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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 documentation of the Desert Museum’s electrical and potable water systems currently consists of a combination of blueprints, hand-drawn schemas and the memory of senior staff members. As the current Supervisor of Maintenance prepares to retire in 2026, a major loss of institutional memory threatens the continuity of daily Museum operations.
The GIS Volunteer will create a map of Desert Museum utilities according to priorities identified by the Maintenance department and then create a GIS map/app that will allow staff to access and edit this information in areas with poor phone and internet connectivity. Primary tasks include:
- Create a polygon layer of the buildings and other structures on Desert Museum grounds;
- Scan and digitize existing electric blueprints and georeferenced them;
- Assist Museum staff in documenting additional systems not available in hard copy;
- Create a map that integrates all utility systems of interest to the Desert Museum Maintenance team and make it available offline for museum staff.
- Benefits:
- Volunteer will gain experience interacting and working in a professional setting as a GIS support person. They will also gain familiarity with the components of electrical and water systems such as those used at the Desert Museum. This is also an excellent opportunity to provide impactful community service, as the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a non-profit organization and Volunteers are critical to the success of the organization. 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. Applicants must have at least 3 completed semesters of GIST coursework, plans to enroll in GIST 909 in Fall 2025, access to an independent means of transportation to and from the Desert Museum site at 2021 N Kinney Rd. . Applicants must possess the ability to plan, organize and manage work independently, strong communication skills, and the ability to interact positively with people of all backgrounds. Familiarity with water and electrical utility systems and components thereof is highly desirable. Applicants must be willing to work outdoors and possess the ability to navigate locations over rough terrain, off designated paths and roads, if needed. 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. Volunteers selected for this position will be required to complete a four-week probationary period. All volunteer positions are at-will and can be ended at any time, by either party, with or without cause or notice.
- Current Openings:
- Duration: Starting ASAP and finishing in December 2025 (with a possibility of extension, if needed/justified) Hours: Flexible (when working remotely); During operating hours and according to availability of supervision (when working on grounds) The Museum’s minimum for “Active” status is 8hrs per month/96hrs per year.
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].
