ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain


ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
1 College St.
Burlington, VT USA 05401

Have questions about the program? Reach out to Grayson Grau (they/them/theirs) through email or phone...
Email: volunteer@echovermont.org  -  Phone: 1.802.864.1848 x132

Inspire the next generation of scientists in a fun and supportive environment! Hear what volunteers have to say about their ECHO experience...

External view of ECHO from the front looking toward Lake Champlain

"Volunteering at ECHO was a great experience for me.
Everyone was so welcoming, nonjudgmental, and
eager to share."

"Everyone was pleasant and eager to help with educating me about the day's shift. I appreciated the flexibility and time to learn more about other exhibits too."

Check out our current volunteering opportunities below! We can't wait to welcome you to the team. :)

This project was made possible in part by the
Institute of Museum and Library Services MA-10-19-0501-19 

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Opportunities

STEM Activity Facilitator

https://content.betterimpact.com/files/agency/33433/PXL_20220420_191344857.jpg

For ages 16 years and older. Younger volunteers accepted case by case. 

Click here to fill out an application!

Did you know, that children as young as two years old are building a science identity? That means they're actively deciding whether they can or cannot participate in science.
The good news is... You can help them build a foundation that will inspire scientific exploration for years to come.

STEM Activity Facilitators guide guests through hands-on problem-solving activities by asking questions and encouraging guests to think like engineers. They help guests build a science identity and self-confidence. 

Anyone can live an engineering lifestyle! No engineering or science background is needed! 

 

What will I do as a STEM Activity Facilitator?

  • Lead hands-on science and engineering activities for guests of all ages
  • Help guests explore the Engineering Design and Scientific Processes through thoughtful conversations and questions
  • Empower guests to solve problems and think like scientists and engineers
  • Collaborate with staff and other volunteers to provide an excellent guest experience

Time Commitment:

  • Minimum of 4 months of volunteer service
  • Minimum of one 3-hour shift per week

What do I need to be successful in this position?

  • Enthusiasm for science and museums
  • Interest in facilitating hands-on activities and having conversations with members of the public
  • Interest in personal growth and improvement as an educator
  • Excitement for interacting with children and their caregivers

What will I learn or practice?

  • Facilitation techniques for hands-on science activities for all ages
  • Up-to-date STEM concepts for a variety of topics
  • Providing excellent customer service

And there are benefits!

  • 20% discount at ECHO’s Gift Shop
  • Free admission to ECHO 
  • Training and skills development opportunities
  • ECHO day passes and memberships
  • Appreciation events and community

 

Continue...

Lake Champlain Resource Room Volunteer

For ages 18 years and older

Click here to fill out an application

Share your appreciation and knowledge of Lake Champlain and its watershed! Help visitors explore and protect the Lake Champlain Basin’s water quality, fisheries, wetlands, wildlife, recreation, and cultural resources. Operated by the Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP), the Resource Room welcomes visitors with hands-on activities, exhibits, and educational materials.

What will I do as a Resource Room Volunteer?

  • Greet and interact with visitors of all ages, assist with activities, and answer questions

  • Share information about Lake Champlain Basin natural and cultural resources

  • Communicate Lake Champlain issues and management to the public

  • Cultivate watershed stewardship with examples of individual and community action

  • Engage visitors and encourage scientific inquiry by asking questions

  • This position can be adapted to your interests and may include research, organizing materials, and creating activities and exhibits. 

Time Commitment

  • Minimum 3 months of volunteer service

  • One 3 or 4 hour shift per week, minimum 2 shifts per month

What do I need to be successful in this position?

  • Volunteers must enjoy working with all ages, be excited about learning and have an interest in Lake Champlain issues and stewardship. 

  • Interest in discovering a tranquil corner of ECHO that features live animals, activities, microscopes, computer stations, and a lake and watershed library

  • Enthusiasm for Lake and watershed stewardship with a focus on citizen action, community events, and volunteer opportunities

  • Interest in facilitating hands-on activities

 

What will I learn?

  • How to engage and communicate with all ages and backgrounds

  • Skills in non-formal education and interpretation

  • Lake Champlain Basin natural and cultural history, issues, and management

  • Knowledge of place-based resources such as maps and charts, field guides, and information on recreational and historic sites

  • How to share Lake and watershed stories, science, and data with the public including students, teachers, and researchers

What benefits will I receive as a Resource Room Volunteer?

  • 20% discount at ECHO’s Gift Shop

  • Free admission to ECHO for the volunteer

  • Free coffee & tea in volunteer lounge

  • Annual appreciation events

  • Professional development opportunities

  • Volunteer social gatherings

  • ECHO day passes, distributed quarterly

  • ECHO branded gear & gifts 

  • ECHO memberships

  • Letters of recommendation/reference

  • A volunteer experience fitted to your unique skill sets and goals

Continue...

Animal Care Volunteer

For ages 16 years and older

Click here to fill out an application!

Learn about and assist in the delivery of professional animal care typically provided in zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
 
Help care for native reptiles and fish, as well as native and exotic amphibians. Receive hands on training with professional animal care staff. Learn about animal behavior, proper diets, veterinary care, and habitat design and maintenance. Have fun and support environmental stewardship. 
 
Time Commitment: 
  • A full semester or summer commitment (usually 3-4 months).
  • Minimum of one 4 hour shift per week.
 
What do I need to be successful in this position?
Applicants should be able to work independently, be active, enthusiastic, detail-oriented, reliable, and willing to get wet and/or dirty! Occasional heavy lifting (up to 60 pounds) may be required.
 
What benefits will I receive as an ECHO volunteer?
  • 20% discount at ECHO’s Gift Shop
  • Free admission to ECHO for the volunteer
  • Free coffee & tea in volunteer lounge
  • Annual appreciation events
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Volunteer social gatherings
  • ECHO day passes, distributed quarterly
  • ECHO branded gear & gifts 
  • ECHO memberships
  • Letters of recommendation/reference
Continue...

ECHO Mission Statement

ECHO inspires and engages families in the joy of scientific discover, wonder of nature, and care of Lake Champlain.