Volunteer
With an all-star cast from a broad array of disciplines, the 2010 World Science Festival will present a spectacular array of programs, ranging from the depths of the oceans to the farthest reaches of the cosmos, from astronomy, physics and genetics to neuroscience, robotics and mathematics. Through a series of gripping debates, captivating performances and interactive events, the Festival will showcase cutting edge ideas and discoveries that reveal science’s pivotal role in addressing critical global issues and how it profoundly shapes modern life.
From June 2 through June 6th, the 2010 World Science Festival turns New York into a grand stage with science as the star. The Festival will feature a variety of events, organized into three areas:
• Signature Programs -- Compelling, diverse, and accessible programs that allow a general audience to accompany today’s leading scientists to the very edge of scientific knowledge and technological innovation.
• Science and Culture -- Innovative programs in the visual and performing arts, presented in partnership with major cultural institutions, offering new perspectives on science through artistic expression.
• Youth and Families – Interactive, engaging, highly entertaining events that bring the wonders of science to life for younger audiences and their families.
Since its inception in 2008, the Festival has featured more than 200 presenters, including more than 20 Nobel laureates, and has attracted more than 300,000 people. Would you like to be part of this exciting event? We can use your talents and enthusiasm.
Qualifications
• Must be enthusiastic and have a friendly outgoing personality.
• Comfortable working with people of all backgrounds, ages, and levels of familiarity with science.
• Be able to attend a 2-hour training session.
• While a background in science is a plus, a passion for learning and explaining is an important part of the job.
• Great communication skills.
• Knowledge of New York City.
• Computer/Internet skills not necessary, but a plus.
• Being flexible and having a sense of humor is a must.
Training and Time Commitment
Volunteers will be trained by World Science Festival staff in a two-hour workshop and provided information about the many activities and exhibits. You can meet and network with your fellow volunteers. Please give us a call at 917-952-7843 (or email us at volunteers@worldsciencefest.org) to sign up for the following sessions;
• Monday, May 24 6:00pm – 8:00pm
• Tuesday, May 25 11:00am – 1:00pm
The Volunteer Orientations will be held in Room 914 at the Kimmel Center, New York University, 60 Washington Square South.
Compensation
Volunteers enjoy 50% off most events and extensive public programming including theater, panel discussions, etc. This is a terrific opportunity to get involved in New York’s thriving science scene and to take advantage of everything the Festival has to offer while making a valuable contribution to the community. Volunteers also have a chance to meet and network with fellow volunteers and Festival staff and are provided with a free (glamorous!) t-shirt.
Volunteer Opportunities
World Science Volunteers are the ambassadors of our organization, serving as the face of the Festival to visitors, welcoming them and being a resource of information about the Festival and its exhibits.
Hospitality Volunteers 6/01 -6/07/2010 at Essex House:
Volunteers help World Science Festival participants check-in at the hotel, assist with basic transportation logistics and provide information to participants about the Festival and New York. You will need great communication and presentation skills, basic familiarly with NYC tourist highlights, and ability to seek out needed information and not act independently of your bosses. Our shift options for Volunteers include:
• Morning half-day shift (8 a.m. - 12 p.m.)
• Afternoon half-day shift (12 p.m. - 4 p.m.)
• Evening shift (4 pm. - 8 p.m.)
• Late evening shift (8 p.m. - 12 p.m.)
Information Desk Volunteers for Webb Space Telescope - 6/01 - 6/06/2010
at Battery Park:
The world's most powerful telescope is coming to New York City.
Volunteers are needed to distribute information about this detailed,
full-scale model of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, the successor to
the famed Hubble that's scheduled to launch in 2014. At 80 feet
long, 37 feet wide and nearly 40 feet long, it's the size of a tennis
court. Great communication skills and familiarity with NYC tourist
highlights are required. Volunteers are also needed for Friday, June 4th
for "From the City to the Stars," a free evening of star gazing
with Dr. John Mather, Nobel laureate and Webb senior project scientist,
and other leading astronomers. Our shift options for
Volunteers include:
• Morning shift (10 a.m. - 2 p.m.)
