Museum Information Desk Program

As a Visitor Information Specialist Volunteer, you will engage with visitors and inspire them to plan memorable and exciting experiences across the Smithsonian. Volunteers provide essential services to the Smithsonian by providing a warm welcome and useful information to our visitors about Smithsonian exhibitions, activities, services, and more. If you’re looking for a volunteer role that allows you to meet people from around the world, learn about new and exciting things happening at the Smithsonian, and be at the center of the action, this position is for you!

Qualifications

Dynamic and friendly individuals 18 years or older who have a desire to talk with visitors and share their enthusiasm for the Smithsonian and all that it has to offer. We are also looking for people who...

• show excellent customer service skills
• are approachable and outgoing
• enjoy working with diverse people
• have strong computer skills
• foreign-language skills are a plus

Applicants must be able to volunteer for a minimum of one year, either once a week or once every other weekend. Regular shift times are four hours in length.

Locations

Visitor Information Specialists (VIS) serve at Information Desks across the Smithsonian. The Office of Visitor Services only recruits for placement at the following locations:

• African Art Museum
• American Art Museum & Portrait Gallery
• American History Museum
• American Indian Museum
• Asian Art Museum
• Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
• Postal Museum
• Renwick Gallery

Training

The training program consists of at-home reading assignments, two-day orientation to the Smithsonian and the position, and additional on-the-job training specific to the museum where the individual will serve. Training for the next class of Visitor Information Specialists takes place in the fall and spring each year.

Placement Process

Volunteer applicants follow the placement process below. Continue to check back on the opportunities page to see when the application process is open.

1. Complete an online application
2. Interview with a staff member to ensure mutual fit
3. Receive tentative placement and initiate a background check
4. Attend and complete online and in-person training
5. Start volunteering!

Questions

Please contact Visitor Services with questions or to be placed on a waitlist for future training classes.