Volunteers

Volunteers | Opportunities | Monthly Calendar
The Wildlife Voice | Photo Gallery

Become a Volunteer

You can help support The Wildlife Experience museum's mission of increasing understanding and appreciation of wildlife. Join our growing corps of enthusiastic volunteers in providing quality educational tours and interactions, exhibits, and a safe and enjoyable experience for all our visitors.

Volunteers range in age from teens to retired and all share at least one thing in common – a love for the world’s wildlife. Volunteers provide valuable assistance in a variety of areas within the museum and out in the community. For their priceless service, volunteers receive free museum and iWERKS admission, discounts on food, memberships, and merchandise, special recognition, and continuing education.

Benefits

Volunteers receive many benefits while working at TWE:

Free general admission to the museum
Discounts in the gift shop, café, and on travel programs
Free museum membership after 16 volunteer hours
Informative newsletter The Wildlife Voice
Continuing Education opportunities such as guest speakers, meet the artists, field trips and more
Annual recognition events
Gaining knowledge and expertise in the area of conservation education
Meeting and working with a fun and diverse group of people who love wildlife

Getting Involved

To learn more about becoming a volunteer at The Wildlife Experience, please attend a volunteer information meeting. Information meetings for teens and adults are offered monthly throughout the year.

Upcoming Volunteer Information Meetings:

Tuesday, August 5 from 6-7 p.m.

Please register your attendance at prhoads@twexp.org or 720.488.3318.

ADULTS
If you are age 19 and older and decide to become a museum volunteer, you will be asked to complete the following steps:

Attend a volunteer information meeting
Complete a volunteer application
Attend a Museum Orientation
Undergo a background check

Each volunteer position has its own selection process designed to match volunteers to that position. This process depends upon the qualifications required, the number of volunteers needed, and the needs of the position supervisor. In addition, all positions require additional training depending on the type of position. Please look through the list of opportunities to see what types of positions may be available.

TEENS
If you are 18 or younger, please contact Volunteer Services for information on opportunities and the application process at 720.488.3318 or by e-mail at prhoads@twexp.org.

CONTACT US
Pamela Rhoads, Volunteer Services Coordinator
720.488.3318
prhoads@twexp.org

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get involved?
Do I need to be an expert in wildlife to volunteer? - All of our positions provide training on general information. You can then continue your learning either on your own or by participating in our continuing education opportunities. You do not need to be an expert to be a good volunteer.
How old do I have to be to be a volunteer? - To be able to volunteer on your own, you must be 13 or older. For kids younger than 13, you can volunteer with a parent or guardian as a parent/kid team.
What benefits will I receive as a volunteer?
Are there other ways to get involved as a volunteer? - Yes! There are volunteer committees and one-time special projects. Volunteers can also participate in topical discussion groups and continuing education field trips and presentations.

Volunteer Handbook

Take your training one step further, read through the Volunteer Handbook:

Section One - Museum and Volunteer Basics
Section Two - Education, Art and Taxidermy 101
Section Three - TWE's Permanent Exhibits

Opportunities

Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the year in a variety of areas. Whether you like to be around the public or work behind the scenes, there are things to do! Time commitments vary per opportunity.

Administrative | Education | Exhibits & Collections
Guest Services | Special Events

Administrative

Administrative Assistant
Work behind the scenes helping staff in several departments with office needs. Administrative assistants help during weekdays between 9-5pm, a minimum of 2 days a month. Work may include research, filing, data entry, and more. Learn a lot about the museum while working with several different staff.

Mailer Team
Provide on-call help with large mailings involving labeling, folding, and stuffing mail. Mailings are typically once a month on an afternoon. Socialize with our other mailer team volunteers while you help us out!

Education

Children’s Gallery Interpreter
Interact with children and families in this fun room by showing them the different stations and games available and answering questions. Opportunities are available during museum hours and on a flexible schedule. Help explain the exhibits and microscopes and assisting with the do-it-yourself crafts and discovery drawers.

Craft Creator
Get creative and design and create simple paper crafts for children. Work from home to design crafts that relate to upcoming events or exhibits. Hundreds of children enjoy these crafts, which are changed often, so we need a lot of help.

Exhibit Research
Research information and write text for specific upcoming exhibits. Work from home or during a set schedule at the museum and research information for upcoming exhibits and educational materials. Internet and research books are used as an information source.

