Volunteer Opportunities in Birmingham, AL
We believe that science is for everyone and want to create a world where everyone can use science to improve and enrich their lives and communities. Our volunteers are an integral part of our mission through the facilitation of STEM programming in an inclusive and engaging way and through behind-the-scenes maintenance and care. Check out our volunteer opportunities below and apply today to join a team of passionate individuals and share your love of STEM with others.
Adult Volunteer Program
We offer a variety of rewarding volunteer experiences for adults who want to give back to their community, learn something new, and share their knowledge with visitors. Check out our opportunities below.
STEM Interpreters spark curiosity by facilitating hands-on activities and leading meaningful, inquiry-based conversations with visitors throughout the science center. We’re looking for enthusiastic communicators who enjoy learning and connecting with people of all ages. We’re looking for enthusiastic communicators who enjoy learning and connecting with people. We require a commitment of at least 8 hours per month to provide proper training and a fulfilling volunteer experience.
STEM Docents engage visitors through hands-on science activities, inquiry-based conversation, and live public programs like engineering design challenges, combustion shows, and guided lab experiences. We’re looking for volunteers with significant STEM experience—such as graduate-level education or professional work—paired with strong communication skills, a desire to keep learning, and an enthusiasm for working with visitors of all ages in both small and large group settings. We require a commitment of at least 12 hours per month to provide proper training and a fulfilling volunteer experience.
Make a great first impression and help visitors navigate the science center. Visitor Experience Volunteers are stationed at our Info Desk, greeting visitors and providing answers to questions about McWane as well as the metro Birmingham area. Visitor Experience Volunteers should be approachable, friendly, and have excellent communication and customer service skills. We expect a volunteer commitment of 8 volunteer hours/month.
Aquarist Volunteers assist in the maintenance of fresh and saltwater fish, invertebrates, and reptile species, as well as the life-support systems that keep our World of Water afloat. They learn daily, weekly, and monthly husbandry duties required to sustain our aquatic collection and keep the exhibits looking great. Aquarist Volunteers should be self-motivated with a desire to learn and a willingness to get wet and dirty while cleaning the tanks and preparing food. Aquarist Volunteers should also be able to stand, stoop, or kneel for extended periods of time as well as lift 20 lbs. We expect a volunteer commitment of 100 hours of service over one year.
Teen Volunteer Program
McWane Science Center’s Teen Volunteer Program offers year-round volunteer opportunities for teens who are interested in giving back, learning something new, and being part of an incredible team of young people. You can find Teen Volunteers inspiring and impacting the lives of local youth in Summer and Winter Camps where they act as models and mentors guiding young campers in STEM-related activities. You can also find them presenting hands-on science activities for our public audiences. Teen Volunteers gain valuable experience in public speaking, customer service, and leadership.
Are you looking for a meaningful way to spend your summer? Share your passion for science in our Summer Teen program. Students completing 8th–12th grade will apply for the Teen Program and students completing 6th–7th grade will apply for the Junior Teen Program. Summer Teen Volunteers are chosen based on their completed application, résumé, two letters of recommendation, and an interview.
Our School Year Teen Program is a great first step for teens 14 and older who want to enter our volunteer program. This program runs from October to May. Applications are reviewed, interviews are set during the month of September, and Offer Letters are sent out the first week of October. Two orientations will be offered, one in October and one in November. School Year Teens are expected to volunteer a minimum of 40 hours between October and May.
Group Volunteer Program
Is your group looking for opportunities to get involved in your community? McWane Science Center has volunteer projects that are perfect for companies, research teams, parent-teacher groups, professional organizations, and more. Check out our opportunities below and apply now!
Note: Please elect one member of your group to serve as the primary contact person. This person should submit the application on behalf of the group and will act as the liaison between the group and McWane.
Armed with cleaning cloths and the occasional toothbrush, volunteer groups help keep our exhibit halls spick and span (and de-stickered).
Group cleanings are available at the following times:
- Weekdays: 7:00 – 9:30 am
- Saturdays: 8:00 – 10:30 am
- Sundays: 10:00 – 12:00 pm
Cleaning supplies are provided. Volunteers should wear comfortable clothing.
Want to stimulate interest, showcase relevance, and increase awareness of the science behind your profession? In Corporate Takeover, your group can bring your outreach activities and take over one of our Adventure Hall stations to facilitate STEM demonstrations that relate to the science in your field.
Need More Information?
For questions about volunteer & internship opportunities, duties, and more, please contact Volunteer Services at [email protected]