8 hours per month. Some extra training hours may be required, depending on your role. Current volunteer roles include Center Hosts, Exhibit Facilitators, Event Ambassadors, Classroom Assistants and Telescope Operators.
Chabot is closed to the public Monday to Thursday. Volunteer shifts typically take place Wednesday - Sunday during the day. Volunteers are also needed for various evening events.
New Volunteer Orientations are held quarterly, based on volunteer interest and organizational need.
All new volunteers receive an overview of the volunteer program and Chabot’s mission, vision, and history. Additional content includes a facility tour, an outline of safety policies and procedures, and an overview of the roles volunteers play at Chabot.
For some positions, knowledge of basic science and astronomy is helpful. However, if you have a passion for learning, we have plenty of resources to share. Explaining content is not the focus of the volunteer experience. We believe that the visitor drives their own learning and that a science center is about exploration, fun and experiencing the process of science. A volunteer’s primary goal is to make the visitor feel comfortable, inspired, and curious about the world and universe around them.
Based on the volunteer role, additional training is provided by Chabot staff and volunteer mentors on the following topics:
- Mentoring Sessions and Self-Guided Training – New volunteers receive an experienced volunteer mentor in their area of work. Some work requires additional self-guided training.
- Enrichment - Chabot offers frequent training workshops, classes, and lectures designed to support volunteers and enhance knowledge of several topics, such as astronomy, science, facilitation, and customer service.
- Formal Training Classes – additional classes are offered a few times each year in telescope operation.
