Tidbit Tour Guide Position

Position Summary: Tidbit Tour Guides are an important factor in providing student visitors with exceptional customer experience. With training in the subject matter in their galleries, they bring the Museum to life, helping students make lasting connections between what they learn in the classroom, natural history, and scientific inquiry. Through this volunteer engagement, an individual has the unique opportunity to become involved with NHMU and engage curious young minds with the thrill of immersive science education.

Specifically, Tidbit Tour Guides will be trained to facilitate 10-15-minute mini-tours to small groups of field trip guests in the Life, Great Salt Lake, or Past Worlds galleries. Tours are discussion-based and align with the Utah school standards. Volunteers will also work with NHMU staff to respond to visitors’ needs and questions regarding facilities and exhibitions, assist with field trip arrival, and reinforce behavioral expectations in the galleries. By leading these tours, volunteers will inspire learning, support Museum exploration, and foster in-depth engagement with Museum exhibits and content.

Department: Field Trip Programs, Education and Community Engagement 

Supervisor:  Carmen Bachofen, Field Trip Coordinator

Skills/Abilities:

  • Professionalism and presence
  • Good oral communication skills
  • Comfortable managing large groups of students
  • Interest in science
  • Comfortable and calm in high-activity, high-energy, and noisy environments
  • Adaptable and creative
  • Punctual and dependable
  • Enjoy working with students

Training Required: All volunteers are required to complete an Online Volunteer Orientation, which should take about 1 hour to complete from home, and a 75-minute On-Site Museum Orientation.  Further on-the-job training will be provided for activity content.

Training Schedule:

Online Volunteer Orientation, to be completed at home

On-Site Museum Orientation, 1 hour and 15 minutes, RSVP required:

  • Offered weekly, to be scheduled after completion of Online Volunteer Orientation 

Tidbit Tour Guide on-the-job training:

  • TBD by volunteer and supervisor

Shifts Available:

  • Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. OR 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. OR 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. OR 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. OR 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (January – May only)

Time Commitment: Tidbit Tour Guides will volunteer one two-hour shift per week, for the duration of September 2023 – May 2024 school year. Time commitment includes breaks that coincide with school breaks, including Christmas and New Year’s.

Age Requirements: Minimum of 18 years of age. 

Background checks are required for all volunteers.

Benefits: Volunteers at the Natural History Museum of Utah expand their knowledge of the natural world through specialized trainings, enjoy behind-the-scenes access, and interact with the Museum’s research staff. They broaden their social circle by making connections with fellow volunteers, Museum staff, and Museum guests; they contribute to scientific research, and make an impact in increasing scientific literacy and awareness in the local community, and beyond. This is a particularly great role for anyone pursuing a career in science, education, or nonprofit work. This role ensures a front-row seat to the inner workings of a world-class Museum, and a great opportunity for career connections and mentoring!

In addition, the Museum offers the following benefits:

  • Volunteer t-shirt and nametag
  • Free admission into the museum
  • Two free guest passes for every 25 hours of service
  • Museum membership discount
  • Discount at Museum Store
  • Use of the volunteer lounge
  • Continuing Education programs, including lectures and tours
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Invitation to social and recognition events

Thank you for your interest in the Natural History Museum of Utah!

Apply Now