Welcome to Our Volunteer Program!

Welcome to the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum's Volunteer Program! Our team of dedicated educators, historians, and archaeologists would be thrilled to have you join us. As a volunteer, you will be part of a community committed to exploring and teaching the rich history of ancient Egypt since 1927!

Our Mission

The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum is an educational institution that uses trans-disciplinary approaches to increasing knowledge about the past, present, and future, especially related to the diversity and relationships in nature and among cultures.

Why Volunteer at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum?

Volunteering at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum offers a range of benefits and experiences:

• Grow your professional skills: Gain professional experience working in a world-class history museum.
• Deepen Your Knowledge: Learn about the mysteries of ancient Egypt and get a behind-the-scenes look at museum operations.
• Build Connections: Meet like-minded individuals, make lasting friendships, and contribute to our museum’s legacy.
• Give Back: Play a critical role in preserving and sharing knowledge of ancient Egypt with guests from around the world. 

Requirements 

• Love of sharing history with the public
• Minimum 4-month commitment
• Minimum commitment of 16 hours per month
• 18 years and older
• $75 application fee
• Complete background check
• Attend orientation day training

How to Apply

Joining our volunteer team is simple:

1. Request an application by contacting us at apply@egyptianmuseum.org.
2. Participate in a phone interview and an informational tour of the museum.
3. Purchase a volunteer membership and complete a background check.
4. Attend orientation day and start your volunteer journey!

Volunteer Opportunities

We offer a variety of opportunities across four museum teams:

• Education
  • Grow as an educator, answering questions, and leading tours.
  • Lead educational workshops, talks, and help us design new curriculum.
• Operations
  • Learn how we provide outstanding guest services.
  • Assist in the logistics and day-to-day operations of a famous museum.
• Facilities
  • Help maintain the cleanliness and care of our beautiful museum.
  • Get involved in the behind-the-scenes maintenance, development of new exhibits, and help support our net-zero carbon facilities. 
• Gardens
  • Care for beautiful Rosicrucian Park.
  • Help Rosicrucian Park with your green thumb with gardening, weeding, pruning, and planting.
  • Learn advanced horticulture, ecology, xeriscaping, and native plant gardening.

Program Structure 

Our volunteer program is structured around three, four-month cycles that align with the ancient Egyptian calendar:

• Akhet – The Inundation (Spring/Summer Cohort): 
  • Application Period: April 1-30
  • Selection: Early May
  • Training: Late May
  • Program: June 1- September 30
• Peret – The Emergence (Fall/Winter Cohort):
  • Application Period: August 1-31
  • Selection: Early September
  • Training: Late September
  • Program: October 1- January 31
• Shemu – The Harvest (Winter/Spring Cohort):
  • Application Period: December 1-31
  • Selection: Early January
  • Training: Late January
  • Program: February 1 – May 31

Program Hours

Museum Team
Friday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Saturday and Sunday 10:30am – 6:30pm

Facilities Team
Monday and Thursday 10:00 am – 2:00 pm*

Gardens Team
Saturday and Sunday 9:00 am –12:00 pm
Monday 9:00 am – 11:30 am*

*For occasional special projects.

Contact Us

We would love to hear from you! For more information, please contact us at:

• Email: info@egyptianmuseum.org
• Address: 1660 Park Ave, San Jose, CA 95126

FAQS

How do I apply to become a volunteer?
Apply through our website by filling out the volunteer application form. Following submission, you will be contacted for an informational interview.

What are the requirements to become a volunteer?
Applicants must complete an informational interview, pass a background check, and have a genuine interest in contributing to the museum's mission.

Is there a minimum age requirement for volunteers?
Yes, volunteers must be at least 18 years old.

Can I volunteer if I have no prior knowledge of ancient Egyptian culture?
Absolutely! We provide all necessary training and resources for our volunteers to learn and grow.

How much time do I need to commit as a volunteer?
We ask for a minimum commitment of 16 hours per month for at least 4 months. Please be sure that you are able to commit this time before applying.

Can I choose my volunteer schedule?
Yes, we work to accommodate flexible scheduling.

Are there any benefits to volunteering at the museum?
Volunteers enjoy benefits including personal and professional growth, community connection, and with completion of the 150 hours of service, may be eligible to request letter of recommendation from our Executive Director.

Do you offer training for volunteers?
Yes, we provide comprehensive initial training and ongoing growth opportunities for all volunteers.

Can I volunteer in more than one area?
Yes, depending on your interests and the needs of the museum, you can explore multiple roles including education, gardening, facilities, and museum operations.

What happens after I submit my application?
You'll be contacted for an informational interview to discuss your interests, skills, and how you can contribute to the museum.

Is there a uniform or dress code for volunteers?
Volunteers wear khaki pants, a white button-up shirt, and brown or black shoes.

Can I receive community service hours for volunteering?
Yes, we provide documentation for community service hours upon request.

How can I progress to more advanced volunteer roles?
Progression is based on individual performance, dedication, and availability of positions.

Are there opportunities for volunteers to get involved in special events?
Yes, volunteers play a crucial role in supporting and running our special events and programs, including workshops, Junior Archaeologist graduations, weddings, birthday parties, and more!

What if I need to change my volunteer schedule?
We understand that schedules can change. Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator as soon as possible to adjust your schedule.

Do volunteers get access to behind-the-scenes areas of the museum?
Outstanding volunteers and those involved in specific projects may receive behind-the-scenes access as part of their role.

Can international applicants volunteer?
International applicants are welcome but must ensure they have the appropriate visa and permissions to volunteer in the U.S.

How can I contribute if I'm unable to commit as a regular volunteer?
Consider supporting the museum through donations or joining our special events as a guest. Every form of support makes a difference.

Who can I contact if I have more questions?
Please reach out to info@egyptianmuseum.org.

Will I have the opportunity to handle artifacts?
Occasionally, volunteers may interact with educational artifacts in our touch box under supervision, but direct handling of museum artifacts is generally restricted to staff.

Can I work with archives and participate in archival work?
Our current focus is on maintaining and managing our existing collection rather than acquiring new artifacts or expanding through loans. As such, opportunities for archival work are limited to staff only.

Are there employment opportunities available for volunteers?
While we value our volunteers' contribution and sometimes hire from our volunteer pool, there are currently no open positions.

How can I receive a letter of recommendation?
Letters of recommendation are reserved for exceptional volunteers who have completed at least 4 months of service and a minimum of 150 service hours. All letters are signed by the museum director.

Are volunteers required to make public presentations?
No, volunteers are not required to make public presentations. Opportunities to participate in public speaking or presentations are available, but only for those who express interest in doing so.