Volunteer Opportunities

Being a Heard volunteer has numerous perks and plays a vital role in the museum’s success. Volunteer opportunities are always available

and training is provided.  Here are examples of positions that are often available year round.

Badge Workshop Leaders - Lead fun and interactive nature activities for Scouting groups on Saturdays. The Heard is looking for individuals who interact well with children and adults, are comfortable as group leaders and are excited about nature.

Bird Banding Team - Help collect critical research data from migrating birds.  Bird Banding Project

Docent  - Volunteer as a Museum Docent at the Heard.  Docents are special volunteers who represent The Heard and serve the public while answering questions on site, giving tours, helping with children's groups and serving as ambassadors in other ways. Docents are needed seven days a week, but especially Thursday – Sunday, to guide visitors and youth through the exhibit and answer questions. 

Education Department/Natural Science Department - Volunteers in these areas are trained for the following activities: Live Animal Caregiver, Living Lab Docent,  Live Animal Presenter and Texas Nature Trackers

Native Plant Garden - Help with the care and maintenance of our two-acre Native Plant Garden.

Nature Sanctuary Restoration - Help the Heard Staff maintain the trails, prairies and forests in the sanctuary.

Nature Store/Front Desk - The Nature Store is a great place to be if you enjoy meeting people and have an interest in retail sales. This is a busy area, especially during events.

Office/Clerical- Computer data entry and general office projects are available Monday-Friday.

Ropes Course Volunteer - Perfect for outdoor adventure enthusiasts!  Help groups learn about trust, communication, teamwork and more!  Volunteers must enjoy working with kids and adults.  No experience necessary. 

Special Events – Events require many volunteers throughout the year.

Trail Guides - Trail guides are needed throughout the year to lead groups and individuals on nature trails. No experience is required; training is provided.

Animal Curation Department: Live Animal Caregiver: Have fun while learning about our native animal wildlife ambassadors! Animal caregivers assist staff in feeding, sanitation and health checks. Training requires a one year commitment. Persons under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Youth Volunteers (ages 15 and younger) - Contact Beverly for further information.

Heard Volunteer Applications

The Heard Natural Science Museum is a 501(c)(3) private nonprofit corporation. Your contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.  Please see your tax advisor for all applicable rules.