Join the Sacajawea Team!

The Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural & Educational Center interprets the rich cultural and natural history of the Salmon and Lemhi River country, deepening people’s connection to the unique place this area holds in our nation’s history, which was shaped in part by the Lewis and Clark Expedition and Sacajawea, as well as her people, the Agai’dika Shoshone-Bannock Tribes.

Fall Docent Trip - 2015

Fall Docent Trip – 2015

Volunteer opportunities at the Center are varied and numerous. Volunteers help with special events including Fall Frolic and Heritage Day. Assist in the office, conduct special programs and classes, perform much needed site maintenance, input data, and take on a weekly shift in the Interpretive Center.

The Sacajawea Center is thankful for the many, many volunteers who give generously of their time to assist the Center in providing fun, educational programs for the community. Whether you choose to volunteer for special events and programs or commit to becoming a docent, we are thankful for any interest.

We welcome new docents and are thankful for the wonderful docents who staff the Interpretive Center every day from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

We love our Volunteers! Call the Sacajawea Center (208) 756-1188 for up-to-date information on volunteer opportunities.

Goals of Our Volunteer Program:

  • to enhance visitor’s experiences by supporting and developing the background knowledge of our volunteers through continuing education. So they can provide answers to questions, offer insights, and facilitate meaningful discussion with visitors;
  • to create a fun and enriching work environment where volunteers feel valued and respected.
What is a Docent?
Typically, the first person the visitors will see at any museum or interpretive center. Our docents are stationed at our Interpretive Center, greeting visitors, providing information about facilities and programs, assisting with special requests, providing information about the community, sharing stories, and helping visitors have a more enjoyable experience. Docent duties may include providing other educational programs or interpretive talks or maintaining the grounds depending on your interest and availability.

What are the Benefits?

The Sacajawea Center works hard to make sure our volunteers are recognized and feel appreciated. If you are with us for the season you can join in on a yearly trip to a regional historical sites such as Leesburg, Ft. Hall, or Lemhi Pass. A monthly breakfast meeting includes good food, current information regarding events at the Center, and idea sharing to improve the visitor experience. And in the fall, an adventure farther afield – recent destinations include the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Great Falls, MT and the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary in Red Lodge, MT.

Other perks:
  • Annual training involving local natural and cultural history
  • Biannual trips to point of interest around the region
  • Annual public recognition of service
  • Free attendance to public classes and presentations
  • Camaraderie with a group dedicated to advancing values of community and cultural and natural history
What is Required?
  • Have an open mind, flexibility, and time for sharing
  • Good communication skills and a willingness to learn and serve visitors
  • Interest in learning about local natural and cultural history
  • Attend docent training in April
  • Attend docent/staff meetings throughout the season
  • Sign up for one 4-hour shift per week, Monday through Sunday, beginning Memorial Day
  • Have the ability to walk, sit, stand, lift/transport items up to 10 lbs.

The docents are the guides to the Center and are generally the first person the visitors to the Center encounter. They are knowledgeable about the facility and its background, the history of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the things to do and see in the area. The docents’ manual covers many aspects of interpretive work and includes basic information on the Expedition, the history of the Center property, Sacajawea and the Agai’dika Shoshone-Bannock Tribe, and valuable hints for effective customer service.

RV Volunteer Opportunities
Summer-long volunteer opportunities for individuals or couples!

Each summer volunteers assists in creating positive, memorable experiences for visitors and community members at the Sacajawea Center. In exchange for a full hook-up, RV pad volunteers serve up to 40 hours per week onsite. Their primarily role is in visitor services and/or grounds maintenance, but may support all aspects of operations at the Center including educational programming and events.

Volunteers are typically onsite from May 15 to September 15, with flexibility on arrival and departure dates. Preference is given to volunteers who can stay the majority of the summer season.

Each year our volunteer search begins in the preceding September and continues until all positions are filled. Please give us a call if you have any questions: 208.756.1188

A complete position description can be found here.

I don't have time to be a Docent but I'd still like to help!

Give us a call, because we may have the perfect short term project for you! Contributions made to the Sacajawea Center are used to directly support our programming, staffing, and community events.

With a goal to increase community involvement and support of the Sacajawea Center, financial stability is a critical part of our future. Your selfless gift will allow everyone the opportunity to participate in hands-on historical and environmental learning opportunities, concerts, and other annual events, as well as keep our doors open!

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