March 27, 2024

Exciting Volunteer Opportunities at Fernbank Museum

Volunteers are essential to the success of Fernbank Museum. We are so thankful for the people who dedicate their time to help us achieve our mission of igniting a passion for science, nature and human culture. We believe that volunteering creates an environment for our guests and staff to connect with people from diverse communities and backgrounds to help further educate them on the things around us.

In 2023, 320 volunteers served with us, including 80 teens, and 11,800 hours were dedicated to improving the experience for the guests who visited Fernbank Museum. As we continue to advance and introduce new fun programming for our guests to enjoy, we need YOU! Discover Fernbank’s exciting volunteer opportunities in this blog post and how to get involved.

Fernbank offers two volunteer programs, one for adults and one for teens. The adult volunteer program is an opportunity for adults of all ages to be directly involved in museum operations, interpretation, special events and more.

Adult volunteer opportunities include:

Customer Service:

• These volunteers ensure that guests feel welcome and have the best experience possible. In these roles, volunteers orient guests to the museum and provide a friendly face to answer any questions. The positions available are Lobby Ambassadors, Museum Store Volunteers and Special Event Volunteers. Special Event Volunteers help with our monthly Fernbank After Dark events, Discovery Days and more.

Exhibit Facilitation and Interpretation:

• Volunteers in these roles engage and inspire guests to learn more about our exhibits and collections. These volunteers work in A Walk Through Time in Georgia, Fantastic Forces, the STEAM Lab and Interpretive Carts as well as outreach with the Fernbank on the GO! museum van.

Forest Restoration:

• Forest Restoration volunteers help further the Museum’s ongoing restoration efforts. Opportunities include assisting in restoration activities, maintaining the trails throughout WildWoods and Fernbank Forest, and eradicating invasive species.

Additional Opportunities:

• Live animal care
• Exhibit preparation
• Community service

To get involved in the adult volunteer program, you will need to be 18 years or older and must be able to commit to 50 hours of service annually. Please visit here to learn more and submit an application: https://www.fernbankmuseum.org/support/volunteer/

Our teen volunteer program, Fernbank Youth Interpreters, allows youth to be directly involved in public events and education at Fernbank Museum. FYI Opportunities include:

1. Daily interpretive carts: These discovery stations are positioned in various spots throughout the museum and offer biology, archaeology and paleontology facts to visitors.

2. Fernbank’s seasonal camps: Fernbank camps take place in the summer, spring, fall and winter.

3. Discovery Days: Discovery Days are special events where visitors can learn more about specific educational topics and engage with local community members.

4. Live animal care: These volunteers help take care of our animal ambassadors.

To get involved with the Fernbank Youth Interpreters, you must be 13-17 years old. Volunteers must commit to the program for at least one year and provide 45 hours of service to the museum. Applications are accepted every year during February.

Please click here to learn more about the FYI program: https://www.fernbankmuseum.org/support/volunteer/fyi-volunteers/

See what some of our volunteers have to say about volunteering at Fernbank Museum!

“I’ve been volunteering as a Lobby Ambassador since March 2023. I enjoy volunteering here because I like to meet the diverse guests that visit Fernbank as well as talking about the great exhibits and events that go on here.” - Joey P. 

“I serve as a junior counselor at Fernbank’s camps. I am passionate about working with children and feel accomplished when I can teach them about science!” - Lexi Y.  

“I’ve been a volunteer at Fernbank Museum since March 2016. I enjoy working with the tree cart because I love Fernbank Forest.” - Jon K. 

Fernbank Museum is better together. Through our volunteers' investment of their time and endless passion, we can continue to advance our museum and positively impact the lives of those who visit us. To learn more about volunteering at Fernbank Museum click here.

Have Questions? Check out our Volunteer FAQs. All other questions regarding volunteer opportunities should be directed to the Volunteer Department at Volunteer@FernbankMuseum.org or 404.929.6360.

Thank you for your support!