Volunteer with Capitol Visitor Services

What do Visitor Services Volunteers do?

Our volunteers are an integral part of Visitor Services' mission to highlight the Capitol as the center of Oregon's democracy, and act as a link between the public and The People's Building. We have several regular positions:

• Tour Guides: Our Tour Guides lead groups of visitors from 4th graders to foreign dignitaries, interpret the history of the Capitol and Oregon, and spark curiosity about Oregon's Lawmaking process.
• Capitol Store: Store volunteers assist in the retail shop, get first look at new releases, meet with visitors from around the world, and help legislators find the perfect desk-accessories. Our store is filled with special Capitol-exclusive merchandise, memorabilia, and souvenirs.
• Information Desk: At the info desk, our volunteers are the first point of contact between visitors and the process. During Legislative Session, the info desk guides visitors through the process, from watching House or Senate Floor to testifying in Committee. During the interim, our info desk provides a touchpoint for visitors to Salem.
• We also rely on volunteers to accomplish our Special Events, like Cherry Blossom Day, Hispanic Heritage Day, Oregon's Birthday, and Holidays at the Capitol. Special event volunteers can serve for one day, or come back for multiple events!

Often, our volunteers will try out several roles. We are more than happy to cross-train.

What's the Schedule?

For our regularly scheduled volunteers, we ask for a minimum of 1 shift per month. Most often, our volunteers find a day of the week that works best for them, and regularly volunteer in the morning or afternoon. Volunteers serve 2-4 hour shifts depending on role.

What are the benefits?

We have a vibrant volunteer community, a lively environment, and the satisfaction of helping people make a difference. Our volunteers also receive dedicated free parking during their shifts, 10% off in the Capitol Store, quarterly dine outs, a yearly appreciation event, and field trips.

What kind of skills do I need?

We train our volunteers so that you can be successful in whichever role appeals to you. The most important skill is a willingness to learn and curiosity about what we do. However, some role-specific skills are:

Tour Guides: Storytelling, ability to connect with people, interest in or some knowledge of Oregon's history, for tower tours up to the Gold Man, ability to climb multiple flights of stairs (This is not a requirement for all tour guides)

Store: Attention to detail, comfortable handing cash and using a POS, retail experience is a plus but not a requirement!

Information Desk: Administrative skills like using a website for research, answering phones, and customer service

How old do I have to be?

We accept volunteers from 16-100!

How do I sign up?

Fill out the application here! We'll review your application and follow up with a conversation about what you're interested in, your availability, and a formal interview.

What would my first few shifts look like?

We have a robust onboarding process. We take time to introduce you to the building, legislative process, staff, and volunteer team. Depending on your role and the time of year, you may have formal group training with other volunteers, or shadow on-the-job. We offer ongoing training throughout your time as a volunteer, and always have staff available for support. Tour Guides receive a special dedicated onboarding to teach interpretive principles, information about the building, and our tour outline. You're able to practice with other guides and become comfortable before leading your own tours.

I have more questions, how can I find out additional information?

Reach out to our team at 503-986-1388, or email volunteers@oregonlegislature.gov to find out more!