Nonprofit
Published 9/30/25 4:32PM

Submarine Tour Guide

On-site, Volunteer must be in or near Portland, OR
I Want to Help


  • Details

    Available Times:
    Weekdays (daytime, evenings), Weekends (daytime, evenings)
    Recurrence:
    Recurring
    Volunteers Needed:
    30
    Cause Areas:
    Volunteering
    Good For:
    Teens, Age 55+
    Participation Requirements:
    Background Check, Attend Orientation
    Age Requirement:
    18+
    Other Requirements:
    To apply, visit our volunteer website https://omsi.edu/volunteer/ or for more information contact Volunteer Engagement at 503 797 4513 or Volunteer@omsi.edu

    Description

    Position Summary: Submarine Tour Guides provide tours ofthe USSBlueback, a

    diesel-electric submarine oftheBarbel class, launched in 1959. It was one ofthe first subs

    to have a "teardrop-shaped" hull, and it was the last non-nuclear submarine in the U.S.

    Navy, decommissioned in 1990. It was broughtto OMSI in 1994 and is open for organized

    tours during daylight hours when OMSI is open. Detailed training related to these tours and

    safety protocols will be provided to volunteers. * Please note that you will have to

    complete 8 hours of Submarine Queuing before starting this position. Read Submarine

    Queuer Position Description

    Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

    • Lead interpretive tours with guests on the USSBlueback submarine.
    • Develop a complete and thorough understanding ofthe USSBlueback and its

    subsystems.

    • Perform maintenance and administrative tasks as needed.
    • Provided quality customer service to visitors and perform crowd management

    duties, acting as a ticket-taker, as needed.

    • Master all boat safety and emergency procedures.
    • Utilize a 2-way radio to communicate with staff regarding the number of

    tour guests and arrivaltimes.

    • When necessary, encourage parties to adhere to OMSI’s safety protocols,

    including social distancing and wearing protective face coverings.

    Knowledge and Skills:

    • Interestin supporting the USSBlueback or submarine science education.

    Strong communication, public speaking and customer service skills.

    • Comfortable speaking to 1-14 tour guests with the use of a microphone.
    • Foreign language skills or naval background highly desirable.
    • Able to listen to and communicate with people of diverse backgrounds,

    education levels, and ages.

    • Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
    • Able to maintain a calm and cheerful demeanor in a variety of atmospheres.
    • Dependable and punctual.
    • Must present a professional appearance.
    • Willing to follow OMSI rules and procedures, supporting OMSI’s commitmentto

    safety and accessibility.

    Schedule and Support:

    • Shift Times: 9:30 to 1:30 pm or1:30 to 5:30 pm
    • Minimum number of hours: 8 hours per month, 4 hours per shift
    • Minimum age:18 years
    • Attend the following trainings or classes provided by OMSI:
    • Volunteer Orientation
    • Emergency Protocols
    • Customer Service training
    • Role Specific training

    Volunteer Benefits:

    • Training opportunities and a lifelong learning experience.
    • Admission forthe volunteerto the museum exhibits and attractions based on

    availability.

    • An OMSI Family Membership upon completion of 50 hours of volunteer service.

    Discounts in the OMSI Science Store and on-site restaurants based on

    availability.

    • The opportunity to meet many new people and learn more about OMSI.

    Location

    On-site
    1945 Southeast Water Avenue, Portland, Oregon, US

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