Opportunities From: VolunteerWNY

Overview: At the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences, we believe science creates opportunities and shapes our world. We take pride in providing an environment that inspires curiosity, self-directed learning, and fun for our guests of all ages. We know when you mix GREAT SERVICE with GREAT PEOPLE, the result is LASTING MEMORIES for our guests. As the premier environmental education and recreation destination in the region, Tifft Nature Preserve offers high quality, engaging programs for audiences of all ages that highlight the living collection of the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences and inspire the environmental stewards of today and tomorrow.

Description: Tour Guides are a vital part of Tifft Nature Preserve’s year-round mission. Tour Guides will lead educational tours of the Preserve’s trails to schools, groups, and families. In inclement weather or during workshops, Tour Guides may lead indoor hands-on activities.

Primary responsibilities:

● Commit to arriving on time and prepared for scheduled shifts.

● Effectively share personal enthusiasm for the natural world to groups of all ages.

● Demonstrate excellent verbal communication skills when working with a group.

● Open to continuously learning and effectively interpreting our WNY natural heritage.

● Follow tour agenda, activities, required content and vocabulary as outlined in training.

● Maintain a friendly, outgoing, and professional disposition with guests, staff, and volunteers.

● Complete training

Physical Demands:

● Able to lead groups on a variety of trail types and weather conditions for 1-2 hours.

● Able to communicate verbally, in-person with small and large groups.

● Ability to carry weight up to 5 pounds. Age Requirement:

* Must be 18 years of age. Length of Commitment:

* Three-month commitment due to length of training

* Complete at least two tours per month as program schedule allows


Mandatory training classes begin in September: 9/25 & 9/27/2023
Contact Kathy for interest at volunteer@sciencebuff.org

Overview: At the Buffalo Museum of Science, we take pride in providing an environment that inspires
curiosity, self-directed learning, and fun for our guests of all ages. All staff are recruited, trained,
directed, and developed with this in mind. We believe that science is fun and that everyone can be a
scientist when they make observations and ask questions. Research shows that when you mix GREAT
SERVICE with GREAT PEOPLE, the result is LASTING MEMORIES for our guests.

Description: Docents are a vital part of the Buffalo Museum of Science. Docents assist and educate our
visitors on various topics. Docents for travel exhibits will work inside the exhibit the entire time of their
shift. These docents will answer questions about the exhibit to the best of their ability, troubleshoot
with exhibits as trained, and ensure visitors are following the Museum’s code of conduct.

Primary responsibilities:
• Complete required travel exhibit training
• Arrive on time for the event
• Greet guests with a smile
• Answer questions from guests
• Troubleshoot any items in the exhibit that visitors need help with

Skills/Experience:
• Science or educational background recommended but not necessary
• Comfortable speaking to strangers and able to engage with a variety of age groups
• Exudes an outgoing, creative, and pleasant attitude
• Strong public speaking skills

Physical Demands:
• Able to stand for at least three hours at a time

Age Requirements
• Must be 14 years or older to volunteer in this exhibit

Length of Commitment:
• Five-month minimum commitment due to the length of training
• Must be able to complete at least 1-2 shifts per week for the run of the exhibit