Volunteer at Squam Lakes Science Center
If you love Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, feel a connection to New Hampshire wildlife, or simply want to spend more time outdoors, our volunteer opportunities may be the perfect fit.
an essential role
Volunteers play an essential role in our mission to advance understanding of ecology by exploring New Hampshire’s natural world, from supporting wildlife care and education programs to welcoming visitors and caring for gardens and trails.
Whether you are looking for volunteer work in wildlife conservation, enjoy talking with people, or prefer behind-the-scenes projects, we offer many ways to share your time and talents in a place you care about.
Why volunteer at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center?
Volunteering at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center means becoming part of a community that values wildlife, conservation, and lifelong learning.
Many volunteers tell us they started because they loved visiting and wanted to give back to a place that has meant a lot to them and their families.
Our Volunteers:
- Support our animal care and education teams as they work with New Hampshire wildlife
- Help visitors connect with the Live Animal Exhibit Trail, Guided Lake Cruises, and hands-on exhibits
- Contribute to the health of our forests, gardens, and wetlands through stewardship projects
- Gain new skills, meet like-minded people, and deepen their own connection to nature
Types of volunteer opportunities
We offer a range of volunteer opportunities to match different interests, skills, and schedules, including
Visitor Support
Visitor Engagement and Trail Hosts
Eductation Support
Education program support and school-group helpers
Wildlife Conservation
Roles that assist staff with non-clinical aspects of animal care
Outdoor Support
Gardening and habitat projects in Kirkwood Gardens and on the grounds
Projects & Events
Special events, Citizen Science projects, and office or behind-the-scenes support
Some roles involve direct interaction with guests, while others focus more on outdoor work or project-based tasks. Training is provided so you feel comfortable and prepared in your role.
While core animal care is performed by trained staff, volunteers are a vital part of the larger conservation mission by helping educate visitors, maintaining healthy habitats on our campus, and supporting outreach.
Become a Volunteer
Who Can Volunteer?
We welcome teen and adult volunteers of many ages and backgrounds who:
- Enjoy working with people, nature, or both
- Share our values of respect, curiosity, and stewardship
Some roles have physical requirements or age minimums, which are listed in individual position descriptions, require a minimum number of hours annually, or a regular schedule.
Teen opportunities are generally offered through specific programs such as First Guides or Counselor-in-Training roles.
How to get started
- Review current volunteer opportunities and position descriptions below.
- Complete a volunteer application so we can learn about your interests, availability, and experience.
- Attend an orientation and a training session, where you will meet staff and other volunteers and learn more about the Science Center.
- Once you are matched with a role, staff will provide ongoing guidance and support to help you succeed and feel at home.
2026 Volunteer Opportunities
Teen Volunteer Opportunities
Counselor in Training (CIT) (Ages 14-17)
Assist educators with Guided Discoveries camps for four or more sessions between the end of June and mid-August.
Training Date:
- June 20, 1pm – 3:30pm
First Guides Program (Ages 14-17)
First Guides is a teen volunteer program based on our adult docent program.
During the summer, teens between the ages of 14 and 17 attend training to become a welcoming and informative presence on the exhibit trail, often demonstrating animal artifacts alongside volunteer docent mentors with live animals.
Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the year.
Training Dates:
- June 25, 3pm – 7pm
- June 27, 9am – 3pm
- June 28, 9am – 3pm
- June 30, 3pm – 7pm
Funding for this project was provided by the Bea and Woolsey Conover Fund of the Lakes Region/New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.
BioBlitz Greeters (Ages 14+)
Assist visitors to get started with the iNaturalist application to record live plant and wild animal data during August.
Youth 14 and 15 years old may apply if accompanied by an adult.
Training Dates:
- July, 27
11am – 12:30pm - July, 28
3pm – 4:30pm
Adult Volunteer Opportunities
Animal Care Volunteers
Animal Care Husbandry volunteer responsibilities include feeding and cleaning the enclosures of animals, such as turtles, snakes, mealworms, and cockroaches, preparing diets for program mammals, and assisting with other daily chores.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age, capable of working independently, and care for animals in a thoughtful and professional manner.
Animal Care volunteers must have proof of current tetanus vaccination and health insurance, and are required to sign an assumption of risk and liability waiver.
Animal Care positions are available year-round, and volunteers must commit to at least 40 hours of service in their first year.
Volunteers will have a regular two-hour morning or afternoon shift scheduled on the same day each week from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1 to 3 p.m.
Animal Care Behavior Ethogram volunteers assist staff by recording animal behavior and use of animal enrichment with specified animals. The volunteer will plan to primarily be on the exhibit trail. Animal Care staff will provide a tablet and software, and plan to be at each exhibit for about 15 minutes (usually 2 hours per shift).
