Volunteering at The Tech Museum

Volunteering at The Tech

The Tech Museum's volunteers have provided over 200,000 hours of service, in a variety of roles. Our volunteers are the heart of The Tech Museum! They contribute their talents, knowledge, skills, enthusiasm, and energy to our educational institution and, in turn, provide an invaluable service to our community.

We Need YOU!

The Tech Museum needs volunteers to provide their skills and talents in numerous volunteer positions. Each volunteer is a key component to The Tech Museum's mission to engage people of all ages and backgrounds in science and technology experiences that educate, inform, provoke thought and inspire action. The Tech Museum does this through content and programs featuring the "Spirit of Silicon Valley" - inspiring people, inventions and mind-set that continues to make this region the leading source of science and technology innovation.

Do you want to learn more?


Or, contact our Volunteer Recruitment team at (408) 795-6190 or volunteering@thetech.org for more information.

Current Volunteers




Adult Volunteer Program at The Tech Museum

Adult volunteers age eighteen (18) and older are needed to fill a variety of roles in The Tech Museum. The Museum depends on its volunteers to operate daily and you can be part of this integral team!

The Tech Museum is looking for outgoing, enthusiastic volunteers who have a comfortable command of the English language. Knowledge of science and technology isn't required but the desire to help The Tech Museum is necessary!

What volunteer opportunities are available?
Exhibit Explainer: These volunteers welcome our museum visitors and help them have fun while sharing content and programs featuring the 'Spirit of Silicon Valley. We have morning and afternoon shifts available M-F, as well as occasional evening volunteer opportunities.

Marketing Intern (unpaid): These volunteers utilize their experience in Communications and Marketing to assist the Marketing Department. (Currently filled. We will begin accepting applications for new Marketing Interns in January 2012)

How long is each volunteer commitment?
The monthly time commitment varies by volunteer position. For example, Exhibit Explainers work at least two 4.5 hour shifts per month, which is about nine hours per month. Gallery Technicians usually work one to two days per week.

Will I be trained before I start my volunteer work?
Training provided depends on the volunteer position. For example, Exhibit Explainer volunteers are required to attend a two-hour orientation session and a two-evening training series. Each evening of the training series last about two hours. Usually on-the-floor training is provided for other volunteer positions. Please note: all adult volunteers must pass a criminal background screening before they work in the museum. The cost of the screening is covered by The Tech Museum.

Are there benefits to working as a volunteer at The Tech Museum?
Yes! The list includes but isn't limited to:
  • Free museum entry and educational IMAX films
  • Free downtown parking while you work
  • Discounts on blockbuster exhibits for you and your family
  • Discounts in The Tech Store, Café Primavera, and Hollywood IMAX films
  • Ongoing training and support for an exciting and rewarding volunteer experience

Sign up today for Adult Volunteer Opportunities by clicking the box below:



High School Student Volunteer Program at The Tech Museum

High School Students age fifteen through seventeen (15 - 17) are very helpful members of The Tech Museum's volunteer program. They are earning service hours that can be applied to school service requirements while they provide a valuable service to the Silicon Valley community.

The Tech Museum is looking for outgoing, enthusiastic students age 15 - 17 to work as Exhibit Explainers in the Museum's permanent galleries. The students must have a comfortable command of the English language and be able to follow a dress code. Knowledge of science and technology isn't required but the desire to help The Tech Museum is necessary!

What volunteer opportunities are available for high school students?
School-Year Exhibit Explainer (subject to availability): Perfect for students who are looking for a long-term opportunity to help their community. This volunteer commitment empowers students by placing them in the museum's galleries to interact with The Tech Museum's guests from around the world. These volunteers welcome our museum visitors and help them have fun while sharing content and programs featuring the 'Spirit of Silicon Valley.'

Application Period: September 1 - October 31
Length of Commitment: 1 year, at least 9 hours per month (at least two 4.5 hour Saturday or Sunday morning or afternoon shifts)
Current Status of Position: Thank you for your interest. All positions are currently filled. Please contact us for summer opportunities (see below).

Summer Exhibit Explainer: Busy students who have time during their summer break to volunteer are welcome to apply for the Summer Exhibit Explainer program. These volunteers work one shift per week. Super star volunteers are asked to continue their volunteer work in the fall!

Application Period: February 1 - April 30
Volunteer Commitment: Late May - August, one shift per week
Current Status of Position: We will begin accepting applications for Summer 2012 in February.

Will I be trained before I start my volunteer work?
Yes, volunteers are required to attend a two-hour orientation session and a two-evening training series. Each evening of the training series last about two hours on consecutive evenings.

Are there benefits to working as a volunteer at The Tech Museum?
Yes! The list includes but isn't limited to:
  • Free museum entry & educational IMAX films
  • Free downtown parking while you work
  • Discounts on blockbuster exhibits for you and your family
  • Discounts in The Tech Store, Café Primavera, and Hollywood IMAX films
  • Ongoing training and support for an exciting and rewarding volunteer experience

Sign up today for High School Volunteer Opportunities by clicking the box below: