Ambassadors needed to meet visitors where they are

The Office of Visitor Services is excited to announce that we are recruiting for a new season of volunteer Smithsonian Ambassadors! Help visitors navigate the Smithsonian by meeting them where they are, outside roving the National Mall.

A volunteer Smithsonian Ambassadors greets visitors and offers directions on the National Mall. (Image courtesy OVS)

Volunteer Duties

Smithsonian Ambassadors are stationed outdoors on the National Mall. With a mobile cart serving as their home base, they alternate between roving the Mall and serving at the cart, to engage with visitors, answer questions, and orientate them to the Smithsonian. Being a Smithsonian Ambassador is a great opportunity for someone who is enthusiastic about working with the public and sharing their excitement for discovering the Smithsonian in an outdoor setting.

Required Skills, Abilities, and Qualifications

• Comfortable operating outdoors in all weather.
• Ability to rove for long periods of time.
• Ability to maneuver a mobile cart over uneven terrain along the National Mall, with accommodations available upon request.
• Flexibility and enthusiasm in an ever-changing environment.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Ability and desire to interact with people of all ages and backgrounds, and with a wide variety of needs.
• Successfully work as part of a team and independently.
• Comfortable with using a smart phone and doing basic internet research.
• Effectively use Smithsonian technology to support visitor needs and volunteer administrative requirements (i.e. signing up for volunteer shifts, trainings, etc.).
• Be 18 years or older.
• Must clear a federal background check, initiated through the Smithsonian.

Location

Smithsonian Ambassadors will be stationed outdoors on the National Mall, where they will rove and engage with visitors. A mobile cart on the Mall will serve as a home base. Pre-shift briefings will be held at the Office of Visitor Services, located at the Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Drive, SW, Suite 3150, Washington, D.C. 20560.

Scheduling Requirements

Smithsonian Ambassador candidates must be able to commit to the program for at least one season. The upcoming season will last from March 18^th to November 29^th, 2025.

Weekday volunteers are expected to serve at least 30 shifts per season and weekend volunteers will be expected to serve at least 15 shifts per season. Shifts will be 3 hours long, from 9:30am to 12:30pm and 11:30am to 2:30pm.

Training

New Smithsonian Ambassadors are required to complete pre-training and attend all training sessions, which may take place both in-person and online.

How do I apply?

For the complete volunteer opportunity description and to apply, visit: https://vol.si.edu/pages/app/2SMDL8TNS1OA2VHQ?osched=N3OO93ZVRDG6Y5T6