Volunteer at the Capitol Visitor Center
The Capitol Visitor Center is the gateway for visitors to the historic Capitol. The U.S. Capitol is not only a working office building, but also a historic destination replete with collections of artifacts, paintings, photographs and documents. The Visitor Center offers tours and educational programming to visitors from across the United States and around the world. Our Volunteers are an integral part of our operation, serving as ambassadors to the Visitor Center and the Capitol and lending a hand to all our divisions.
We hope you’ll join us under the Dome to fulfill our mission, "Working together for Congress to inform, involve and inspire every visitor to the United States Capitol."
Purpose:
Volunteers support all aspects of our operations. Highlights include:
- Welcoming visitors, answering questions about tours and special programs, working alongside staff to ensure a safe and amazing experience for millions of visitors every year
- Assisting staff with educational programs and in our exhibition space, Exhibition Hall, and our hands-on, interactive learning area, the Democracy Lab
- Assisting with special events and programs at the Capitol, both during and outside normal business hours
Primary Responsibilities:
- Provide a welcoming atmosphere for visitors by answering questions about operations, directions, and programs
- Carry out various tasks as assigned to meet the needs of daily operations
- Be willing and flexible to assist the staff in carrying out our mission every day
Qualifications:
- Interest in serving the public and interacting with visitors from varied and diverse backgrounds
- Interest and desire in learning and delivering the material that is provided
- Ability to stand for long periods, be courteous, respectful, and patient with visitors and staff at all times
- Be cooperative and flexible, and be willing to accept instruction and feedback
- Professional manner and appearance -- we are the face of the Capitol and Congress
- Here, you must be non-partisan and keep political opinions to yourself. We serve everyone
- Be courteous and helpful to staff, visitors, volunteers, and Members of Congress
Training Provided:
- Meetings and Overview with Volunteer Coordinator
- Volunteer Handbook of Policies and Procedures
- Shadowing veteran Volunteers and Staff
- All Hands Meetings throughout the year
Time Commitment and Scheduling:
- The Visitor Center is open Monday to Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Inauguration Day
- Flexible shifts to be decided with the Volunteer Coordinator
Benefits:
- Opportunity to be a Volunteer at the United States Capitol and to be an ambassador to millions of visitors
- Participation in public programs and some special events throughout the year
- Continuing educational and professional opportunities
- Access to Volunteer Recognition Events and Field Trips
Application Process:
- Candidates must fill out the Application, a Release of Claims, and a U.S. Capitol Police Background Check form
- Candidates must be fingerprinted by the U.S. Capitol Police
- Candidate will be eligible for Capitol ID and can begin service
Contact:
- Wayne Kehoe, Volunteer Services Specialist
- Email: kehoe@aoc.gov
- Phone: Cell 202-510-4981
To Apply:
Please copy this text into an email, provide your responses, and send it to volunteer@visitthecapitol.gov when complete.
Full Name:
Location (City, State):
Phone Number:
Why are you seeking a volunteer position at the Capitol Visitor Center?
What skills or strengths do you have that would make you an outstanding candidate for the volunteer program?
Have you visited the Capitol Visitor Center?
