Paid summer internship applications open until 1/30/26 at 11:59pm!
Nature Exploration Center
11 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
Nature Research Center
121 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
Expand each opportunity to learn more! Interest forms are reviewed regularly throughout the year, and not all opportunities are available year-round. A link to the interest form is at the bottom of the page.
Docents of Curiosity Classes present hands-on programs to visiting school groups, ranging from kindergarten to 5th grade. Using live animals and plants as well as natural history objects from the Museum’s Education Teaching Collection, volunteers stimulate both students and teachers to learn more about the natural world.
Currently Recruiting for... Tuesday - Friday 9:00AM - 1:00PM. Volunteers must commit to at least one shift per month, during the traditional school year.
Major Responsibilities
Present hands-on programs to visiting groups of elementary school children.
Learn to handle a variety of live animals and to use them in programs.
Set-up and clean-up teaching materials for Curiosity Classes.
Serve as a Museum ambassador to visiting groups.
Requirements
Coursework or experience in education and/or biology helpful but not required.
Mental acuity necessary to quickly learn and disseminate knowledge to the public, particularly young children.
Good interpersonal and communication skills.
Must be willing to learn to handle and work around live animals such as reptiles, amphibians, mammals, birds and invertebrates.
Discovery Room Docents help facilitate hands-on exploration and learning in the Discovery Room - a space designed for young children and their families. Visitors will learn through self-directed, hands-on experiences and play. Natural specimens, animal dress-up, an observation beehive, puppets, and a sand table are a few of the key components of the Discovery Room.
Major Responsibilities
Welcome visitors at the door and share information about the room.
Help facilitate hands-on exploration and discovery.
Learn about all aspects of the room, e.g. natural objects, carnivorous plants, etc.
Serve as a Museum ambassador and interact with the public in a positive manner.
If schedule allows, volunteers may also assist with Discovery Fun programs- scheduled class programs for Pre-K through 1st grade.
Requirements
Passion for science and our natural world.
Excitement for and ability to communicate science topics to visitors of all ages.
Ability to work in a lively environment on busy days.
Experience working with children and/or families is encouraged, but not required.
The Genomics and Microbiology Research Lab is a functional research laboratory where scientists from multiple research groups at the Museum perform original research using genetics and microbiology tools. Our volunteer needs are varied and include data entry, lab maintenance, and science communication.
Currently Recruiting for... Prefer 2-3 hour shift between 10am and 5pm weekdays, 2 or more times a month. Specific days and times are flexible and will be worked out with the individual as best fits their availability and lab needs.
Major Responsibilities
Housekeeping tasks: laundry (lab coats), running dishwasher, putting away supplies, taking out recycling.
Office-type work: data entry, scanning and filing documents, helping prepare outreach materials.
Requirements
Able to work with minimal guidance after initial training.
No previous knowledge is needed, but organizational and computer skills would be useful.
The Genomics and Microbiology Research Lab is a functional research laboratory where scientists from multiple research groups at the Museum perform original research using genetics and microbiology tools. Our volunteer needs are varied and include data entry, lab maintenance, and science communication.
Currently Recruiting for... Flexible 2+ hour shifts between 10:30am-4:30pm weekdays, 2 or more times a month. Specific days and times are flexible and will be worked out with the individual as best fits their availability and lab needs.
Major Responsibilities
Modify existing outreach and cart materials and/or create materials for new topics.
Ensure cart material sets include information guides about the topic for cart volunteers, suitable display signs and objects, and interesting activities to engage visitors.
Test cart materials with Museum visitors.
Requirements
Need to be comfortable talking with visitors of all ages and at multiple levels of understanding about scientific concepts in an energetic and engaging way (for cart testing).
Does not need to be an expert on lab topics, but a passion for genetics and/or microbiology is preferred.
Experience with graphic design, science writing, or 3D model building would be a plus.