Gallery Host
Talk informally with visitors about the exhibits and museum and answer questions. Opportunities are available during museum hours on a flexible schedule. New volunteers will shadow education staff or other volunteers until comfortable hosting on their own.

Interpretive Cart Specialist
Interpretive Cart Specialists help with providing programs in various museum locations such as our safari tent, reading lounge, and teepee, where they can pass along their knowledge of wildlife to children. Programs may be formal themed talks or informal presentations to families walking by. Formal programs are daily at 11am and 1pm or on weekends at 11a.m., 1p.m. and 3p.m. Additional program times may be offered.

School Tour Guide
Lead school-aged children on one-hour tours through the museum. School tour guides provide tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Tours are offered at 10am, 11am, and 12pm. 5 possible tour themes are available for pre-selection by teachers and are based on Colorado State Curriculum standards. Volunteers work in two’s and three’s and spend about one hour with school groups teaching them about wildlife. Volunteers shadow other volunteers until comfortable giving tours.

Tuesday Tales Book Reader
Read books to young children on Tuesdays at 11am or 2pm. Bring your favorite children's books to share or read from our fun and diverse children's library. Animal puppets and poems also available to spice up your tales.

Exhibits and Collections

Exhibits
Help with preparation and assembly of exhibits on a periodic basis during exhibit change-outs. Prior woodworking and/or painting experience required. Woodworker who can frame pictures is needed on an ongoing basis.

Photographer
Take photos of the museum, exhibits, and volunteers for use in various mediums. Show off your photography skills by donating your digital photos of the museum for brochures, slide shows, and other presentations. Work on-call as needs arise for photos.

Guest Services

Adult Tour Guide
Lead senior groups and others on one-hour tours through the museum. Pre-reserved tours are provided on Wednesdays and Fridays. One-on-one training will be provided on how to present a tour and the tour format. Tours follow a fairly structured format so volunteers do not need an extensive knowledge of the museum.

Events Admissions
Assist the admissions desk during specific special events by selling memberships or other tasks. Hand out martini glasses during Movie and a Martini or sell memberships during our large evening events. Be a part of the action! Work alongside admissions staff during these evening or weekend events.

Gift Shop Assistant
Help with customer service, re-stocking merchandise, and keeping the shop clean and neat.

Museum Ambassador
Give presentations to local clubs, schools, churches, community groups, and others to inform the public about The Wildlife Experience and to recruit new volunteers. If you enjoy public speaking and meeting new people, being a presenter might be a great role for you. We hope to spread the word about who we are to the local community. Presenters help with providing presentations and also may help with lining up future presentations.

Theater Attendant
Greet and seat visitors in our exciting iWERKS Theater. Help is needed Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays with ushering guests into the theater, assisting disabled visitors, and being a friendly face. A commitment of twice a month is required for an approximate 3 hour shift.

Special Events

Special Events Host
Assist with special events like our Trick-or-Treat Off the Street or Movie and a Martini. Greet guests, provide directions and general museum information, or assist with kid stations, such as crafts, at our kid-oriented events. Special events are generally in the evenings or on weekends.

Special Events/Marketing Intern
Are you looking for a fun and challenging internship for college? Our Marketing Department is seeking a responsible hardworking intern to help with planning and organizing upcoming special events. 15-20 hours a week including some evenings and weekends. Desired experience is a background in special events, including knowledge of special events, catering, organization, and event planning.

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Volunteer Calendar of Events

Volunteer Opportunities
July 2008

For information or to sign-up for the following opportunities, please contact the Volunteer Services Department:
Pamela Rhoads - prhoads@twexp.org - 720.488.3318
Sheri Powner - spowner@twexp.org - 720.488.3356

4 (Fri)HAPPY BIRTHDAY USA- The Wildlife Experience is open from 9- 5:00pm.

16 (Wed) VIVA LA VOLUNTEERS- VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION FIESTA! In honor and appreciation of our valuable volunteers… YOU! Highlights of the evening include the presentation of hourly volunteer recognition pins, a fabulous fiesta, appreciation gifts and much more. Please be sure to fill out the staff nomination form located in the Volunteer Lounge and return it to Volunteer Services as soon as possible. RSVP by July 9 to Sheri Powner 720.488.3356 or spowner@twexp.org.

