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Volunteer Program

Information Office Volunteer Guidelines

Volunteer hours
Morning: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Afternoon: 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  • A strong commitment from seasonal volunteers for the months of July and August is very important.
  • If you are unable to volunteer occasionally on your assigned day, please notify Joanne Tromp at (508) 289-3338.
Responsibilities
  • Greet walk-in visitors and respond to their inquires.
  • Provide informational brochures.
  • Direct visitors to the Exhibit Center.
  • Inform visitors of the things to do and see in Woods Hole.
  • Take reservations for the walking tours.
  • Check in tour participants and direct them to start of tour.
  • Answer telephone.
  • Refill information racks located in the Information Office.
  • Keep front area of Information Office orderly.

Exhibit Center Volunteer Guidelines

Volunteer hours
Morning: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Afternoon: 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  • For seasonal volunteers a strong commitment from April through September is necessary.
  • If you are unable to volunteer occasionally on your assigned day, please notify Joanne Tromp at (508) 289-3338 or Kathy Patterson at (508) 289-2700.
Responsibilities
  • Greet visitors in a friendly manner and answer their questions.
  • Keep a count of all visitors entering Exhibit Center.
  • Direct visitors to the various exhibits.
  • Refill information racks with literature.
  • Straighten chairs in the auditorium.
  • Sweep away leaves or other debris that might blow in and keep the downstairs tidy.
  • Water outside plants by doors both downstairs and upstairs.
  • Morning and afternoon volunteers should count donations and bring donations to staff.
  • Afternoon volunteer should turn off lights and equipment and should lock the downstairs door at 4:30 p.m.

Guidelines For Volunteer Tour Guides

  • A strong commitment for the months of June, July, and August is mandatory for this position.
  • If you are unable to volunteer occasionally on your assigned day, please notify Joanne Tromp as soon as possible at (508) 289-3338.
Responsibilities
  • Be willing to give tours at least once a week during the summer season.
  • Attend training sessions.
  • Follow the script provided.
  • Keep tours to one hour.
  • Uphold a good public image.
  • Wear shirt with WHOI logo (provided).
  • Keep an awareness of your surroundings for group safety and well-being.
  • Keep tour groups to no more than 15 persons.
  • Never enter a lab or office without permission from a WHOI employee.
  • Gratuities offered to tour guides should be included with the Exhibit Center donations and acknowledge that you are accepting it as a donation to WHOI.

Archive Volunteer Guidelines

  • A strong commitment is mandatory for this position.
  • If you are unable to volunteer occasionally on your assigned day, please call the Archives at (508) 289-2850.
Responsibilities
  • Establish a schedule.
  • (Flexible hours and days can be arranged).
  • If schedule changes, please notify staff.
  • Different types and levels of skill are required including photo identification, photo scanning, archival processing, oral histories, photocopying, etc.
  • Be able to work well independently in a quiet environment.
  • No significant allergies to dust, mold, or mildew.

Guidelines for Peanut Butter Club Volunteer Projectionist

  • Must be available on Fridays.
  • Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Responsibilities
  • Pick up book, video, and cookies at Information Office by 11:30 a.m.
  • Greet and make welcome PBC attendees.
  • Keep a count of PBC attendees.
  • Operate projection equipment.
  • Introduce live presenters.
  • Collect, count, and deliver all donations to Information Office.
  • Attend training sessions when needed.
  • Check auditorium after presentation for debris and forgotten items.
  • Notify projectionist coordinator if you are unable to be present on your assigned day.