Our museums will be closed until further notice to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Our first priority is the well-being and safety of our guests, staff and volunteers. Stay up to date with NHMLAC's response to COVID-19.​​​ Nuestros museos estarán cerrados hasta nuevo aviso para minimizar la propagación del COVID-19. Ve la respuesta de NHMLAC ante el coronavirus (COVID-19).

Volunteer with young girl

Become a Volunteer!

Our Volunteer Program is temporarily on hiatus. New applications will be kept on file, and all applicants will be contacted about becoming a Museum volunteer when the program returns to normal operations.

Join the team at La Brea Tar Pits, where fossils are being taken out of the ground right before your eyes! People from all over the world visit our museum for its fascinating content and unique setting, and you can be their guide.  

  • Interpretive Volunteers Engage with museum visitors to bring the Ice Age to life. Learn more about L.A. during the Pleistocene Era and reveal that unique story with our guests. Share museum research and content stories using our exhibits and touchable objects! Opportunities to join regular shifts are available most days of the week. 
  • Behind-the Scenes Volunteers Support ongoing research in the Fossil Lab and at Project 23. The work is fascinating, but it is also challenging and meticulous, so it helps to be detail-oriented and patient! Opportunities are dependent on project needs and availability, and require commitment to a weekly, 8 hour shift.
Volunteer holding skull and talking to visitors

Have experiences you won't find anywhere else

Volunteers cleaning fossils at the Tar Pits

Build on your passion for learning new things

Volunteers by the Lake Pit at the Tar Pits

Inspire a deeper look into our world

Young volunteer at La Brea Tar Pits

Become a science communicator

Volunteer in Fossil Lab at La Brea Tar Pits

Explore unique museum collections

Volunteers at La Brea Tar Pits

Connect with people who share your interests

1 of 1

Have experiences you won't find anywhere else

Build on your passion for learning new things

Inspire a deeper look into our world

Become a science communicator

Explore unique museum collections

Connect with people who share your interests

Floor Volunteer at La Brea Tar Pits
I love seeing museum guests relate to the fascinating story of Rancho La Brea.

-Tar Pits Volunteer

Feed your curiosity!

  • Enrich your volunteer experience and develop new skills by participating in trainings led by renowned curatorial and education staff
  • Explore unique behind-the-scenes opportunities
  • Become a Docent, one of our highest achieving interpretive volunteers

Please note: our Volunteer Program is temporarily on hiatus. New applications will be kept on file, and all applicants will be contacted about becoming a museum volunteer when the program returns to normal operations.

Get involved today! Here's how you get started

  • Submit an application for the museum of your choice (must be 16 years or older to apply)
  • Attend volunteer orientation and complete background check
  • Commit to a weekly shift of 3 hours or more (opportunity dependent)
  • Start working with our guests and collections

Apply now!