Volunteer: Daily Discovery AssistantThe Science Center of Iowa (SCI) is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help deliver positive and engaging customer experiences for our guests. In this role, you’ll serve as a friendly and knowledgeable source of information—greeting visitors at the door, guiding them through the check-in and ticketing process, and answering questions about SCI’s programs, exhibits, and events. Volunteers will assist guests throughout the building by providing directions, helping with lost children, and ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for all. You’ll also bring our interactive exhibits to life by demonstrating how they work, offering insights, and sparking curiosity through questions and conversation. Additional opportunities include assisting school groups with exhibit interpretation and activity sheets and encouraging all visitors to participate in our daily programs. Ideal volunteers enjoy engaging with people of all ages, have strong communication skills, and love learning and talking about science. Punctuality, dependability, and a friendly, outgoing attitude are essential for success in this role. Program: Core Volunteers The Science Center of Iowa (SCI) is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help deliver positive and engaging customer experiences for our guests. In this role, you’ll serve as a friendly and knowledgeable source of information—greeting visitors at the door, guiding them through the check-in and ticketing process, and answering questions about SCI’s programs, exhibits, and events. Volunteers will assist guests throughout the building by providing directions, helping with lost children, and ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for all. You’ll also bring our interactive exhibits to life by demonstrating how they work, offering insights, and sparking curiosity through questions and conversation. Additional opportunities include assisting school groups with exhibit interpretation and activity sheets and encouraging all visitors to participate in our daily programs. Ideal volunteers enjoy engaging with people of all ages, have strong communication skills, and love learning and talking about science. Punctuality, dependability, and a friendly, outgoing attitude are essential for success in this role. Program: Core Volunteers Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 50309 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Jr. Daily DiscoveryAre you a teen who loves science, creativity, and helping others have fun while learning? Join our team as a Jr. Daily Discovery Assistant! In this role, you’ll work alongside staff to support ongoing projects, help organize and refresh activity spaces, and make sure everything is ready for the next day’s visitors. You may assist with special “reset” projects, such as reorganizing the animal room behind What on Earth or preparing activity stations in When Things Get Moving—and much more! Your efforts help us create a smooth, engaging, and welcoming experience for every guest who walks through our doors. We’d love to have you on the team! Program: Teen Volunteers Are you a teen who loves science, creativity, and helping others have fun while learning? Join our team as a Jr. Daily Discovery Assistant! In this role, you’ll work alongside staff to support ongoing projects, help organize and refresh activity spaces, and make sure everything is ready for the next day’s visitors. You may assist with special “reset” projects, such as reorganizing the animal room behind What on Earth or preparing activity stations in When Things Get Moving—and much more! Your efforts help us create a smooth, engaging, and welcoming experience for every guest who walks through our doors. We’d love to have you on the team! Program: Teen Volunteers Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 50309 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Mini Maker FaireThe 2026 Des Moines Mini Maker Faire will be hosted by the Science Center of Iowa on Saturday, April 11, 2026. This year is all about Empowered Tools – how traditional methods and technological advancements help creatives bring their boldest ideas to life. From handcrafted to high-tech, the tools we use shape the way we build, imagine, and innovate! This all-ages festival showcases makers from across the state and invites visitors to discover their own inner inventor through hands-on experiences. We are looking for two types of volunteers for this event: Wayfinding Volunteers (split into a morning shift & afternoon shift)9:00 AM to 12:30 PM / 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM This will consist of bringing snacks to exhibitors, cover booths when people need breaks, helping people around SCI, and tidying the building throughout the day. Skill Station Volunteers (4 shifts, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM)Training will be provided day of! Stations we create that volunteers lead, stations such as: Weaving, AI, Robotics, Sock Puppets Please reach out to Kenzie at volunteer@sciowa.org if you have any questions! Program: Core Volunteers The 2026 Des Moines Mini Maker Faire will be hosted by the Science Center of Iowa on Saturday, April 11, 2026. This year is all about Empowered Tools – how traditional methods and technological advancements help creatives bring their boldest ideas to life. From handcrafted to high-tech, the tools we use shape the way we build, imagine, and innovate! This all-ages festival showcases makers from across the state and invites visitors to discover their own inner inventor through hands-on experiences. We are looking for two types of volunteers for this event: Wayfinding Volunteers (split into a morning shift & afternoon shift)9:00 AM to 12:30 PM / 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM This will consist of bringing snacks to exhibitors, cover booths when people need breaks, helping people around SCI, and tidying the building throughout the day. Skill Station Volunteers (4 shifts, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM)Training will be provided day of! Stations we create that volunteers lead, stations such as: Weaving, AI, Robotics, Sock Puppets Please reach out to Kenzie at volunteer@sciowa.org if you have any questions! Program: Core Volunteers Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 50309 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Mixology (Core Volunteer)Core Volunteer supporting a Mixology event. Must be 21+ Program: Core Volunteers Core Volunteer supporting a Mixology event. Must be 21+ Program: Core Volunteers Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 50309 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: School Visit AssistantDo you enjoy working with students and helping create a fun, welcoming environment for young learners? The Science Center of Iowa is seeking enthusiastic and dependable volunteers to assist our staff in hosting large school group visits. This role is ideal for anyone who enjoys engaging with children, supporting education, and