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Learn More About Volunteer At Chabot
What time commitment is required?
What volunteer opportunities and shifts
are available?
What training is required?
What is the application process?
Can students volunteer?
What time commitment is required?
Volunteers commit at least 8hrs/ 2 shifts per
month for a minimum of 1 year. Many volunteers
dedicate more than the minimum hours per week depending on
their role and interest.
What volunteer opportunities and
shifts are available?
Chabot is closed to the public Monday and Tuesday so
volunteer shifts typically take place Wednesday –
Sunday. From 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Wednesday through
Friday, Chabot primarily engages school groups in
exhibits, classrooms, shows, etc. Chabot is open on
Friday and Saturday evenings to the public until 10:00
PM and Sunday from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Additionally,
volunteers often support Special Events which range in
date and time.
- Administrative assistance
- Exhibit Interpretation, Tours & Demonstrations
- School Groups
- Challenger Learning Center
- Observatory Deck
- Visitor Services
- Outreach
- Special Events
Volunteer Tracks
Exhibit Explorers engage visitors of all ages in
thoughtful interpretation of and conversations about
Chabot Exhibits. This key volunteer role is the catalyst
that makes science and space magically come to life in
our center.
Wednesday – Friday School Group Guides work directly
with school groups to enhance the field trip experience.
Guides greet and orient classes, use interactive methods
to introduce each exhibit, usher planetarium and theater
shows, and generally act as a liaison between the group
and the center. For those interested in working with
youth, this is one of the most hands-on and rewarding
volunteer roles at Chabot. You can be the spark that
lights a child’s imagination on fire.
Chabot offers school groups interactive classes in
Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and
Environmental Science. Volunteers assist in planning and
implementing the daily program under the direction of
the Class Instructor. Assistance includes planning and
preparing the learning environment, setting up interest
centers, and preparing materials and supplies. Former,
future and current teachers encouraged to apply.
- Challenger Learning Center® Mission Specialist
As members of the Challenger Learning Center® Flight
Crew, volunteers assist mission participants on
simulated space adventures, complete with mission
control and spacecraft! Volunteers will support the
Mission Commander and Flight Director in facilitating a
variety of space scenarios including: Rendezvous with a
Cometä, Rendezvous with Comet Halleyä, Voyage to Marsä
and Return to the Moonä. Training and flight time
required.
- Observatory Deck Crew (Telescope Assistant)
Day: Observatory Deck Daytime Volunteers have
the unique opportunity to introduce the sunlit sky as
well as Chabot’s spectacular telescopes to student
groups and visitors. Volunteers will share the history
of Chabot’s telescopes and how they are used and lead or
assist with daytime observing of the sun, moon and
planets.
Night: Chabot’s telescopes are the foundation
of the center. Astronomy Programs are presented on
Friday and Saturday evenings free to the public.
Astromically inclined volunteers share the history and
use of our telescopes including the 8”, 20” refractors
and 36” reflector helping visitors explore the nighttime
sky and the universe beyond. Extensive training
provided.
Ushers assist visitors by ensuring that the Chabot
Planetarium and MegaDome Theatre experience is positive,
pleasant and hassle-free. Ushers are needed to assist
with school groups, weekend, evening and special events.
- Visitor Services Assistant
Visitor Assistants provide friendly, professional
customer service to Chabot visitors, including greeting
and providing information, and ushering theater shows. As the first face the
visitors see, Visitor Assistants are responsible for
setting a helpful and welcoming tone.
What training is required?
Training is provided by Chabot in all science content
and technical areas.
- Orientation: All volunteers receive an overview of
Chabot’s mission, vision and volunteer program, an
introductory customer service training, and an outline
of safety policies and procedures.
- Interacting With Visitors: Volunteers participate
in training on the philosophy of learner-driven
education and advanced techniques for engaging Chabot
visitors.
- Enrichment: Chabot offers monthly enrichments
designed to enrich the volunteer experience and to
enhance volunteer knowledge of space and science. In
addition, Chabot offers adult classes in astronomy and
other fields of science.
What is the application
process?
- Determine if you have the time to commit to
training and long term volunteer service
- Submit an interest form online or call for more
information.
- Participate in an informal interview with the
Volunteer Coordinator
- Attend Volunteer Orientation
- If your strengths, skills and interests match
Chabot’s volunteer needs, you will be matched with a
volunteer opportunity
To request an information packet please call (510)
336-7414 or e-mail
volunteers@chabotspace.org.
Can Youth volunteer?
Yes! Students are encouraged to join Chabot’s teen
volunteer program - Galaxy Explorers. Galaxy explorers
must be 13 years of age and in the 8th grade to
participate. Teens should have a schedule that can
accommodate one, four-hour shift per month and
participation in Saturday volunteer training. Galaxy
Explorers enroll at one of three times during the year
(January, May, September) and make a one-year commitment
to Chabot.
Click here for more information.
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