17 (Thurs) - Martini & Movie- Special volunteer/ member pricing. Ride with Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis on the Highway to the Danger Zone in the action/romance movie “Top Gun.” Volunteer shift is 5:30- 7:30 p.m. To sign up, contact Sheri Powner at 720.488.3356 or spowner@twexp.org. Guests will enjoy martinis and desserts while visiting the exhibits before the movie begins at 7:30 p.m. This event is SOLD OUT!.

19 (Sat) Museum Basics Orientation from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Orientation is required for all new volunteers. Learn the policies and procedures, nuts and bolts of being a volunteer, and how to get the most out of your volunteer experience. RSVP to Pamela Rhoads 720.488.3318 or prhoads@twexp.org.

19 (Sat) Rocky Mountain PBS Kids Fest VOLUNTEERS NEEDED from 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Shifts are 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. or 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Offsite event is located at 1089 Bannock St. in Denver. Museum Ambassadors will provide information and help at the craft table. To sign up, contact Pamela Rhoads at 720.488.3318 or prhoads@twexp.org.

23 (Wed) Movie & More from 6-8 p.m. Join us for a special evening all about Bugs! At 6 p.m., explore the world of insects with the Butterfly Pavilion. See live invertebrates up close. At 7 p.m. in the Extreme Screen Theater, attend the premiere of our upcoming feature, Bugs!. This is a free event for volunteers (guests pay regular admission prices). Members & Volunteers receive free popcorn & soda! For ticket sales information, visit thewildlifeexperience.org or call 720.488.3336.

23 (Wed) Teen Meeting from 5-8 p.m. Ongoing teen volunteers and those interested in joining our teen volunteer program are welcome to attend this monthly meeting. Receive updates, volunteer hours and enjoy dinner! We will attend the “Movie & More” presentation at 6 p.m. in the theatre and view the movie Bugs! at 7 p.m. Meet in the classroom and please be on time! Bring a friend. This is a free event for volunteers. Guests pay regular admission prices. To R.S.V.P. or for information about our monthly teen volunteer opportunities call Sheri Powner at 720.488.3356 or email spowner@twexp.org.

24 (Thurs) Volunteer Quarterly Meeting ALL VOLUNTEERS! Our third quarterly meeting of the year will be held at two optional times, Thursday, July 24 from 6-8 p.m. in the Toucan Café and Wednesday, July 30 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Great Hall. Volunteers are encouraged to attend one of these sessions. Along with important volunteer updates, Dr. Rick Smartt will discuss Globeology progress. Join us for food, door prizes and more! A hard hat tour of the exhibit follows the meeting. Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. R.S.V.P. your attendance to Sheri Powner 720.488.3356 or spowner@twexp.org.

30 (Wed) Volunteer Quarterly Meeting ALL VOLUNTEERS! Our third quarterly meeting of the year will be held at two optional times, Thursday, July 24 from 6-8 p.m. in the Toucan Café and Wednesday, July 30 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Great Hall. Volunteers are encouraged to attend one of these sessions. Along with important volunteer updates, Dr. Rick Smartt will discuss Globeology progress. Join us for food, door prizes and more! A hard hat tour of the exhibit follows the meeting. Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. R.S.V.P. your attendance to Sheri Powner 720.488.3356 or spowner@twexp.org.

30 (Wed) Movie and a Milkshake - Volunteers needed to help at this event, for kids ages 5-10. The fun-filled evening includes a museum tour, pizza, milkshakes and the movie Finding Nemo. From 5:30- 8 p.m. Volunteers should arrive at 4:30 p.m. for position assignments. (FYI- Cost is $15 for members and $18 for non-members.) Contact Layna Van Houw at 720.488.3385 or lvanhouw@twexp.org to sign up or for more information.

Coming in August

2 (Sat ) Family Fun Day! - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED to help with activities, games and special crafts between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Safari Sally will be on hand with a variety of live animals. Shifts available. To sign up, contact Lindsey Young 720.488.3329 or lyoung@twexp.org.

5 (Tues) Volunteer Information Meeting for new volunteer candidates from 6-7 p.m. Meeting begins promptly at 6 p.m. The recruitment meeting is for those who would like to become a volunteer. A mini-tour of the museum, informational packet and question and answer session highlight the evening. If you have friends or family who are interested in becoming a volunteer, please invite them to attend. R.S.V.P. to Pamela Rhoads at 720.488.3318.

