Join the Discovery Pod
Help FULFILL our mission to CREATE and MAINTAIN a safe experience, be a volunteer!
Together, we strive to create a society of CURIOUS, SCIENTIFICALLY LITERATE, and ENGAGED problem solvers. You can be a critical part in fulfilling our vision by finding your volunteer focus below.
So, what is the Discovery Pod?
It is how we track and thank our amazing volunteers! The Discovery Pod is made up of smaller groups of dedicated people (ages 13+) who help our staff and visitors in many different ways.
Donating your time and talent is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to give back to the community. Our Volunteer Coordinator, Allison Graviett-Pfaff, is ready to talk to you! She leads an open volunteer orientation every Tuesday, 12-1pm, and Thursday, 4-5pm. You can also email her at allisongraviettpfaff@sd-discovery.org or call (605) 224-8295 for more information.
SDDC Gears
FOCUS: EXHIBIT HALL
Get in the groove on the floor of the SDDC Exhibit Hall! Our SDDC Gears keep the facility in motion by maintaining general cleanliness, completing as-needed office tasks, resetting exhibits, and assisting our visitors by helping them follow our Three Bees. You can either have regular volunteer times or be on call for Group Visits, just let us know what you prefer!
Busy Bees
FOCUS: CONSTRUCTION
Can you paint, use a screwdriver, build exhibit pieces, or are you generally handy and like to work independently? Join our hive of Busy Bees! These volunteers are vital to keeping our exhibits, programs, and facility safe, hands-on, and most of all: FUN!
Super Stars
FOCUS: STAR SHOWS
Lead visitors across our planet Earth, into the galaxy, and beyond! Our Super Stars take people into our Journey Beyond the Known planetarium for a journey beyond their wildest dreams and knowledge! Museum Educator Kristine Heinen trains all Super Stars in star show and movie dome basics, and for those interested, she can help you dive even deeper into developing your own astronomical programming to take space exploration to the next level.
Big STEAM Explorers
FOCUS: EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT
Encourage independent learning, STEAM exploration, and big conversations! Our early childhood development offerings include two preschool programs (Little STEAMers and Little Explorers), Itty Bitty Einsteins, rotating summer camps, and more! Aide SDDC’s Early Childhood Specialist with preparing snacks, maintaining the classroom, and more. Parents and retired educators are encouraged to apply!
Your Volunteer Oath & Orientation
As a volunteer, you promise to put the health and safety of visitors and program participants before all else and to work to enhance the experience of all through access to hands-on science. You also promise to be respectful of SDDC employees and other volunteers. All persons interested in volunteering must submit a SDDC Volunteer Application; if you are working with children, you must also pass a background check. The SDDC reserves the right to decline or terminate your offer of volunteering at any time.
Upon acceptance of your volunteer application, you must be able and willing to meet with our Volunteer Coordinator, Allison. She leads an open volunteer orientation every Tuesday, 12-1pm, and Thursday, 4-5pm. You can also email her at allisongraviettpfaff@sd-discovery.org or call (605) 224-8295 for more information or to make other orientation arrangements.