Discovery Guide Program

The new Discovery Guide Program is open to individuals age 16 and older who are seeking a unique and exciting ground-level experience in the museum/science center industry.  The opportunity will provide experience in guest services, visitor engagement, program delivery, tours, and much more.  There will be an initial training period followed by a commitment to start employment in late May or early June.  This program will require quarterly commitments with the opportunity to opt in or out at HODC for the next 3 month period.  Hours will range between 15 and 30 hours a week depending on candidate’s availability and performance.

Essential Functions:

• Greeting and interacting with HODC visitors throughout the day
• Facilitation of science-based interactive exhibit content
• Front desk operations including taking payment, counting cash drawers, selling gift shop items, and answering phone calls
• Giving paleontology tours of the Gray Fossil Site
• Engage in direct instruction of workshops, summer camps, outreaches, etc
• Represent HODC in the community at area events
• Performing science and art programs including Tesla Shows
• Ensuring each visitor to HODC and the Gray Fossil Site has an exemplary experience
• Facilitating birthday parties and group tours including field trips
• Help with special events including some after hours
• Ensure HODC is adequately cleaned and presentable throughout the day

Ideal Candidates:

• Outgoing, charismatic, positive attitude
• Naturally curious about the world around them
• Attentive to detail
• Thoughtful of others
• Creative mindset
• Prompt, committed, and organized
• Passion for science and informal education

Please email completed applications to: heather@visithandson.org. Background check and references required.  No phone calls, please.

Hands On! Discovery Center is an equal opportunity employer.

Become a Volunteer

There are many volunteer opportunities are available at Hands On! Discovery Center!  From just a few hours to several times a week. Volunteers can be help in a variety of areas including:

• Child and/or Adult Education
• Art Studio Programs
• Docent
• Field Trip Guide
• Discovery Garden
• Cleaning
• Outreach Assistant
• Special Events
• Fundraising Events
• Clerical
• Exhibit Maintenance

A background check may be required.  Adults 18+ may volunteer in any of the above areas. Limited volunteer opportunities available for ages 16-17.  Please fill out the volunteer application for review.

Completed applications may be returned to keith@visithandson.org

The Center for Excellence in Paleontology accepts summer volunteers to work during the dig season with a volunteer orientation help in April of each year.

As the 2021 field season begins, there is limited availability for volunteers to join outdoor wet-screening. For now, volunteering is open only for outdoor wet-screening and only for returning volunteers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. As the year goes on, opportunities might open up for indoor lab work and excavation. Any interested volunteers should contact Shawn Haugrud, laboratory and field manager, at haugrud@mail.etsu.edu.