• Afternoon shift (2 p.m. - 6 p.m.)
• Late Friday (evening shift (6 p.m. - 11 p.m.)
Office Volunteers
Volunteers help World Science Festival staff prepare for the Festival, assisting with daily operations, including answering phones, organizing files, aiding with verbal and written communications, and managing office projects. Volunteers should have solid clerical/organizational skills; experience in using Microsoft Word, Excel, Facebook and Twitter; excellent oral and written communication abilities; and some background in the sciences.
Volunteer Runner
If you are training for a triathlon or interested in finding an alternative to working out in a gym, this is the volunteer position for you. We need volunteers help deliver production materials (documents, supplies, etc.) and marketing materials to and from more than 30 Festival locations. Volunteers must be familiar with the NYC transit system and able to lift more than 25 pounds. The volunteer will be provided with a one-day Metro Card for each day of volunteer work, snacks (and a cool t-shirt!) This position is starting immediately. Locations: World Science Festival offices at Times Square and 30-plus locations.
Transcription Volunteers
Volunteers help WSF media producers prepare transcribing video for the Festival working in the office including organizing files, aiding with verbal and written communications. Volunteers should have solid clerical/organizational skills; experience in using Microsoft Word, Excel; excellent oral and written communication abilities; own laptop is a plus: and any transcribing or film/video experience is a plus. Volunteers are needed today.
Special Events/Production Volunteers
These Volunteers/Interns will be interested in gaining experience in the production and special events fields. This position will involve meticulous work on a number of projects, including some research and writing projects and extensive preparation for our Gala. The work requires experience using Microsoft Office products and is very detail-oriented.
Flier Volunteers – Mid May - June 4
Volunteers are needed for distributing information and promoting the World Science Festival exhibits in the Wall Street, South Seaport and Battery Park areas. The volunteer will be provided with a one-day Metro Card for each day of volunteer work, snacks (and a cool t-shirt!) Wear comfortable shoes.
World Science Festival Street Fair at Washington Square Park/NYU Campus on Sunday, June 6: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
The Street Fair will be a wonderful event surrounding Washington Square Park with numerous activities, programs and entertainment for children and families. The Street Fair is open to the general public from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, but set-up begins earlier in the day, so please notice the shift breakdowns begin before 10:00 AM. Once you look over the shift breakdown times, please contact me to confirm what shift time you would like to work.
Our shift options for Volunteers include:
• All-day shift (9 a.m. - 6 p.m.)
• Morning half-day shift (9 a.m. - 2 p.m.)
• Afternoon half-day shift (1 p.m. - 6 p.m.)
NOTE: If you cannot commit to any of these shifts and need a certain time schedule, please let me know because we value any time you can give us.
You will receive additional training on Sunday, June 6th when you arrive for your shift, so we ask that you arrive 15 minutes EARLY. You will need to check in at the lobby of the Kimmel Center at 60 Washington Square South. When you arrive, you will receive detailed descriptions of what job assignments are available for the Street Fair, as well as receive a map for the event.
WSF Volunteer Team Captains
Volunteer Team Captains are responsible for contacting, scheduling, and overseeing groups of volunteers in our 30-plus venues. They maintain and update a working volunteer email list/database and manage volunteers at the shifts of that particular venue.
Volunteer Assistant Venue Manager
Volunteers assist the Venue Manager with venue lobby and green room set-up, the VIP seating area and greeting participants prior to events. Must be very detail-oriented, a problem solver, have good communication skills, be able to handle multiple tasks, and good at following directions.
Volunteer Usher
Volunteers help seat attendees at events and performances, oversee the VIP seating area, stuff and hand out programs, manage the overflow lines (if performances are sold out), distribute and collect surveys. Strong interpersonal and presentation skills and an ability to work with people, both young and old, should be part of your skill set in this environment.
Contact
If you would like to join us or learn more about these exciting new opportunities, please download the application (PDF or MS Word Doc) and send back the complete form. For general inquires, please contact volunteers@worldsciencefest.org.
Again, thank you for your interest in the 2010 World Science Festival and your willingness to participate in this unprecedented event.