Docent
Docents are trained to interpret our exhibit trail and New Hampshire’s natural world and act as a welcoming and informative presence for visitors, using educational props and live animals. Docents are most active on our exhibit trails May through October, but opportunities are available year-round. They can also be found assisting naturalists with programs, leading tours, and hosting hands-on Discovery Tables at fairs, festivals, and other community events throughout the year.
A formal training program is offered each year to train new docents. Training is a 40-hour commitment. Docents must be 18 years of age or older.
Exhibits and Maintenance
Several volunteer positions fall under this category, including ground-level exhibit window washing, prepping and splitting cord wood, and invasive species removal. Volunteers assist in maintaining an attractive, healthy, and safe environment for our visitors. Volunteers in this assignment are on-call; regularly scheduled shifts may be available from May through October. Youth 14 to 15 years old may apply if accompanied by an adult.
Greeters
Volunteer Greeters provide a welcoming presence for visitors and school groups. During the fall and spring, volunteers greet arriving school groups, review schedules with them, and help orient them. During the busy summer months, greeters staff an information station at the Trailhead Gallery. Greeters may also be stationed on the trail to answer questions.
All Greeter positions are scheduled according to the availability of the volunteer.
Youth between 14 and 15 may apply if accompanied by an adult.
Group Volunteers
Volunteer groups from organizations such as businesses and schools are invited to schedule a day of service ranging from two to six hours. A variety of projects may be available, such as removing invasive plant species, special events assistance, and trail upkeep.
Kirkwood Gardens
Garden volunteers help to maintain beautiful Kirkwood Gardens. Novice gardeners are welcome and perform tasks alongside experienced gardeners and staff. Assignments include gardening, turning compost, operating light machinery, and moving garden supplies. Volunteer opportunities are Thursday mornings, 8:30 a.m.– 11:30 a.m., May through October. Volunteers are welcome to participate without committing to a regular schedule. Youth 14 to 15 may apply if accompanied by an adult.
Lake Education Assistant
Volunteers in this assignment assist with Lake Education programs. Lake Education Assistants help students use lake monitoring equipment aboard pontoon boats. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age, and possess maturity, patience, and skill while interacting with elementary, middle, and high school age students. Lake Education Assistants are most active in May and June, with some opportunities available in the summer and fall. A two-hour training is offered annually in April.
Wood Lot Crew
Wood Lot Crew volunteers meet between the spring and fall to transform raw timber into cord wood stacked in pallets. The wood is used to heat the main buildings throughout the winter. Wood Lot Crew volunteers may also assist with special carpentry projects. New Wood Lot Crew volunteers train with experienced volunteers and are 18 years or older.
Invasive Species Removal
Invasive Species Removal volunteers are trained to recognize and remove several invasive plant species. Volunteers may schedule time independently or with groups. This is a great position for volunteers looking for a solo project or seeking a task to meet community service obligations. For volunteers 14 years and older. Volunteers 14 and 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Volunteer FAQs
What is Squam Lakes Natural Science Center?
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, founded in 1966, is a non-profit organization located in rural Holderness, New Hampshire on 200 acres adjacent to beautiful Squam Lake. Its mission is to advance understanding of ecology by exploring New Hampshire’s natural world. The Science Center’s main attraction is a live animal exhibit trail featuring native wildlife in natural enclosures. Associated with each animal are a series of interactive exhibits that teach about the natural world. Featured attractions also include Science Center Lake Cruises, offering guided excursions on Squam Lake, and beautiful Kirkwood Gardens.
What kind of experience do I need?
We welcome volunteers with all levels of experience with the desire to learn and the willingness to share! Many volunteer opportunities require little prior knowledge.
What kind of commitment do I have to make?
The amount of time you spend volunteering at the Science Center is up to you. Some volunteer assignments, such as our Docent Program, do have an annual time requirement, but most do not.
Is training provided?
Training is provided for all positions. New volunteers attend an orientation session with the Volunteer Manager. Training for some positions is a formal session before starting the position. Other positions offer experiential training.
What are the benefits of volunteering?
The greatest rewards of volunteering are unseen, but here are some other benefits we hope you will enjoy:
- Volunteer newsletter and other publications
- Use of the Unsworth Library
- Monthly Volunteer Luncheons — held at a local restaurant or potlucks on site
- Howling Coyote Gift Shop discount
- Membership discount
- Free trail admission on the days you volunteer
How are volunteer efforts recognized?
Volunteers hear many thank yous as they volunteer, not only from staff, but from our visitors as well! Volunteers are recognized in Symbiosis, the volunteer newsletter, and annually at our Parsons Volunteer Recognition Dinner, including the annual awards ceremony. Volunteers are also recognized with our volunteer appreciation displays located in the Trailhead Gallery.