Bug Patrol

Placement title:   Bug Patrol Volunteer
Department/division:   Education
Department Contact:   Volunteer Coordinator
Volunteer Contact:   Coordinator of Bug Patrol
Length of Placement:   Minimum: Six 4-hour shifts over three months.
For “active” status: One 4-hour shift per month over 12 months.

Purpose

  • Welcome visitors and engage them in conversation about the bugs in the exhibit. Maintain the public’s trust in MPM.

Responsibilities

  • Interpret the exhibits and handle some of the live bugs so visitors can see them up close.
  • Ask questions to encourage interactive responses and encourage visitors to properly touch or hold a live bug, while maintaining your responsibility in the bugs’ health.
  • Record hours of service and schedule self for future shifts on Volgistics.

Qualifications

  • Must be willing to learn about arthropods to accurately respond to visitor questions, learn about bug health, and how to properly handle insects—pick up, hold, pass to a visitor.
  • Must be a registered MPM volunteer (at least 18 years old) and attend training for this position.
  • Have the physical, cognitive and emotional skills to interact with the public, learn about MPM exhibits and policies, and impart accurate information shared in the bug training.
  • Good communication skills, cheerful attitude and strong sense of accountability to MPM and its guests.

Hours and Availability / Minimum Commitment Required

  • Bug Patrol is a seven-day-per-week opportunity.
  • Active volunteers work four hours per session with a minimum of twelve sessions per year.
  • Volunteers self-schedule and record hours on Volgistics internet service.

Training / Dress Code / Support

  • TRAINING: Bug Patrol Coordinator will contact volunteer for training. This entails shadowing an experienced volunteer during a normal Bug Patrol session until confident to volunteer alone. Handouts provided.
  • DRESS CODE: Business casual, a Bug Patrol T-shirt is provided.
  • SUPPORT: The Bug Patrol Coordinator will train you, help with the calendar process, communicate with you regularly, and be your primary contact for this position.

Benefits

  • Benefits explained with the Volunteer MEMBER card. 40+ hours earns invitations to recognition events.
  • Reduced parking at MacArthur Square -- $5 with Museum validation.
  • Discounts in the café, coffee kiosk, and gift shop when wearing volunteer badge.

Success Measures

  • Visitors have a better MPM visit because of you and learn more about our MPM Bug Exhibit.
  • Volunteers honor their commitment and become proficient in using Volgistics to schedule shifts and record hours.
  • Volunteers maintain communication with Bug Patrol Coordinator.

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