Commitment:
Attend training session prior to first event
Two Family Science Nights per month
Pass a background check and fingerprinting
Help the thousands of school children have the best field trip ever at the Maryland Science Center! Field Trip Ambassadors board arriving buses to greet students, teachers, and chaperones. They inform everyone of the Maryland Science Center’s guidelines, provide a brief overview of exhibits, and assist teachers/chaperones with the check-in process. Ability to provide information in a cheerful manner a must.
Duties:
Board buses and greet students with a smile
Inform students and chaperones about Maryland Science Center rules, exhibits, show times, etc.
Assist teachers/chaperones with check-in
Help students safely exit their bus and enter the building
Required Skills:
Excellent communication and customer service skills; at ease with people
Ability to exhibit great patience with school-aged children and their adult chaperones
Foreign language skills a plus, especially Spanish
Physical Requirements:
Ability to stand for extended periods of time
Ability to climb in and out of buses
Training:
Provided by Guest Services
Schedule:
School year only, October-June. Shifts are available Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday mornings, 9am-12pm.
Minimum Commitment:
Two 3-hour shifts per month, from March – May. A willingness to volunteer for additional hours is always welcome!
The Marketing and Development Departments are looking for help with large group mailings. These volunteer positions are ideal for those wanting to contribute to the Maryland Science Center behind-the-scenes in a relaxed but hard-working atmosphere. Group mailing volunteers help the Maryland Science Center stay connected with its Members and Donors and, therefore, are vital to the Maryland Science Center’s continued success.
Duties:
Folding letters, stuffing envelopes
Pre-sorting mail according to Zip Code in compliance with non-profit postage standards
Stamping and sealing of finished envelopes
Required Skills:
Organized and thorough
Good eye for detail
Training:
Provided by Marketing and Development staff
Schedule:
This is an on-going, as-needed position. Opportunities to volunteer are usually presented at least two weeks in advance. Generally, there is one large mailing per month, usually occurring on Wednesday mornings.
Minimum Commitment:
One 4-hour shift per month, for a minimum of three months. A willingness to volunteer for additional hours is always welcome!
Help us keep the Maryland Science Center clean and safe for visitors and staff! Our housekeeping volunteers help us with light vacuuming, wiping down exhibit surfaces, and occasional mopping. Volunteers spend time on the floor in exhibits and must also present a positive impression to our guests while working in public spaces. A clean, hygienic space is more important than ever to help our guests feel safe while learning.
Duties:
Light vacuuming throughout the public spaces
Wiping down surfaces throughout exhibits and the public spaces throughout the science center
Occasional mopping in the front entrance & security lobby
Help Maryland Science Center guests have the best visit possible.
Required Skills:
Excellent communication and customer service skills; at ease with people
Dependability
Comfort with cleaning materials and cleaning agents
Physical Requirements:
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time
Ability to use stairs both inside theater and in exhibits
Comfortable working with semi-heavy equipment (vacuum) and bending/kneeling
Training:
Provided by Guest Services
Schedule:
4-hour shifts are available Wednesday through Sunday.
Minimum Commitment:
Two consistent 4-hour shifts per month, for a minimum of three months. A willingness to volunteer for additional hours is always welcome!
Engage young guests with ready-made, fun, hands-on activities and support the daily operations f the early childhood exhibit space.
Duties:
Support children’s learning through play
Lead hands-on science, math, art, engineering, and literacy activities
Provide excellent customer service
Assist with the daily upkeep of the exhibit space
Required Skills:
Experience working with young children
Friendly, pleasant demeanor
At ease with people of all ages
Physical Requirements:
Ability to stand for periods of time up to one hour
Ability to work with children at their eye level (i.e., ability to get onto floor and get up again)
Training:
Provided by Kids Room staff
Schedule:
4-hour shifts are available Tuesday-Sunday
Minimum Commitment:
Two consistent 4-hour shifts per month, for a minimum of three months. A willingness to volunteer for additional hours is always welcome!
The Maryland Science Center is proud to be the home to the St. John Properties IMAX Theater. This five-story, 38 surround-sound speaker theater plays a variety of IMAX films. Volunteers are needed to ensure guests have the best IMAX experience possible.
Duties as an Usher:
Collect tickets and assist guests as they enter and exit theater
Assist seating large groups
Clean and maintain the theater between films
Help Maryland Science Center guests have the best visit possible.
Lobby ambassadors provide visitors with a warm welcome and are on hand to collect ticket stubs and answer questions. This is a great role for volunteers who are at ease interacting with the public and have excellent customer service skills.
Duties as a Lobby Ambassador:
Welcome guests, hand out map guides, and provide general information
Scan tickets as guests enter the science center and ensure guests are wearing the day’s colored wristband
Act as quasi-security for the front harbor lobby to ensure visitor safety and satisfaction
Roam exhibit floors, answer questions, and ensure guests are having a safe and pleasant science center experience
Refer complaints in a courteous manner to the manager of the day
Required Skills:
Excellent communication and customer service skills; at ease with people
Dependability
Ability to exhibit great patience with school-aged children and their adult chaperones
Physical Requirements:
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time
Ability to use stairs both inside theater and in exhibits
Comfortable working in low lighting (usher work)
Training:
Provided by Guest Services
Schedule:
4-hour shifts are available Wednesday-Sunday.
Minimum Commitment:
Two consistent 4-hour shifts per month, for a minimum of three months. A willingness to volunteer for additional hours is always welcome!
Share your passion for all things astronomical by volunteering in the Crosby Ramsey Memorial Observatory, located on the rooftop of the Maryland Science Center. This position involves assisting Observatory Staff in running public programs. Volunteers will use a computer-controlled telescope to assist guests as they view the sun, moon, stars, planets and other astronomical events.
