The Austin Nature and Science Center (ANSC) offers a variety of exciting and rewarding volunteer opportunities. Volunteers must complete an application form. Most positions require some training. For more information, please call visitor services at 512-974-3888.
Exhibit guides greet visitors, help in the description of exhibits and provide information about our resident wildlife and other natural science topics. The requested commitment is a minimum of four hours per month for three months. Volunteers must be 16 or older.
School program assistants help with instruction of ANSC education programs during the school year. These positions require a longer time commitment and training. Programs are from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and take place at the ANSC and the Sheffield Education Center at Barton Springs. Volunteers must be 16 years or older.
Naturalist workshop assistants staff this interactive gallery, opening reference cabinets, talking to visitors about specimens, helping with the use of microscopes, balances and reference materials and assist with general crowd control when large groups come through. They assist with our trade counter, explaining how the trading counter works, and also conduct trades. Volunteers in this exhibit space should be curious about nature, outgoing and friendly. Scheduling is generally:
Horticultural assistants work with the staff horticulturist to maintain native plants in a beautiful setting. The schedule is flexible. Tools and supplies are provided. There is a minimum volunteer commitment of eight hours per month for a three-month commitment. This opportunity is available to volunteers ages 18 and older.
Volunteers assist exhibit staff in design, artwork, construction and maintenance of hands-on, interactive and model exhibits. This position requires nine hours per month time commitment, and experience is required. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.
Computer specialists assist in troubleshooting computer interactive programs. These may include programming, electronics, networking, game design and web design. This position requires nine hours of time a month, and experience is required.
Grant writers assist in researching and preparing grants to fund exhibits, educational programs and equipment. Writers also create necessary interim and project-end reports for granting institutions. The position requires nine hours per month as a time commitment, and grant writing experience is necessary.
Volunteers can help with ANSC special one-day events such as Austin Museum Day, Dino Days and Austin Nature Day. Volunteers must be aged 14 or older. Call the center about upcoming events.
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