Volunteer with Mount Wilson Observatory
Help preserve the past and inspire the Future. Volunteers are essential to the operation of Mount Wilson Observatory. We rely on our dedicated volunteers to support this historic facility’s vital mission!
Every year, thousands of visitors come to Mount Wilson Observatory to experience one of the world’s most historic scientific landmarks. Our volunteers make those experiences possible.
Whether you’re welcoming guests, sharing the stories behind groundbreaking discoveries, inspiring students through STEM education, or supporting concerts and special events, your time and talents can make a lasting impact.
Find Your Volunteer Opportunity
Mount Wilson offers a variety of volunteer opportunities, each with a different focus, level of training, and time commitment. Explore the opportunities below to find the role that’s right for you.
Become a Docent
Our docents lead public tours through the Observatory, sharing the remarkable discoveries, historic telescopes, and fascinating stories that changed our understanding of the universe.
Ideal for: People who enjoy public speaking, learning, and engaging with visitors.
Training: Comprehensive training program.
Commitment: Ongoing volunteer service during our public season.
STEM Volunteers
STEM volunteers support educational programs for school groups, helping students experience astronomy through interactive activities and historic telescopes.
Ideal for: Those who enjoy working with students and sharing science.
Training: Varies by role.
Commitment: Primarily weekday programs.
Event Volunteers
Help welcome guests, assist with check-in, parking, concessions, merchandise, ushering, hospitality, and other event support during concerts, lectures, movie screenings, star parties, and special programs.
These opportunities offer flexible scheduling and are a great way to become involved with the Observatory community.
Ideal for: Friendly, dependable people who enjoy working with the public.
Training: Brief orientation.
Commitment: Flexible.
Join Our Volunteer Community
For more than a century, Mount Wilson Observatory has been a place of discovery, innovation, and inspiration. Volunteers continue that tradition every day by welcoming visitors, supporting education, preserving history, and helping people connect with science in meaningful ways. We hope you’ll join us!
