The primary goal of the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences Paleobotany Project is to improve the environmental conditions for 8,900 fossil leaf specimens from the Rocky Mountain region in storage at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Volunteers will assist in rehousing the collection in standard trays with custom Plastazote foam inserts and store the collection in high-quality closed cabinets with tight sealing gaskets. A training session in the methods and materials used in the project will be held. All supplies are provided.

Required Skills

Basic paleontological knowledge or willingness to learn, motivated self-starter with excellent initiative, comfortable in a changing environment, ability to work individually or as part of a team.  Must be able to lift 30 pounds on a regular basis.   

Training

The training program consists of 6 hours of general museum orientation, 3 hours of formal training devoted to your position, and 32 hours of on-the-job training.

Schedule

One four hour shift 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. or 1:00-5:00 p.m. Wednesday or Thursday. Or 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday.

Minimum Commitment

One year

Age Requirement

Available to adult volunteers or high school students who can meet the schedule requirements.

Adult Application Instructions (applicants 18 and older)

To apply for any of the positions listed below, please complete our Adult Volunteer Application (PDF | 627KB) and email to Shelley Knepley at shelley.knepley@dmns.org or mail to:

Volunteer Services Department
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
2001 Colorado Blvd
Denver, CO 80205-5798

Please remember that volunteer placement is a selective process and not all applicants are accepted into the program. The Museum reserves the right to place volunteers in the area staff feels is best suited to the applicant's skills and the needs of the Museum. A minimum commitment of one year is required for most volunteer positions.