helping our museum run smoothly during busy field trip days. This opportunity is open every Tuesday from 10:30 AM-1:30 PM. We’d love your help during these exciting days Program: Core Volunteers Do you enjoy working with students and helping create a fun, welcoming environment for young learners? The Science Center of Iowa is seeking enthusiastic and dependable volunteers to assist our staff in hosting large school group visits. This role is ideal for anyone who enjoys engaging with children, supporting education, and helping our museum run smoothly during busy field trip days. This opportunity is open every Tuesday from 10:30 AM-1:30 PM. We’d love your help during these exciting days Program: Core Volunteers Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 50309 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Solar Party GuideThe Science Center of Iowa Programs Team is seeking volunteers to assist with solar observing and nighttime stargazing events. Solar Party volunteers help members of the public use a variety of telescopes to view exciting celestial targets such as the Sun, the Moon, binary stars, and distant supernova remnants. Ideal volunteers enjoy engaging with people of all ages, have strong communication skills, and are excited to share their enthusiasm for space. No prior astronomy, stargazing, or telescope experience is required; Training is provided at the events. Volunteers will gain hands-on experience in public science communication, telescope operation, and observational astronomy. Punctuality, dependability, and a friendly, outgoing attitude are essential for success in this role. Program: Star Parties The Science Center of Iowa Programs Team is seeking volunteers to assist with solar observing and nighttime stargazing events. Solar Party volunteers help members of the public use a variety of telescopes to view exciting celestial targets such as the Sun, the Moon, binary stars, and distant supernova remnants. Ideal volunteers enjoy engaging with people of all ages, have strong communication skills, and are excited to share their enthusiasm for space. No prior astronomy, stargazing, or telescope experience is required; Training is provided at the events. Volunteers will gain hands-on experience in public science communication, telescope operation, and observational astronomy. Punctuality, dependability, and a friendly, outgoing attitude are essential for success in this role. Program: Star Parties Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 50309 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Stargazing Guide @ Drake ObservatoryThe Science Center of Iowa Programs Team is seeking volunteers to assist with solar observing and nighttime stargazing events. Star Party volunteers help members of the public use a variety of telescopes to view exciting celestial targets such as the Sun, the Moon, binary stars, and distant supernova remnants. Ideal volunteers enjoy engaging with people of all ages, have strong communication skills, and are excited to share their enthusiasm for space. No prior astronomy, stargazing, or telescope experience is required; Training is provided at the events. Volunteers will gain hands-on experience in public science communication, telescope operation, and observational astronomy. Punctuality, dependability, and a friendly, outgoing attitude are essential for success in this role. Event Details: June 26 from 9-11 PM: Theme - Summer Solstice @Drake Observatory July 24 from 9-11 PM: Theme - Midsummer Moon @TBD August TBD from 9-11 PM: Theme - The Perseids @TBD September 18 from 8-10 PM: Theme - Harvest Moon @Drake Observatory October 23 from 8-10 PM: Theme - Autumn Skies @Drake Observatory Program: Star Parties The Science Center of Iowa Programs Team is seeking volunteers to assist with solar observing and nighttime stargazing events. Star Party volunteers help members of the public use a variety of telescopes to view exciting celestial targets such as the Sun, the Moon, binary stars, and distant supernova remnants. Ideal volunteers enjoy engaging with people of all ages, have strong communication skills, and are excited to share their enthusiasm for space. No prior astronomy, stargazing, or telescope experience is required; Training is provided at the events. Volunteers will gain hands-on experience in public science communication, telescope operation, and observational astronomy. Punctuality, dependability, and a friendly, outgoing attitude are essential for success in this role. Event Details: June 26 from 9-11 PM: Theme - Summer Solstice @Drake Observatory July 24 from 9-11 PM: Theme - Midsummer Moon @TBD August TBD from 9-11 PM: Theme - The Perseids @TBD September 18 from 8-10 PM: Theme - Harvest Moon @Drake Observatory October 23 from 8-10 PM: Theme - Autumn Skies @Drake Observatory Program: Star Parties Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 50309 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Stargazing Guide @ SCIThe Science Center of Iowa Programs Team is seeking volunteers to assist with solar observing and nighttime stargazing events. Star Party volunteers help members of the public use a variety of telescopes to view exciting celestial targets such as the Sun, the Moon, binary stars, and distant supernova remnants. Ideal volunteers enjoy engaging with people of all ages, have strong communication skills, and are excited to share their enthusiasm for space. No prior astronomy, stargazing, or telescope experience is required; Training is provided at the events. Volunteers will gain hands-on experience in public science communication, telescope operation, and observational astronomy. Punctuality, dependability, and a friendly, outgoing attitude are essential for success in this role. Event Details: April 24 from 8-10 PM: Theme - Opening Night @SCI May 22 from 9-11 PM: Theme - Evening Planets @SCI July 24 from 9-11 PM: Theme - Midsummer Moon @TBD August TBD from 9-11 PM: Theme - The Perseids @TBD Program: Star Parties The Science Center of Iowa Programs Team is seeking volunteers to assist with solar observing and nighttime stargazing events. Star Party volunteers help members of the public use a variety of telescopes to view exciting celestial targets such as the Sun, the Moon, binary stars, and distant supernova remnants. Ideal volunteers enjoy engaging with people of all ages, have strong communication skills, and are excited to share their enthusiasm for space. No prior astronomy, stargazing, or telescope experience is required; Training is provided at the events. Volunteers will gain hands-on experience in public science communication, telescope operation, and observational astronomy. Punctuality, dependability, and a friendly, outgoing attitude are essential for success in this role. Event Details: April 24 from 8-10 PM: Theme - Opening Night @SCI May 22 from 9-11 PM: Theme - Evening Planets @SCI July 24 from 9-11 PM: Theme - Midsummer Moon @TBD August TBD from 9-11 PM: Theme - The Perseids @TBD Program: Star Parties Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 50309 Allow Groups: No |