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.

    Current volunteer openings

    We are not accepting new volunteer applications at this time. Please check back after August 27 to find more information and links to our volunteer openings and application form. 

    Engage with Smithsonian visitors!

    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.

    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.

    Short-Term/Seasonal

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

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

    Current volunteer openings

    Use the links below to view a list of our current volunteer opportunities and to find the online application. Current volunteers and applicants may log in to their profile to apply for additional opportunities, see their schedules, and more.

    Engage with Smithsonian visitors!

    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.

    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.

    Short-Term/Seasonal

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