Current Volunteer Openings at ASM

ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES

• Native Goods, the Museum Store
• ASM Visitor Services
• ASM Public Programs: Program Presenter
• ASM School Programs: Activity Guide

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Native Goods, the Museum Store ~ Ongoing: about 4 hours per visit

About Native Goods

Native Goods, the Arizona State Museum store, provides opportunities to purchase authentic merchandise related to the museum experience. Key concepts in the museum's exhibits are reinforced through one-on-one interaction with store staff who are trained, not in the art of selling, but in the art of storytelling. Native Goods carries items exclusively relevant to the museum's mission—authentic Native American arts and crafts of Arizona, the American Southwest, and northern Mexico, and related publications. Native Goods is non profit. Objects for sale in the store are purchased either directly from the artists themselves or from reputable, trusted Indian art traders. Store proceeds benefit ASM's educational programs.

Volunteer Responsibilities

As a Native Goods storyteller, your main responsibility is to engage shoppers with your enthusiasm and your knowledge about the objects they are perusing. Sales will naturally follow. To support the store's mission, we look for volunteers who are interested in learning about the peoples and cultures of the region and who are passionate about sharing what they learn with others. Of course, volunteers must also be comfortable using the point-of-sale system and be able to accurately complete transactions. Extensive training is provided.
Example of a Native Goods story

Volunteer Time Commitment

Volunteers are asked to work one 4-hour shift per week. It is ideal if volunteers are available year round, but we do understand that many may leave for a period of time during the year.

Volunteer Perks

All Arizona State Museum volunteers receive 10% off in the museum store (consigned items excluded).

Contact: Dan Vander Ploeg by phone at 520-626-5886 or by email.

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ASM Visitor Services ~ Ongoing: 2–4 hours per visit

Visitor Services volunteers welcome the museum's visitors with hearty greetings, warm smiles, and helpful attitudes. You will provide visitors with information about the museum, its staff, exhibits, events, and programs. You will also find that your knowledge of the University of Arizona campus and of the city will be invaluable to our out-of-town visitors. In addition, you will play important roles in admissions and in capturing ever-important visitor feedback.

Weekday and weekend hours available. Occasional evening hours a possibility.

Submit an Application

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ASM Public Programs: On and Off Site Program Presenter and Program Aide ~ Ongoing: 3–6 hours per month

If you enjoy large community events, have an interest in southwestern cultures, get a kick out of jumpstarting kids' creativity, then you'll love being a Program Presenter for Arizona State Museum.

The Education Department's busy calendar includes family and youth programs both at the museum and at events throughout the city. Program Presenters work with children, youth and families, engaging them with hands-on activities related to the museum’s exhibits. Activities have included gallery treasure hunts, painting, paper flower making, clay pot creating, weaving, mask making, and more. No specialized background is necessary.

Program Aides can also help with adult programs such as workshops and lectures. Duties may include greeting and directing visitors, passing out programs, helping presenters, and setting up receptions. Adult programs take place usually weekday evenings or weekend days. No specialized background is necessary.

Submit an Application

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ASM School and Camp Programs: Activity Guide ~ Ongoing: 3 hours per week

Enjoy working with children? If so, the Education Department would love to have your help guiding students through hands-on discovery stations during interactive school and summer camp programs.This volunteer position requires a weekly commitment throughout the school year. Complete training is provided. No prior experience necessary, but you must enjoy teaching elementary-aged children and be able to be on your feet for up to two hours. New programs related to new exhibits are on-going.

Submit an Application

Be sure to check our volunteer opportunities for special programs and projects!

The first step in becoming a volunteer at ASM is to submit an application.
Even if you don't see anything that matches your interests, we encourage you still to submit an application. We will notify you when new opportunities become available.

Photos by Jannelle Weakly.