Opportunities for Volunteers!

You can participate in a unique and rewarding volunteer experience. Play a vital role aboard the USS Midway Museum in a variety of capacities. Opportunities span a full range of museum operations, including departments which serve the public in person, e.g., educators, docents, or behind the scenes in curatorial as well as aircraft and ship restoration. Positions are filled as needed.  Candidates who applyare invited to an orientation or training session for an assignment if there is a suitable match.

How to Apply
Candidates must have a healthy team spirit, be at least 18 years of age, and be willing to participate with a regular commitment of at least three to four months.

Opportunities & Application
If you are interested in any of these opportunities click here for an application or please call (619) 398-8289 to request one.

Docent
Interfaces with the public and provides a personal touch to Midway’s self-guided audio tour of the museum. Being a docent is probably one of the most rewarding experiences a volunteer can encounter as you witness positive reactions of visitors to informative presentations.
 
Air Wing
Participate in both the restoration of historic aircraft, as well as the maintenance of those aircraft already displayed onboard. Immense pride is associated with being a member of a team that brings an aircraft from virtual scrap condition to a full-fledged museum quality static exhibit.

Ship Restoration 
Revitalize selected areas of the ship and transform compartments to representations of "the way life was" aboard the Midway. This volunteer force provides much of this effort, beginning with dirty clean-ups and ending in authentic area restorations and realistic reproductions.

Safety Department
Visitor safety and security is a high priority aboard the Midway as well as protection of our ship and museum exhibits. Good assignment for folks who are physically fit and enjoy the rewards of a team effort.

Exhibits
Assist with the design and installation of new exhibits and fine tuning of already existing exhibits. Good for candidates who have basic skills in using hand tools, painting, cleaning, restoration as well as an eye for detail and craftsmanship.

Living History - Bosn’s Mate
Teach rudimentary skills in marlinspike seamanship by demonstrating how to tie some basic knots and entertain our guests in the foc’sle.

Librarian
Library volunteers assist visitors and oversee the maintenance of books in this large museum collection by labeling, cataloging new acquisitions, and researching among other tasks.

Education - Teacher's Assistant
Educators assist in teaching classes on a variety of basic science and social science subjects (grades 2-8) in the context of naval history. - During the school year only.

Education - Overnight Program Educator
Docent Educators spend the night on board and give tours of the ship/museum to school children. Good assignment for friendly, physically fit folks with enthusiasm for working with kids.

Receptionist
Friendly and articulate individuals work in the museum’s behind-the-scenes "nerve center.” They assist with basic administrative tasks and provide a personal touch for our callers.

 

Benefits

Meeting people with similar interests, learning new skills, learning history, gaining a greater sense of community and a deeper understanding about military and social culture. Discounts in the museum gift shop, café and some parking privileges.