The heart of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, is its volunteer corps. Many of our volunteers give their time and talents daily, weekly or for special programs or annual events. We are honored to have so many volunteers from right here in the Cedar Rapids community. Some are the first to greet you when visiting, while others are working hard behind-the-scenes to ensure the NCSML maintains its status of being a world-class museum and local gem that it is today. We are always looking for new volunteers and offer a wide range of volunteer opportunities, from on-going to event or program-based. Take a look below at our Cedar Rapids volunteering needs to see if something interests you!
Volunteer
One of the best ways to experience the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library is to be a volunteer!
Volunteer Opportunities
Ongoing Opportunities
The opportunities listed below are always available. We have flexible availability and we would love to have you as a volunteer!
School Tour Volunteer
Typically 9:30-11:30am or 12-2pm (2 hour increments, weekdays)
- Lead tour in the immigrant house, library or activity in the classroom
- Experience working with children
- Enjoy public speaking, great opportunity to improve skills
- Interest/experience in education and history in a museum setting.
- 1-2 days per week or less, flexible schedule, can work around yours.
- Training provided
Sleger Immigrant Home Tour Guide
Typically 9:30am-1pm or 1-4pm (3-4 hour increments, weekend & weekdays)
We are looking for someone who is energetic, enjoys speaking to groups and learning about history and culture. As a tour guide, you will enrich the visitor’s experience by sharing the story of the Sleger family and what it was like to live 100 years ago.
What you will do:
- Ensure that each visitor has the required sticker for admittance
- Ensure the safety of the home, artifacts and guests, while offering tours
- Give small groups of visitors tours of the Sleger Immigrant Home on the hour and the half hour
- Answer questions as needed
- Have fun!
Qualifications:
- Ability to learn about the Sleger family and the immigrant home
- Physically able to lead guests to the house and stand for 10-15 mins at a time
- Must be outgoing and comfortable talking to small groups
- Ability to speak clearly and listen when visitors want to reminisce
Commitment required: 3-4 hours / shift
We are looking for help between 9:30am-4pm on weekdays and especially Saturday. Help is needed 12-4pm on Sunday.
Grand Hall Host
Purpose:
Greet, direct and assist visitors at the elevator entrance
Responsibilities/Duties:
- Direct visitors from the elevator to the information desk
- Ensure that all visitors have the necessary tickets
- Inform visitors of museum daily activities
- Answer visitor questions as needed
- Miscellaneous activities as needed
- Remind visitors of NCSML gallery policy
Qualifications:
- Outgoing, friendly demeanor and a smile!
- Basic knowledge of NCSML policy and procedures
- Basic knowledge of the community
Commitment required: 3-4 hours / shift
Gallery Attendant
Purpose:
To improve the visitor experience by answering questions directing visitors through the exhibits, ensure visitors have a ticket and safeguarding museum artifacts.
Responsibilities/Duties:
- Ensure that each visitor has the required sticker for admittance
- Monitor your designated area, watching especially for prohibited activities
- Answer visitor questions and offer friendly assistance as needed
- Protect museum artifacts and interactive displays
Qualifications:
- Ability to monitor the gallery and experience working with public
- Friendly, outgoing personality
Commitment required: 3-4 hours / shift
Museum Store Assistant
Purpose:
Create a welcoming and unique retail experience, by offering great customer service and product knowledge to the visitor. The museum store is a fun place to interact with visitors from around the world and learn about exclusive, one-of-a kind gifts!
Responsibilities/Duties:
- Greet and assist visitors
- Offer product knowledge and assist visitors to the register
- Help keep the store clean and presentable
- Assist in restocking merchandise as directed
- Use POS system to complete visitor purchases
- Assist with online store as directed
Qualifications:
- Friendly demeanor and a smile!
- Basic computer skills, design and photography skills a plus
- Ability and interest to learn about museum store products and history
- POS experience or willingness to learn
- Customer service or retail experience preferred, but not required (will train)
Commitment required: 3-4 hours / shift
Phone Attendant
Purpose:
To provide friendly and efficient customer service to callers.
Responsibilities/Duties:
- Answer phone calls as needed
- Transfer calls to the appropriate staff members
- Other administrative activities as needed
Qualifications:
- Friendly demeanor and ability to learn
- Basic knowledge of NCSML policy and procedures
- Ability to operate a multi-call phone system
Commitment required: 3-4 hours / shift
Current Needs
- Immigrant Home Tour Guides
- Weekend Grand Hall Hosts
- Gallery Attendants (weekdays and weekends)
- Museum Store Volunteer
Event or Program Volunteers
We strive to provide informative, engaging, and most importantly – FUN events to the Cedar Rapids area. Our events focus on the history and culture of the Czech and Slovak people, but can also cross-cultures as well. Events could include workshops, author series, concerts, exhibit opening receptions, kids crafts and many more.
Upcoming Events
Please visit our Events page to view our upcoming programs. If something piques your interest, please contact Volunteer Services for more information.
Internships
Our internships strive to give students and recent graduates hands-on experience that will help them be successful in their professional lives.
Internship positions fluctuate regularly. Click here to view open positions and internships at the NCSML.
For More Information
For more information about our internships, or to inquire about how your skill-set could used at the NCSML, please contact Volunteer Services.