Maintenance

There is a surprising amount of work to make a Museum a place of interest, excitement and education. Most of it is just plain work and occurs behind the scenes. However, what these volunteers do is as necessary and vital to the Museum as any other job. Volunteers will keep the appearance of the buildings neat and clean, mow the lawns and fields, improve the buildings, construct rooms, install electrical circuits, repair and maintenance, general cleaning, lending a hand to put on events or assist other groups where needed, install computer systems, paint graphics, mount wall murals, install commemorative bricks and maintain the Memorial Plaza, remove snow, wash windows, clean exhibits... The jobs are varied...and essential!

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Volunteers:

> Should have some skill in basic repairs, carpentry, etc

> Should be willing to work odd hours ( rarely necessary )

> Should work well with others

> Should have a self-initiative attitude

> Should have some skills in operating machinery and vehicles.

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Library and Collections

The Library & Collections group is responsible for acquiring and caring for items - including aircraft! - that enhance the Museum's mission of education and create excitement for the visitor. From the minute that an article, a book, a plane, a computer or any object comes to the Museum through purchase or donation, this group has the initial contact with it. Decisions are made as to acquiring objects offered by one or more of the armed services, providing adequate storage, maintaining a computerized data base for everything in the Museum's possession, supervising loans - either incoming or outgoing - and caring for the items in the collection. Volunteers work with others to identify needs for exhibits, provide articles and items from storage for exhibits and loans, enter data about articles and items into a computer inventory system, monitor the use of items.

Volunteers should:

> Work with others to acquire articles and items

> Have basic computing skills, but not necessary

> Have vision for the Museum's future to facilitate acquisitions

> Have methodical aptitude and able to assist with other groups when needed

> Assist authors, educators, and other seekers in locating and using information.

> Participate in the curating of newly acquired documents

> Interface with other Museum departments to integrate applicable Research Center materials into exhibits, educational curricula and events.

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Exhibit Creation

The development, design, construction and maintenance of engaging and relevant exhibits are an exciting challenge for every Museum. Exhibit team members should be creative, energetic, and work well with others.

Volunteers should:

> Bring creativity and innovation to new exhibit designs

> Interface effectively with other Museum departments to incorporate recently restored pieces and educational themes into exhibits

> Build, Restore and Rotate exhibits to maintain a fresh and stimulating collection

> Knowledge of one or more of the following is helpful: Carpentry, Electrical work, Painting, Metal Work, Diorama Construction, Modeling

> General Labor skills helpful.

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Education

Join ESAM's educators in engaging and exciting visitors of all ages with experiences in air and space! Our wide-ranging curriculum includes everything from rocket and model building classes to guest lecturers and STEM (Science/ Technology/ Engineering/ Math) programs delivered in area schools. Our curriculum is currently undergoing extensive revision, so there's no better time than now to get in and share the fresh excitement! Experience in education is desirable but not mandatory. Training will be provided.

Volunteers should

> Facilitate rocket classes in conjunction with tours or other groups

> Deliver STEM - based programming, on or off-site

> Participate in and assist with Museum events

> or may serve as a guest presenter for local organizations on ESAM's Behalf

> Assist with curriculum development

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Restoration

The crown jewels of any aviation Museum are the lovingly restored decommissioned aircraft in its collection. ESAM is fortunate to have a number of unique and valuable planes, all of which have been restored or are slated for restoration, as well as a handful of related pieces. Restoration volunteers research the original specifications for items in our collection and repair, restore or otherwise prepare them for exhibition.
Volunteers:

> Must be 18 or older

> Should have some experience working with tools and have an eye for detail

> Should be willing and able to work under supervision and with others

> Painting experience highly desirable, but not necessary

> Should have some basic mechanical skill level, but not necessary

> Have knowledge of one or more of the following: Carpentry , Electrical Work, Painting, Metal Working

> General labor needed.

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Tech Department

Help bring the Museum into the 21st Century. We need tech savvy people to join our ranks! Our offices and museum need help with all our current tech and all the future technological advancements. Those in the tech department are responsible for the day to day functionality of our computer systems and network, and figuring out the best way to digitize our collections.

Volunteers:

> IT experience is a huge plus

> Should have some knowledge of both hardware and software problems and solutions

> Strong logic and problems solving skills highly desirable, but not necessary

> Knowledge of one or more of the following is helpful: Microsoft Office Suite, Past Perfect

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Social Media Marketing

The Empire State Aerosciences Museum is looking to expand its digital footprint! We have already started the ground work but we desperately need some help managing, adding awesome photos and keeping the public engaged with us through various social media sites. If you have a passion for all things digital we would love to get your input and help!

Volunteers:

> Must be 18 or older

> Should have some experience working with digital media, social media and marketing

> Should be willing and able to work under supervision and with others

> Computer experience highly desirable, but not necessary

> Knowledge of one or more of the following is helpful: Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Publisher, WebFlow

> Various Social Media Platforms is a definite plus.

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Special Event Staff

Are you a people person? Do you love parades, events, and opportunities to meet new people? ESAM's event team is actively seeking volunteers to assist in planning and attending the numerous parades, benefits and festivals we participate in throughout the year.

Volunteers:

> Assist with planning and execution of on and off site events

> Work with other museum groups to ensure a fully coordinated presence events

> Participate and engage the help of others in conducting the events

> Actively seek out places and events where the Museum would benefit from being present

> Distribute pamphlets, poster and other media to promote events

> Be creative in developing and implementing fund raising events

> Be involved in setting - up and taking down event material

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Office Support

Office support is greatly needed here at ESAM! Those people behind the scenes help to make our Museum run smoothly. Those in the Office are currently responsible for public relations, setting up tours, managing membership and many more tasks. We are looking for people who are interested in being a part of this special group!

> Common duties include but are not limited to: answering calls, data input, sorting and filing

> Assisting with bulk mailing, event coordination, and membership.

> Computer experience highly desirable, but not necessary. We can teach you!

> Knowledge of one or more of the following is helpful: Microsoft Office Suite( Excel, Word, Powerpoint, Publisher), WebFlow, PastPerfect, Gmail.

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Tour Guides

Tour Guides welcome, engage and educate Museum visitors, sharing their knowledge of aviation and the Museum's exhibits through tours and one-on-one interaction. No experience is necessary; training is provided. Tour Guides usually work during the Museum's regularly scheduled hours, but primary needs at this time are for docents available to assist with weekday tours and during weekend summer events. Guides also provide a minimal level of security for the protection of the exhibits, airplanes and facilities.

Tour Guides should be:

> Engaging communicators

> Are willing to learn about the Museum's exhibits and collections

> Enjoy working with the Museum's school groups

> Help children get excited about exploring

> Are organized, flexible, problem-solvers

> Are available to monitor exhibits, assist visitors, and answer general questions

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Volunteers are desperately needed in all areas of the Museum.
We have opportunities to fit every skill and interest you have.​

For more detailed information on the volunteer opportunities, click here.​
Interested in volunteering? Please fill out the volunteer information form below!
Please note: Volunteers must become members. Please click here for details.

Volunteer Application Form

Please select at least one volunteer area.
Any Previous experience working with planes or museums?
Please write down any special skills you have with ESAM
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General Volunteer Availability
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