The Investigate Lab is a hands-on education lab dedicated to visitor interaction and teaching. The lab is open 6 days per week between 10:30am and 3:00pm. We have various topics for public and school group interactions including microscopes, experiments related to chemistry, nature and various physical science topics. The Lab hosts more than 35,000 people each year as part of their visit to the NC Museum of Natural Sciences. If you are interested, the supervisor would like to set up a time for you to come into the lab, see what we are about and to see if you are interested in signing on as a volunteer. Working in the lab is all about the visitors that come to lab (ages 2 years to Seniors). It is a great opportunity to practice speaking, answer questions about any various subjects, and increase your knowledge of the natural world!
Major Responsibilities
Assisting with the daily operations of the Investigate Lab.
Interacting with the public during open hours.
Optionally, assisting with teaching classes to school groups.
Requirements
Passion for science communication, and ability to interact enthusiastically with the public of all ages.
Want to get away? Come spend some time in a Central American tropical forest! We are looking for people who are interested in the natural sciences and public interactions for our exciting volunteer opportunities with the Living Conservatory. This exhibit replicates a tropical forest environment with many connections to North Carolina. We have Central American butterflies along with ornate wood turtles, a tarantula, a Stuart’s milk snake and a two-toed sloth living in a naturalistic tropical forest environment. Please note that as a tropical exhibit, temperatures in the Conservatory average around 82ºF with about 70% humidity.
The Living Conservatory is open seasonally from May 24th, 2025 - September 1st, 2025.
Major Responsibilities
Introduce the public to the Conservatory.
Interact with the public in a friendly manner.
Enforce Conservatory regulations & rules professionally.
Learn about the Conservatory (animals, plants, tropical connections).
Help visitors discover and learn about the tropics.
Please note the volunteer positions with the Living Conservatory do not include any animal care.
Requirements
Volunteers must have the physical strength and dexterity to lock, unlock and hold open heavy vestibule doors.
Volunteers must have the mobility to maneuver in tight spaces and quickly move from one side of the exhibit to the other.
Volunteers must have the mental acuity to learn about the exhibit and to learn our introduction, in order to interact with visiting public and answer questions.
Volunteers must have the oral skills to present an introduction and rules to large groups of visiting public.
Volunteers must be able to remain on their feet for a 2-hour shift in a warm, humid and sometimes crowded environment.
Join our team as a Museum Ambassador and play a key role in creating memorable experiences for our visitors!
Duties & Responsibilities
• Welcome guests with a warm greeting and friendly demeanor.
• Assist visitors with wayfinding, helping them navigate the museum’s exhibits and facilities.
• Answer questions about the museum, exhibits, and upcoming events.
• Provide exceptional customer service, ensuring every guest feels valued and informed.
Why Volunteer as a Museum Ambassador?
• Share your passion for learning and engaging with people of all ages.
• Gain valuable experience in customer service and public engagement.
• Become a part of a vibrant team that inspires curiosity and discovery.
If you love interacting with others and enjoy making a positive impact, this role is perfect for you! No prior experience is needed - training will be provided.
The Visual World Investigate Lab features twelve interactive computer stations for investigating science through augmented reality, 3D exploration and robotic technology. In addition to general public activities, the lab also offers courses for school groups and the general public designed to explore scientific topics through technology-based projects.
Major Responsibilities
Ensure smooth functioning of the Lab activities.
Interact with visitors, answer questions and help them use and understand the lab activities.
Present demonstrations.
Assist with or lead classes (school groups, public/family groups).
Assist with maintenance of the lab.
Provide any assistance needed by visitors in using the equipment.
Create computer-based visualizations or electronic devices for presentation or implementation in the lab.
Attend any training needed for proper operation and maintenance of the lab.
Requirements
Computer experience required.
Experience in education, augmented reality and/or robotics helpful but not required.
Dependable and punctual.
Ability to maintain a calm and pleasant demeanor on busy days or under pressure.
Ability to communicate effectively with people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.
Friendly customer service and professional appearance.