HMNS Hermann Park Volunteer Inquiry Form

You don’t need to be an expert, just interested! Our fun and comprehensive program teaches all you need to know in order to feel confident with visitors and students in the HMNS exhibition halls. You’ll get to meet smart and interesting people, learn about a variety of subjects, and become an integral part of one of the nation’s most visited museums! Note: At this time, we are at capacity or past the date of our spring orientations. If you can meet and agree to the criteria below, please complete the interest form to be contacted for a Volunteer Interview prior to the next volunteer orientation. In order to become a volunteer at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, applicants must: • Be at least 18 years or older and not a high school student. (If in high school, seek out teen opportunities on the HMNS website.) • Pass an annual background check and adhere to HMNS policies and procedures. Beginning in 2025, this cost will be paid by the applicant for their initial year and any additional years in which volunteer commitments are not met. In subsequent years, if you have met commitment responsibilities, you will be exempt from this fee. • Be willing to interact with guests. • Have a personal email address. • Routinely (at least weekly) check email and the volunteer website (access provided following orientation and a passed background check). Proactively seek out volunteer assignments on the volunteer website. • Have access to reliable transportation. • Be available during the school year to volunteer on occasional weekdays between 9am-2pm. • Be capable of taking responsibility for a small group (often a school field trip divided between several docents), independently orienting your group around the museum based on their pre-arranged schedule. • Represent the Museum, at all times, in an appropriate and responsible manner. This includes acting as a member of the Museum team when working with other volunteers and staff, and dressing appropriately, in accordance with your particular job or activity. • Attend an orientation session, then complete a roughly 16 hour training sequence as outlined at orientation. Volunteers are then asked to make a one-year commitment of at least 4 hours of volunteering a month. • Be prompt and reliable in reporting for assignments, tours, meetings, and training sessions. If unable to report, volunteers must contact the Volunteer Office and let the staff know. Some of our programs require you to find your own substitute as well. Should you decide to conclude volunteering, inform the Volunteer Office and return your museum badge to the Volunteer Office. Understand that irregular attendance, poor performance, or failure to adhere to Museum rules may be interpreted as a volunteer’s desire to resign. Please note: Due to the request for a one-year minimum volunteer commitment, HMNS does not provide hours for community service or hours for volunteer service projects. We are in most frequent need of volunteer assistance during the school year. Agree to the requirements and are ready to get started? Fill Out The Form Below!