Except for THE Party In the Park volunteers, all San Diego Automotive Volunteers must complete 20 hours as a museum docent before training in other departments.
Docent
Our museum docents are volunteers who serve as guides and ambassadors for guests that visit the museum. Our docents welcome everyone in a personal and professional manner, engage visitors in conversation about the vehicles and items in our collection, answer questions about our historical museum, and enhance the guests' overall experience.
- This is an ongoing position.
- Docents work each day the museum is open (Tuesday-Sunday) morning and afternoon shifts; you can commit to a daily, weekly, or monthly schedule.
- Training is provided.
Tour Docent
Tour docents provide guided tours of the museum, including schools and colleges, tourist groups, sponsors and donors, and more. These volunteers receive additional training in the art of handling larger groups, plus spend time in San Diego Automotive Museum classes learning about the social and technological past, present, and future of the automobile.
- This is an ongoing position.
- Schedule is organized by the museum staff, as needed.
- Training is provided.
- Pre-requisite: Minimum 20 hours as a docent volunteer.
Detailer
A detailer volunteer gets up close and personal with our vehicles and exhibits like no one else. After undergoing specialized training in vehicle detailing, this select team of volunteers keeps what the public comes to see in pristine condition.
- This is an ongoing position.
- Detailers work on Mondays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Training is provided.
- Volunteers must be 18 years or older.
- Pre-requisite: Minimum 20 hours as a docent volunteer.
Librarian
The San Diego Automotive Museum is home to an extensive research library, comprised of an outstanding collection of books, repair manuals, and other publications. The library staff is all volunteers.
- This is an ongoing position.
- Librarians work each day the museum is open (Tuesday-Sunday) morning and afternoon shifts; you can commit to a daily, weekly, or monthly schedule.
- Training is provided.
- Pre-requisite: Minimum 20 hours as a docent volunteer.
Storage Center
The museum maintains a storage center in National City to repair and maintain our off-exhibit vehicle collection. Our storage center volunteers have a varied level of experience, from expert mechanics to those with little or no experience – all with a true willingness to learn and apply labor and organization to a project.
- This is an ongoing position.
- Storage center volunteers work on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Training is provided.
- Volunteers must be 18 years or older.
- Pre-requisite: Minimum 20 hours as a docent volunteer.
Staff Assistance
There are several areas where volunteers assist our administration team with specific tasks.
- These can be ongoing projects or one-time assignments.
Outside Promotion Volunteer
Our team promotes the museum to the San Diego community at local events, including shows, clubs, cruises, and parades. Volunteers play a big part in this process and are a great help in promoting the museum, sharing our mission, arranging for donations of vehicles and artifacts, and recruiting other volunteers.
- Outside events are often coordinated through the museum staff.
- Volunteers who qualify may sign up as opportunities become available.
How to Apply
If you are interested in any of these amazing opportunities, click below to fill out an application online, or contact us to request an application.
Apply here!
Once you have applied, our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you to set up a brief interview and review the onboarding and training process. We hope to see you soon!