Volunteer
“Volunteers are love in motion.”
There’s no better way to describe our incredible team—they are truly the heart and soul of our carousel.
With over 62,000 volunteer hours contributed by more than 550 dedicated individuals, our volunteers bring joy to the community in so many ways. Whether they’re operating the ride, serving in the café, painting, carving, assisting in the gift shop, greeting guests, or helping behind the scenes, every role makes a difference.
To keep the carousel running smoothly, we rely on 60 to 80 volunteers each week. Every shift filled helps us continue providing a magical experience for our guests!
To show our appreciation, we host special volunteer events throughout the year—always a highlight for our team! We couldn’t do what we do without them.
Join Our Team!
Below is information about each volunteer position. To sign up, scan the QR code above or fill out the online application using the link below. You’re also welcome to stop by and fill out an application in person.
For any questions, please reach out to the Volunteer Coordinator:
Email: albanycarouselvolunteers @gmail.com
Phone: 541-497-2934 ext. 4
Café Volunteer
Age Requirement: 14+
If you enjoy a fast-paced, customer-facing role with a focus on service and cleanliness, the café is a great fit! Whether it’s a busy weekend or a slower weekday, this position offers valuable experience in food service, cash handling, and customer interaction.
Requirements & Training
- Volunteers have 30 days to obtain a valid Oregon State Food Handler’s Card after starting.
- The permit costs $15-$25, and we offer full reimbursement for you or your guardian.
- Expect to train for about three shifts with our amazing onsite café staff.
Responsibilities
- Assist with food and beverage preparation
- Take customer orders
- Handle cash and card transactions
- Answer guest questions
- Maintain thorough sanitation (wash hands regularly, wear gloves, etc.)
Our café staff will provide full training to ensure you feel confident in your role. Come be part of the team that keeps our carousel guests fueled and happy!
Gift Shop Volunteer
Age Requirement: 16+
If you enjoy helping others and want to build customer service skills, the Gift Shop is a great place to start! This role is perfect for someone outgoing or looking to step out of their comfort zone.
Responsibilities:
- Greet guests and assist them in locating items
- Answer basic questions about merchandise
- Operate the cash register, process sales, and count back change
- Stock merchandise and keep shelves and displays tidy
Training:
- Volunteers will complete two training shifts to get comfortable with the role.
- Training covers cash register operation, customer service, and stocking procedures.
- A staff member or experienced volunteer will guide you through each step.
This is a great opportunity to gain retail experience, build confidence in customer interactions, and be part of a team that brings joy to visitors!
Operator Assistant Volunteer
Age Requirement: 16+
If you love engaging with guests and ensuring a fun, safe experience, the Operator Assistant role is a great fit! This position is ideal for someone who enjoys teamwork, guest interaction, and taking on responsibility.
Responsibilities:
- Assist guests in safely getting on and off the carousel
- Ensure riders under 42” have a chaperone (Operators also assist with this)
- Monitor guest safety during the ride (no running, staying seated until the buzzer, etc.)
- Communicate closely with the Operator to ensure smooth ride operation
- Set up and operate the Ring Game, collect rings, and hand out ride cards to winners
- