Gallery Docent - Create an immersive museum experience!

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Volunteers must be ages 16 and up.

Please note: ECHO requires proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 for all volunteers, interns, and staff

Encourage guests to dive deeper into ECHO’s exhibits!

To complete an application, visit http://bttr.im/9xi4v

Gallery Docents use objects and artifacts to educate, tell stories, and open guests’ eyes to the joy and wonder of nature. They are experts on ECHO’s gallery spaces and the natural history of Vermont, with a focus on the Champlain Valley. Gallery docents educate not only by sharing facts, but by engaging guests in meaningful conversations.

What will I do as a Gallery Docent?

• Initiate conversations about ECHO’s numerous exhibit galleries with guests on the museum floor
• Tell stories that will connect artifacts/props with gallery narratives to entertain, educate, and create an immersive guest experience
• Engage guests by asking meaningful questions
• Work independently to facilitate activities that complement gallery exhibits
• Continue learning and adapting as science, news, and ECHO’s galleries change
• Assist with festivals and special events as needed

• Minimum of 4 months of volunteer service
• Minimum of one 3 hour shift per week (more shifts available if wanted)
• Occasional 30 minute virtual and in person training (no more than 1 per month)

• Shifts available 7 days a week!
• Morning Shifts: 10:30 - 1:30pm
• Afternoon Shifts: 2 - 5pm
• Training Sessions: 1:30 - 2pm

What do I need to be successful in this position?

• Willingness to initiate friendly conversations with a diverse audience of guests ages 0 - 100
• Excitement to continually learn and grow through your journey as an educator
• Interest in diving into ECHO galleries to learn about the history and ecology of the Lake Champlain Basin
• Interest in working as part of a team with other volunteers and staff educators

What will I learn?

Biology, Ecology, History, and More

• ECHO’s gallery spaces and animal ambassadors (Please note this position does not include animal handling)
• Facts about the biology of species that live in and around Lake Champlain
• The geologic history of Lake Champlain
• Issues impacting Lake Champlain

How to Provide a Great Guest Experience

• How to teach and engage guests of all ages and backgrounds
• How to interpret natural and human-made artifacts to connect guests to the story of the Lake Champlain Basin

What opportunities are there to grow and take on more responsibilities?

• Gallery talks - work with educators to develop short talks about a concept or species
• Research to help update ECHO’s educational content
• Training and acting as a mentor to other volunteers

What benefits will I receive as an ECHO volunteer and Gallery Docent?

• 20% discount at ECHO’s Gift Shop
• Free admission to ECHO for the volunteer
• Free coffee & tea in volunteer lounge
• Annual appreciation events
• Professional development opportunities
• Volunteer social gatherings
• ECHO day passes, distributed quarterly
• ECHO branded gear & gifts
• ECHO memberships
• Letters of recommendation/reference
• A volunteer experience fitted to your unique skill sets and goals