Volunteer Opportunities

*Please Note: The internship opportunities listed here are UNPAID volunteer positions.

Paleontology Collections Intern

Weekdays; standard business hours

Positions are available in either Vertebrate or Invertebrate Paleontology. The intern(s) will be responsible for curatorial duties within portions of the Museum's extensive fossil collections. Under the tutelage of the Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology, Curator of Invertebrate Paleontology and other staff members, the intern will learn how to prepare research specimens and manage associated data through cataloging and databasing.  A basic understanding of systematic biology or geology is desirable but not required in lieu of willingness to learn. Ability to follow instructions and familiarity with data entry or patience and respect for collections objects needed.

Zoology Research Intern

Weekdays; standard business hours

Positions are available in all sections of Zoology (Birds, Mammals, Insects, Mollusks, Reptiles, Amphibians, and Fish). The intern would be responsible for curatorial duties for a small section of the collection. Under the tutelage of the Curator of Zoology, the intern would learn how to prepare research specimens and manage associated data through cataloging and databasing. A basic understanding of Biology is required (e.g. completion of the BIO 101-103 sequence or equivalent). Familiarity with a taxonomic group is desirable but not required.

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None at this time.

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Interpretive Intern

Part-time, one weekend-day preferred

Main responsibility in the Duke Energy Children’s Museum is to insure that all museum guests have a satisfying, educational, enjoyable and safe experience. Daily work schedule includes:
· Assist in the planning and implementation of developmental signage for the Kids Town exhibit.
· This position also requires strong written and verbal communication skills for interactions with other staff members.
· During office work time, this person may be asked to assist with preparation of materials for upcoming demonstrations, attend meetings, and assist with materials inventory, as well as the following:
1) Design prototype signage about which developmental domains are met for each age in the museum exhibits, along with a bibliography of resources used.
2) Monitor exhibit areas and document parent usage of developmental signage.
3) Design prototype brochures for parents with descriptions of developmental domains, developmental milestones, and prompting questions about each museum exhibit.

Currently enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate Early Childhood Education program or related Education program. At least two years of undergraduate classes required, including specific training in child development. Must be a team player with excellent organization, customer service and communication skills.

Programs Intern

Part-time, at least one weekend-day preferred

Main responsibility in the Duke Energy Children’s Museum is to insure that all museum guests have a satisfying, educational, enjoyable and safe experience. Work schedule includes:

· Assist in the planning and implementation of Art, Culture, or Science demonstrations.
· Each day, this intern is expected to interact with visitors in the Children's Museum in an outgoing, friendly manner. This position also requires strong written and verbal communication skills for interactions with other staff members.
· During office work time, this person may be asked to assist with preparation of materials for upcoming demonstrations, attend meetings, and assist with materials inventory, as well as designing at least two Art, Culture, or Science demonstrations (write lesson plans, prepare materials, and carry out the demonstration on the floor).

Currently enrolled in an Education program, Museum Studies, or Art, Culture, or Science related field. At least three months experience working with children, or coursework in child development required. Must be a team player with excellent organization, customer service and communication skills.

Youth Program Developer, Public Education Intern

Part-time, at least one weekend day preferred.

Assist in planning and implementation of programs such as Summer Camps, Scout programs, and various Public Education programs. Will be required to research and write lesson plans. Assist with purchase or preparation of materials for upcoming programs and conduct materials inventory. This position requires strong written and verbal communication skills.

Must be currently enrolled in an Education program, Museum Studies or related field. Previous experience with writing lesson plans. Must be a team player with excellent organization and communication skills.

Early Childhood Intern, Duke Energy Children's Museum

Part-time, at least one of the following days preferred: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday.

Main responsibility in the Duke Energy Children’s Museum is to insure that all museum guests have a satisfying, educational, enjoyable and safe experience. Work schedule includes:

· Assist in the planning and implementation of Super Sprouts, Sprouts Institute, &/or Story Tree Time, depending on schedule.
· Each day, this intern is expected to interact with visitors in the Children's Museum in an outgoing, friendly manner. This position also requires strong written and verbal communication skills for interactions with other staff members.
· During office work time, this person may be asked to assist with preparation of materials for upcoming demonstrations, attend meetings, and assist with materials inventory, as well as choosing at least two of the following:
1) design demonstration for Super Sprouts, write lesson plans, prepare materials, and carry out the demonstration on the floor
2) create an information binder for the Parent Resource Center about the benefits of incorporating art into children’s learning (or other related topic).
3) design demonstration for Sprouts Institute, write lesson plans, prepare materials, and carry out the demonstration on the floor
4) prepare and implement a lesson for Story Time, including active storytelling, songs, and interactive games to last 30 minutes.

Must be currently enrolled in an Early Childhood Education program or related field. At least three months experience working with children, or coursework in child development required. Must be a team player with excellent organization, customer service and communication skills.

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