16 (Sat) Denver Museum of Nature & Science Field Trip – ALL VOLUNTEERS WELCOME. Meet in the Volunteer Lounge at 10:30 a.m. to carpool OR meet in front of the Will Call ticket office at the DMNS at 11:15 a.m. The field trip will include a chance to look “behind the scenes” at diorama construction. You also may choose to attend a half-hour planetarium show on Black Holes or IMAX show of your choice. Lunch is on your own. The cost of admission depends on what you choose to do, if you are a member of DMNS, and if you are a senior (age 65 plus). This field trip will be your chance to explore as much of the museum as you wish! For more information and to sign up, contact Sheri Powner at 720.488.3356 or spowner@twexp.org.

22 (Fri) Art & Ale- Ongoing adult volunteers are needed for our annual beer event. Shift is from 5-10:30 p.m. Sign up now for a chance to volunteer for the evening by contacting Sheri Powner at 720.488.3356 or spowner@twexp.org. FYI- The fifth annual Art & Ale event features a dazzling line-up of musical entertainment, bountiful brews and amazing eats. Ticket prices are $40 per person or $70 per couple. Tickets are available online at thewildlifeexperience.org or by calling 720.488.3336.

On-going and New Opportunities

For information or to sign-up for the following opportunities, please contact the Volunteer Services Department at 720.488.3318 or 720.488.3356.

"Project Flower Power"
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED in the Exhibits Department to create plants for the Globeology exhibit, opening 05.23.09. Create the fabulous flora of the world. Train with Botanist Pam Regensberg to air brush plants and grasses, assemble leaves and more. Current fabrication projects include African grasses, Arkansas forbs, and Sonoran desert sunflowers. Pam’s hours will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday-Thursday. She can be contacted at 720.488.3374. To sign up for the Flower Power Team, contact Pamela Rhoads 720.488.3318 or prhoads@twexp.org.

Birthday Party Assistant- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED to organize birthday parties. Prepare goody bags, set up party décor and greet party goers. The volunteer accompanies the birthday group throughout the celebration. Weekends. Training required.

Gift Shop Clerical Assistant- Volunteer needed in the BOAtique retail management office as an office assistant organizing materials and making weekly and monthly reports.

Visitor Services Evaluation Assistant- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO take exhibit surveys in all galleries. Shifts are flexible. Must be sixteen years of age and older. Qualifications include the being able to stand for periods of time and ability to observe and record visitors’ reactions. Training provided by the Visitor’s Services Department.

Tuesday Tales and Theater Thursdays- The Education department needs volunteer help in Cubs Corner on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Create wildlife puppet shows and exciting reading programs. All interested volunteers will be contacted for training by Layna Van Houw.

Volunteer Services Contact Information for any of the above.

Pamela Rhoads - prhoads@twexp.org - 720.488.3318
Sheri Powner - spowner@twexp.org - 720.488.3356

CONTINUING EDUCATION UPDATES

Check back here for upcoming 2008 lineup of educational opportunities!

Thanks for all your help and involvement!

Volunteer Services Contact:
Pamela Rhoads, Volunteer Services Coordinator
prhoads@twexp.org 720.488.3318

Sheri Powner, Volunteer Services Assistant
spowner@twexp.org 720.488.3318

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The Wildlife Voice

Photo Gallery

	Lois Kneeter reading poems and showing off puppets during reading time
	Artist Kent Ullberg giving an education talk to volunteers about his sculptures.
	Charlie Lopez helping a child in the Children's Gallery
	Barb Dervishian showing neat skulls to school children
	Newsletter committee hard at work planning the next issue of Wildlife Voice
	A visit to Gerald Balciear’s studio in Parker, CO.
	Dr. Smartt with teen volunteer, Alyssa Davis at the Volunteer Appreciation Barbecue
	Chris Dawson, volunteer Tour Guide talking to visitors in our Back from the Brink gallery
	Diana Frederick uses her talents to make balloon animals for our young visitors
	Herb Meyer waits for kids to come over to his candy station
	Nicole Strong assists some young visitors with a game at Spring Eggstravaganza
	A visit to artist Kent Ullberg's studio in Loveland. Many of Ullberg's sculptures grace the halls and grounds of The Wildlife Experience
	A group of volunteers getting ready for our yearly Spring Eggstravaganza event