Volunteer
At the
Adler
Help inspire understanding and exploration of our universe in the most direct way: volunteer in public programming. Volunteers teach science and astronomy to visitors of all ages. Volunteers are needed every day of the week. Most positions require a minimum time commitment. Training for these positions is offered on a regular basis both on weekdays and weekends.
Ongoing Opportunities
Come play and help Adler's youngest visitors learn more about the universe! Volunteers interested in using their high energy levels and enthusiasm are a natural fit in this position.
Help museum visitors and offsite community groups to enjoy a real-time astronomical observing experience! Learn how to operate various telescopes (including those in the Adler's Doane Observatory) and share your knowledge of the skies with Adler visitors. No experience is necessary: we will train you on everything you need to know.
Share compelling stories about the exploration of space and fascinating information about NASA's Gemini 12 spacecraft and related artifacts. Docents may lead gallery tours, provide educational activities and discuss anything from the history of spaceflight to what astronauts eat on the International Space Station. An interest in space exploration is required, and we will provide all necessary training.
Show museum patrons prototypes of new interactive visualizations developed in the Space Visualization Lab (SVL). For volunteers with advanced astronomy or technology backgrounds, there is an opportunity to use SVL resources to present group or one-on-one educational activities to visitors.
Designed for young adults looking to fulfill service learning requirements. Volunteers must contribute at least 20 hours, not including training.
One-time/Short Term Opportunities
Volunteers lead children's educational activities during onsite events, such as birthday parties, Astrovernights, and Astronomy Day as well as at offsite programs. This position is ideal for large groups and volunteers who do not wish to make a regular commitment.
New positions are created regularly. Check back often
to see what's new!
Interested in seeing what makes a museum work? Volunteer behind-the-scenes and support the Adler in a variety of ways. Many of the behind-the-scenes opportunities may be limited to weekdays during regular museum hours but do offer flexible schedules. Most training for these positions is scheduled individually with museum staff. Volunteer must be 16 and older.
Ongoing Opportunities
Learn what happens behind-the-scenes in the
fundraising department of a museum. Assist with a variety of
administrative areas, including data entry, gift fulfillment,
mailings, and occasionally with donor programs and events. Every day is different
volunteering for this department!
Assist the astronomy department with pre-launch preparations for a near-space ballooning project by building or assembling payload components, including short range locator systems, parachute cut down systems, carbon fiber frames, temperature control systems or ozone sensors. Volunteers must have a background in engineering or electronics.
Assist in data entry and administrative work for multiple short- and long-term projects. Volunteer at your convenience, from one-time events to a weekly commitment.
Create new visualization experiences using Space Visualization Lab resources, such as video animation (pre-rendered video) or interactive development (game-like experiences) for Adler visitors. Assist Adler scientists and historians by incorporating new data into existing innovative visualization systems to engage the public in space science presentations.
One-time/Short Term Opportunities
Assist our library by translating publishing information into English.
New positions are created regularly. Check back often
to see what's new!
These are some of the benefits that you get when you
become a volunteer at the Adler.
• Become part of a dynamic scientific and
educational environment.
• Receive the latest information about astronomical discoveries, special events and Chicago happenings through the volunteer newsletter.
• Free general admission to the Adler and free admission to theater shows.
• Free or discounted enrollment in education classes, workshops and lectures.
• Discounts at Galileo's restaurant and the Planetarium's gift shops.
• Free or reduced admission to many of Chicago's museums and cultural institutions.
• Receive the latest information about astronomical discoveries, special events and Chicago happenings through the volunteer newsletter.
• Free general admission to the Adler and free admission to theater shows.
• Free or discounted enrollment in education classes, workshops and lectures.
• Discounts at Galileo's restaurant and the Planetarium's gift shops.
• Free or reduced admission to many of Chicago's museums and cultural institutions.
What are the requirements?
• Most Volunteer
positions require a minimum time commitment. This may vary from 3 to 15
hours per month for a full year.
• Set a regularly scheduled time to volunteer.
• For the majority of positions volunteers need to be at least 17 years old.
• Completion of orientation, training and all forms.
• Set a regularly scheduled time to volunteer.
• For the majority of positions volunteers need to be at least 17 years old.
• Completion of orientation, training and all forms.
What do I need to know about astronomy?
Knowledge of Astronomy is not mandatory! Adler
volunteers have a wide range of experiences, knowledge and interest. A
common thread among our volunteers is a curiosity for science and the
mysteries of space. There are a variety of positions for many levels of
expertise and interest designed to accommodate your schedule and all
volunteers participate in training and orientation.
How do I find the best volunteer match for
me?
With the Volunteer Program Manager, you will match your skills, interest and talents with the wide array of museum staff needs.
After you complete and submit the application to the Volunteer
Department, you will be contacted for an interview. We can then discuss
the best fit between the museum's needs and your interests and
availability.
Scheduling your volunteer orientation and/or training
will occur after you have accepted a volunteer position. You should
expect a call from us to make these arrangements.
| © 2001-2009 Adler Planetarium. All rights reserved. 1300 South Lake Shore Drive • Chicago IL 60605 • 312-922-STAR (7827) |
Summer hours (June 15 through September 7): Everyday 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. |