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Volunteer Opportunities at ASDM
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum!
Volunteer Opportunities are available in the following areas:
- Volunteer Description:
- The Raptor Free Flight Narrator interprets the behavior of the raptors in the Raptor Free Flight program in real-time and speaks about the natural history, biology, and ecology of birds of prey and their relationship to the biomes within the Sonoran Desert. Narration is on microphone, addressing audiences of 20-500 visitors. In addition to narrating the live presentations, Narrators are expected to have a working knowledge of birds of prey and assist with audience questions after the demonstrations.
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Primary Tasks include but aren’t limited to:
- Narrate the 10:30am Raptor Free Flight Demonstration
- Learn the basic set up and operation of audio equipment
- Attend pre-season Narration Meeting
- Potentially fill in as a Narrator on short notice in the event that another Narrator is sick or unavailable to come in on their scheduled day
- Benefits:
- This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about birds of prey- their natural history, their behavior, proper handling techniques and what is needed to care for them in an AZA accredited institution. The Narrator is one of the most difficult and important positions in the Raptor Free Flight program. The Narrator is the secondary focal point and truly sets the ‘tone’ for the show. Trainers cannot perform the demonstrations and narrate simultaneously, so Narrators must augment the behavior of the birds by engaging the audience with an interesting, enthusiastic monologue. Training begins with the new Narrator shadowing narrators on a given day, listening to their narration, taking notes, and watching behaviors. A Narration Notebook will be provided to the successful candidate(s) with natural history information for all species flown in the demonstration. We supply this information because narrators must be able to pull from a deep pool of knowledge both to answer visitor questions and to supplement regular narration when birds go “off script.” Once comfortable with the material, new Narrators will begin narrating into a recording device. As the candidate becomes more comfortable with the material, he or she will begin narrating one bird’s routine during the live show. Once comfortable with one species, an additional species will be added. This is also a good opportunity to be of service, as The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a non-profit organization and Volunteers are critical to the success of the organization. In addition, active Museum Volunteers also enjoy Museum benefits, which include free memberships, discounts in the gift shops and restaurants, and Service Merit Awards.
- Requirements:
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, have reliable transportation, and:
- Be able to stand up for up to 45 minutes without the need for a break in the typical Sonoran Desert weather, both extreme heat and cold
- Ability to confidently speak to a large crowd on microphone
- Enthusiasm in voice
- Ability to recognize and interpret bird behaviors and talk about them as they happen
- Ability to memorize the natural history of a minimum of 6 raptors native to the Sonoran Desert region
- Willingness to take constructive feedback and implement suggestions into narration
- Ability to keep up with the movement of the birds and cadence of the demonstration
- Ability to read Trainer cues to the Narrator, indicating when to move to the next piece of dialogue
- Willingness to attend extra training sessions/ meetings on occasion
- Current Openings:
- One (1) Position available to begin on Fridays - 9:30am-11:30am - Mid October, 2026, through early April, 2027, INCLUDING HOLIDAYS.
- Volunteer Description:
- Volunteers in this position are assigned but not limited to support of the Stingray Touch Exhibit. Volunteers are support for the animal Keeper staff. Additionally, Volunteers in this role will engage and guide guests with instructions, guidelines, interpretation and animal contact. This includes the guest feeding experience and other husbandry-related tasks and activities.
Primary Specific Tasks:
- Assist HIIZ Keeper staff
- Assist with basic stingray husbandry (i.e., logging observations, etc.)
- Interact with Museum visitors
- Help facilitate guest entry and guest services while at the stingray exhibit
- Assure the safety of both the stingrays and guests at all times
- Stingray pool-related tasks
- Assist with enrichment activities
- Other tasks may be assigned
- Benefits:
- This is a unique opportunity to volunteer with stingrays at an AZA accredited, world-class institution. Volunteers receive the opportunity to expand upon their public speaking skills while gaining hands-on experience. Great for resume building and career building experience. Active status volunteers receive numerous benefits including complimentary membership and discounts for the duration of their service.
- Requirements:
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, must have the ability to bend, kneel and balance while doing a variety of tasks; they must also be comfortable lifting up to 25 lbs. Applicants should be comfortable helping outdoors throughout the year and have the ability to work cooperatively with others in a complex and busy social environment. Having a positive attitude is very important, and applicants must also be able and willing to follow directions. Preference will be shown to applicants who can demonstrate good general communication skills. For the safety of the animals, applicants must be able to think quickly in demanding situations while adhering to HIIZ department protocols. Applicants should have a clear understanding of the boundaries related to animal interactions. All Desert Museum Volunteers must be able to learn and retain the Desert Museum’s safety procedures and protocols, as well as position specific responsibilities and competencies. Year-round availability welcome but not necessary.
- Current Openings:
- multiple days and shifts available
- Volunteer Description:
- Volunteers in this position are stationed indoors in the beautiful Ironwood Gallery. Volunteers in this role act as a friendly and knowledgeable representatives of the Museum while monitoring the gallery exhibition space. Duties include (but are not limited to): reinforcing gallery rules, assisting with clerical tasks, organizing materials, answering phone calls, assisting with the sale of artwork and maintaining a clean exhibit space.
- Benefits:
- This is a great opportunity for anyone who enjoys being around creative, like-minded people. Art Institute volunteers have the chance to interact with museum guests from around the world; they also receive first-hand access to new gallery exhibits, featured artists and special Art Institute programing. If you're looking for a position that offers the flexibility to work on your own projects (in between gallery visitors), this is the environment for you! Active Museum Volunteers enjoy benefits which include free memberships, discounts in the gift shops and restaurants, and Service Merit Awards.
- Requirements:
- Applicants must be able to make a minimum 6-month commitment, volunteering 3 hours, once a week. Able to learn and retain the Desert Museum’s safety procedures and protocols, as well as position specific responsibilities and competencies. Applicants should be comfortable open to selling (or learning how to sell) artwork. A background check will be performed for any volunteer working with sales.
- Current Openings:
- Various shifts available; Mon, Wed, Thur, Sat
If a position aligns with your interests and availability, please fill out the following form:
Volunteer Application Form
If you're having trouble accessing the online application, please print this application form (PDF) and mail it to Volunteer & Internship Programs Coordinator (Mike Walker) at: 2021 N. Kinney Road, Tucson, AZ 85743.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please don't hesitate to call the Volunteer & Internship Programs Coordinator (Mike Walker) at: 520-883-3082 or at [email protected].
