Volunteer with the Smithsonian

Smithsonian volunteers play essential roles in sharing our rich collections, exhibitions, research, and educational programming with the public. We are always on the lookout for dynamic, curious individuals who want to be a part of the Smithsonian team. Each year, more than 6,000 volunteers work onsite at our facilities and another 7,500 participate in projects online.

We invite you to explore our many volunteer opportunities, and to discover the right one for you.

Visit Volunteer Opportunities below to see what's available and find the online application. Current volunteers and applicants may log in to their profile to apply for more opportunities, see their schedules, and more.

You can share your knowledge and love of learning with visitors to Smithsonian museums and the zoo. With guidance from staff experts, our more than volunteers advise trip planners, lead tours, give gallery talks, offer fun hands-on experiences, and more. You’ll meet people of all ages from across the U.S. and around the world and help them make memories of a lifetime.

Consider which roles and locations might fit your interests.

• Smithsonian Call Center (Central)
• Ambassador Program (Central)
• Museum Information Desk Program (select museums)
• Docent Programs (Smithsonian museums)
• Education and Outreach (Natural History Museum)
• Event Monitor Program (Smithsonian Associates)
• Volunteer Program (African American History and Culture Museum)
• Volunteer Program (Air and Space Museum and Udvar-Hazy Center)
• Zoo Interpreters (Smithsonian's National Zoo)

Prefer to contribute behind the scenes?

Smithsonian volunteers can serve in many important, non-public roles, working onsite at one of our facilities, or even online from home. Join our staff in caring for collections, collecting research data, program administration, and other critical functions.

• Behind-the-Scenes Volunteers
• Participatory Science
• Digital Volunteers
• Zoo Aids (Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute)

Short-term/seasonal opportunities

Spark the interest of people from all over the world by participating in short-term seasonal opportunities.

• Folklife Festival
• Smithsonian Gardens