Join a growing team of individuals invested in creating a better tomorrow!
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with CSU Spur! Volunteers are so important to ensuring that students and visitors feel welcome, connect to educational opportunities, and leave CSU Spur inspired!
CSU Spur is looking for volunteers who want to have a direct impact on their community and the future. CSU Spur volunteers will lead the way in connecting children, families, and community members to hands-on science, and real world solutions.
Ready to start volunteering?
Please complete an application if you are interested in beginning the formal process of becoming a CSU Spur volunteer. For general interest, you may fill out an interest form.
- To volunteer with horses, please reach out to the Temple Grandin Equine Center.
- To volunteer with the Dumb Friends League, please fill out a volunteer application.
Volunteer program informational webinars
Sign up to learn more about volunteering with CSU Spur, including volunteer roles, benefits, and how volunteers support daily engagement of visitors and school groups on-site.
- Wednesday, May 8, 6-6:45 p.m.
New volunteer training!
Join us for an in-person training from 6-8 p.m. on May 15 to take a tour, learn about volunteer opportunities, and learn the ins and outs of volunteering with CSU Spur.
CSU Spur is a new educational destination in Denver with a focus on food, water, and health — volunteers bring Spur to life!
Health
In the Vida building, volunteers connect visitors and schools with animal and human health. Volunteer roles may include assisting Spur education staff in interpreting experiences like live veterinary procedures with the Dumb Friends League, equine-assisted services with the Temple Grandin Equine Center, and equine rehabilitation therapies with CSU Equine Sports Medicine.
Food
In the Terra building, volunteers work with partners in programs related to controlled agriculture, food systems, urban gardening, nutrition, and food development processes. Volunteers can also engage with visitors in exhibit hall activities and demonstrations to deepen learning experiences.
Water
In the Hydro building, volunteers partner with Denver Water experts to provide experiences around water conservation, quality, and water systems. Programming includes exhibit interpretation, activities, and demonstrations, and the use of an outdoor backyard garden space that connects to the South Platte River for riparian ecosystem exploration and programming.
Volunteer benefits:
- Professional development opportunities; learn skills
- Access to scientists, researchers, and on site partners
- Meet new people and grow your network
- Discounts for CSU Spur and CSU System campus gear
- Discounts at the on-site café (opening in Hydro in January 2023)
- Recognition events
- Admission and discounts to partner organizations, such as the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, History Colorado
Volunteer requirements:
- Commit to volunteering at CSU Spur for a minimum of one year, with a minimum of 60 hours of service
- Volunteer roles are for individuals ages 18 and up, unless otherwise indicated
- Complete and pass a criminal background check
- Attend an orientation (dates vary throughout the year); additional training as required
- Be passionate about inspiring curiosity and learning, and dedicated to providing excellent visitor service
CSU Spur serves all learners and visitors; bilingual and multilingual individuals are encouraged to apply.
Volunteer opportunities
There are many ways to become a volunteer with CSU Spur that will continue to grow as we open throughout 2022. Watch for additional opportunities.
Greeter
Welcome people to the CSU Spur campus and orient visitors to site activities and events; share maps and informational materials. Individuals who speak Spanish or other languages are encouraged to apply.
Tour Guide
Lead small group tours throughout CSU Spur. Answer visitor questions and inspire visitors to stay connected through the variety of programs, activities, and offerings available.
Special Event Support Volunteer
Support set-up, clean-up, and day-of event logistics. Specific roles vary depending on the event.
Education Program Support Facilitator
Support education staff with programming for school groups, including preparing activities for groups, escorting groups, greeting buses, supporting hands-on experiences, and set-up and clean-up.
Exhibit Facilitator
Become a content expert on educational exhibit materials, activities, and demonstrations, and assist visitors and school groups as they engage with exhibits.
Virtual Reality Facilitator
Support education staff with VR programs, and assist drop-in visitors in virtual reality experiences in the VR Classroom within the Vida building.
Group Volunteers
Bring your colleagues for a day of service at CSU Spur! Opportunities include river cleanup, biological surveying, gardening/weeding, and more.
Youth Volunteers (14 years +)
Opportunities will be announced soon!
Apply to volunteer at CSU Spur
Once you’ve submitted your application, our volunteer manager will reach out with next steps within 3 business days.
Questions? For more information, please email csuspurvolunteer@colostate.edu or download the flyer. We look forward to hearing from you and working with you.
Hours
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
2nd Saturday of every month: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (closed all other Saturdays)
Closed Sundays
Location
4777 National Western Dr.,
Denver, CO 80216
© 2024 Colorado State University System.
All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Equal Opportunity Statement
JOCELYN HITTLE
Associate Vice Chancellor for CSU Spur & Special Projects, CSU System
Jocelyn Hittle is primarily focused on helping to create the CSU System’s new Spur campus at the National Western Center, and on supporting campus sustainability goals across CSU’s campuses. She sits on the Denver Mayor’s Sustainability Advisory Council, on the Advisory Committee for the Coors Western Art Show, and is a technical advisor for the AASHE STARS program.
Prior to joining CSU, Jocelyn was the Associate Director of PlaceMatters, a national urban planning think tank, and worked for the Orton Family Foundation. She has a degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Princeton, and a Masters in Environmental Management from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.
Jocelyn grew up in Colorado and spends her free time in the mountains or exploring Denver.
TONY FRANK
Chancellor, CSU System
Dr. Tony Frank is the Chancellor of the CSU System. He previously served for 11 years as the 14th president of CSU in Fort Collins. Dr. Frank earned his undergraduate degree in biology from Wartburg College, followed by a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Illinois, and a Ph.D. and residencies in pathology and toxicology at Purdue. Prior to his appointment as CSU’s president in 2008, he served as the University’s provost and executive vice president, vice president for research, chairman of the Pathology Department, and Associate Dean for Research in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. He was appointed to a dual role as Chancellor in 2015 and became full-time System chancellor in July 2019.
Dr. Frank serves on a number of state and national boards, has authored and co-authored numerous scientific publications, and has been honored with state and national awards for his leadership in higher education.
Dr. Frank and his wife, Dr. Patti Helper, have three daughters.
We’ll see you Saturday!
2nd Saturday at CSU Spur is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. this Saturday (April 13)! The theme is the Big Bloom.
Hope to see you there!