Summit Volunteer Information
Observatory Tower
Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the Mount Washington Observatory. Our Summit Volunteer Program is one of the most popular benefits of being an Observatory member. Members from all over the country participate in this program and find it to be a rewarding and educational experience. We're pleased to be able to offer you the following information on our unique program.
Each week members of the non-profit Observatory volunteer their time to aid in operating the Summit. Two volunteers meet the crew at the base of the Mt Washington Auto Road at 8 AM on Wednesday morning, and return to the base at approximately 5 PM the following Wednesday. Our volunteers' primary responsibility is to plan and prepare dinner for the crew, typically about seven people, for the week. In addition, we often welcome overnight guests to the Summit, for which the volunteer would prepare breakfasts and lunches. Volunteers are expected to help with general clean up, as well as other projects, depending on your skill set. Painting, carpentry, plumbing, etc are all part of the routine maintenance our facility requires, and we welcome your talent!
Because life at 6,288 feet is an experience you can't get just anywhere, we do ensure that there is free time for our volunteers! Hiking, skiing and enjoying Mount Washington sunrises and sunsets all should be part of your volunteer experience.
STEP ONE: Membership
The first step in joining the ranks of the Obs Summit Volunteers is to ensure your membership status is current. If you're not a member, please join us!
STEP TWO: Apply for a Volunteer Work Week
The next step is to fill out the Summit Volunteer Application and return it to the Observatory. Your name will then be placed on our waitlist after your membership status has been verified. Our waitlist contains dozens of names, and the time it takes to get called fluctuates, due to people's availability to fill the open weeks. Our Volunteer Coordinator will contact people on the waitlist monthly to update you on your status. Please note applications from non-members will not be considered.
STEP THREE: Getting Scheduled
Step three is to be scheduled for a summer volunteer work week! The summer season offers the new volunteer an introduction to the workload and living environment, in a season when our visitor numbers and weather conditions are gentler than the highly desired winter season.
After successfully satisfying the summer week, you may volunteer for a winter week, and get a chance to experience our famous extreme weather! Due to the program's popularity it may not be in the same year as your summer experience.
Now that you have read the information, you may submit our Summit Volunteer Application.
Please feel free to contact our Summit Volunteer Coordinator at 603-356-2137, extension 230, or at our volunteer contact page for additional information. Thank you for your interest in our program.
OUR PARTNERS