Duties:
Usher guests to/from the Observatory
Provide general explanations to guests regarding astronomy topics
Engage guests waiting in line in the Observatory; offer them a general idea of what to expect
Locate sunspots on The Sun
Operate main or subsidiary telescopes
Facilitate activities for guests
Required Knowledge/Skills:
Ability to speak to and deal with public in courteous and friendly manner
Outgoing; at ease with people of all ages
Prior knowledge of astronomy and telescopes
Physical Requirements:
Ability to ascend and descend stairs to and from the Observatory
Training:
Will be provided by Observatory staff. You’ll learn how to run the 1927, 8″ Alvan Clark refracting telescope, as well as other telescopes at our disposal.
Schedule:
Must be able to assist at least once a month for Saturday afternoon public viewing (more if you can). As with anything related to observing the sky, all Observatory volunteer shifts are weather dependent.
Join us on the most exciting day of the month to help teach kids about science! Promotional days take place once a month and have additional special activities centered around a specific theme—like Bubble Days, Flight Fest, or Astro Adventure. Volunteers will work a station with an activity in 2.5 hour shifts.
Duties:
Greet guests and explain the activity
Inform guests about Maryland Science Center rules, exhibits, show times, etc.
Assist guests with the activity should they need it
Required Skills:
Excellent communication and customer service skills; at ease with people
Ability to exhibit great patience with school-aged children and their adult chaperones
Previous teaching experience a plus, but not required
Training:
Training for your assigned activity will be provided by the Marketing Assistant. You will always be trained before speaking to guests.
Schedule:
Promotional days take place on Saturdays or Sundays once a month, year-round. Shifts are typically available from either 11:30AM – 2PM or 2PM – 4:30PM.
Minimum Commitment:
One 2.5-hour shift per month, for a minimum of three months. A willingness to volunteer for additional hours is always welcome!
Embody the “Let’s science” spirit of the Maryland Science Center as you engage guests in scientific experiences.
Proactively facilitate hands-on, minds-on activities on a wide variety of STEM topics. Applicants must be comfortable communicating in front of groups and able to learn quickly, be flexible, and maintain safety protocols. Prior experience in customer service and interaction with school-age children is highly desired.
Duties:
Presents live demonstrations in front of various sized audiences on science related topics utilizing audio/visual equipment.
Facilitate learning experiences at exhibit explainer carts
Answers questions on various topics
Explains a variety of topics to visitors
Assists visitors in the correct use of exhibits
Represents MSC at special off-site programs, i.e., Book Fair, Artscape, etc.
Performs other duties as assigned
Required Skills:
Basic scientific principles and phenomena
Interpersonal
Excellent presentation
Speak and feel comfortable in front of an audience
Work as a contributing member of a team
Convey information on a science-related topic clearly to all audiences
Training:
Provided by the Education Department.
Schedule:
Schedule is determined by supervisor within operating hours Tuesday through Sunday 9:30am-5:00pm. Weekend availability on both Saturday and Sunday 9:30am-5:00pm is required.
Work in a real laboratory environment! SciLab experiments are self-guided, so the SciLab Assistant will act primarily as a support person for guests, as they complete up to 5 different lab activities. (Activities change from time to time, but might include DNA extraction, chemical reactions, cell membranes.)
Duties:
Introduce guests to SciLab and set them up at experiment stations
Answer questions and provide assistance as guests complete self-guided lab activities
Reset materials and equipment between groups, including (but not limited to) washing dishes and folding lab coats
Enforce SciLab rules and general lab safety practices
Required Skills:
Ability to be friendly but firm to ensure guest safety
Basic knowledge in biology and/or chemistry is helpful
Some shifts may require extended periods of standing
Training:
Training will be provided by SciLab staff, but the majority will happen on your first day of work, with additional training provided as various scenarios arise.
Schedule:
4-hour shifts are available Monday-Friday.
Minimum Commitment:
Two consistent 4-hour shifts per month, A willingness to volunteer for additional hours is always welcome!
Work on a team to facilitate the running of The Shed, a maker space exhibit geared towards children in second grade and above. Interact with children, their families, and school groups as they learn by doing. Engage groups with fun, hands-on STEAM activities and support the daily operation of this makerspace.
Duties:
Support guests as they learn through tinkering. Responsibilities include facilitating DIY activities with an emphasis on creativity and experimentation, as well as maintaining activity materials and the program space. Applicants should have basic tool skills and willingness to enthusiastically embrace a wide spectrum of making, from woodworking to papercraft to sewing. Prior experience in customer service and interaction with school-age children is highly desired.
Required Skills:
Experience working with young children in a group setting
Friendly, pleasant demeanor; at ease with people of all ages
Flexibility
Experience and/or interest in at least one of the following areas: woodworking with hand or power tools, electronics and soldering, hand or machine sewing, making molds and casting various materials. If you have some other handy skill, please let us know!
Physical Requirements:
Ability to stand for periods of time up to one hour
Ability to work with children at their eye level (i.e. ability to get onto floor and get up again)
Ability to lift up to fifty pounds
Training:
Provided by The Shed staff
Minimum Commitment:
Two 4-hour shifts per month
Volunteer opportunities for youth:
The Maryland Science Center offers youth volunteer positions for ages 15 – 17. Gain new skills and explore potential career paths, while contributing to the Science Center’s mission to provide the best of informal, hands-on STEM education.
The Maryland Science Center welcomes groups of volunteers for a day of service! Tasks can be indoors or outdoors, working with our Exhibits, Operations, or Education departments. Please note that project availability may vary; please contact our Volunteer Coordinator as early as possible to discuss options.
questions about volunteering?
Contact our Volunteer Coordinator to learn more about volunteering with the Maryland Science Center.
