Volunteer

Photo: Rachel Ormiston/Burke Museum
Photo: Rachel Ormiston/Burke Museum

Volunteers bring the
museum to life

Our dedicated volunteers bring their own unique skills, experiences and passions to make the Burke a dynamic and welcoming place for all.

They engage and inspire visitors, assist with collections care, and support museum events, all while supporting the Burke’s mission to care for and share natural and cultural collections so all people can learn, be inspired, generate knowledge, feel joy, and heal.

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a man uses a small paintbrush to brush away dirt from a dinosaur fossil

Current Volunteers

We know your time is valuable. In 2018 alone, volunteers donated more than 25,000 hours to the Burke. We couldn’t do what we do without you—thank you, Burke volunteers!

Volunteer Login

Volunteering at the Burke

a group of young people pose for a photo in front of a mastodon
Photo: Peter Carrs Photography / Surveyor Films
Photo: Peter Carrs Photography / Surveyor Films

The Burke Museum offers volunteer positions for adults (ages 18+). While some positions require committing to a regular schedule, positions with our events team provide opportunities to support public programs and the visitor experience and allow for a more flexible schedule.

New volunteers are required to attend an orientation; some volunteer assignments may require prior experience and/or additional trainings. Individuals who bring diverse perspectives and experience are especially encouraged to apply to open positions.

Volunteer benefits

  • Free museum admission
  • Discounts in the Burke Store and Cafe
  • Special event invitations and continuing education opportunities
  • Networking opportunities with curators, researchers, museum professionals and other passionate volunteers
  • Up-close and behind-the-scenes connections with Burke collections and research

Current Opportunities

Ready to get involved at the Burke? Click the drop-down arrows to view current volunteer opportunities.

Gallery SPARKs

Sharing Passion, Advocacy, Research and Knowledge

Gallery SPARKs facilitate connections between visitors and the work of the museum. Are you passionate about the natural world? Excited to facilitate learning about the intersections of science and culture? This new volunteer position will be essential to providing a consistently engaging and welcoming visitor experience across every area of the museum when we open the new Burke in October 2019. 

  • Engage visitors in conversations about the work of the Burke and Burke exhibits
  • Implement a range of inclusive and accessible interactive experiences for intergenerational audiences
  • Minimum 5 hours per month; age 18+

Apply Today

For more information, view the full position description (PDF). 

Event Assistants

Event Assistants help ensure that all our visitors have a fun, easy, and positive experience at the Burke during lively event days and programs. Supported by Visitor Experience staff, these volunteers welcome guests when they arrive, help them find their way around and assist with fun activities while they’re here.

  • Great for volunteers with limited time and limitless passion!
  • Create a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors while supporting public programs and special events
  • Minimum 5 shifts per year; age 18+

Apply Today

For more information, view the full position description (PDF).

Stay Informed

Stay in the Loop

Sign up to be emailed when we add new volunteer opportunities at the Burke Museum. 

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Questions?

Contact the Volunteer Office

206.543.3989

burkevol@uw.edu

a woman and man point out details in a cloth in the collection

Our Work

At the Burke, we bring together people, objects and the stories that make them meaningful.

Learn More

Photo: Mark Stone/University of Washington
Photo: Mark Stone/University of Washington