Volunteering with Mammals

The Division of Mammals has limitless volunteer opportunities!

Who can volunteer?

  • people 14 or older
  • people younger than 14, if accompanied by a parent or guardian
  • college students exploring opportunities in biology
  • retirees looking to try something new
  • high school students fulfilling internship requirements
  • everybody!

What is there to do?

  • process incoming mammal specimens, for use in scientific research
  • gather materials to be borrowed by researchers
  • help manage our dermestarium
  • help curate newly acquired collections
  • label specimens and learn how to install them into our permanent collection
  • enter specimen data into our online database
  • and maybe even help with fieldwork!
volunteer-sorting-bats.jpeg

How much time should I volunteer?

  • we request a 60-hour commitment, to be completed within about four months. That works out be about 4 hours per week
  • after the 60 hours are complete, volunteers are more than welcome to stick around, with no further commitment
  • our staff is available to work with volunteers Tuesday - Friday, 9am - 4pm.
  • volunteers should set up a regular schedule, within the above time constraints.

How do I get started?

  • fill out this form. A Google account is required.
  • our staff coordinator will be in touch to arrange next steps.
  • if you've never visited before, we’ll arrange a time for you to stop by to get a feel for what we do
  • once you're in our system, your volunteering will begin with a training session. UNM students can complete this online, but others will need to complete the trainings in person.
  • after that, you will learn as you go!
volunteer-labeling-tissue-tubes.jpeg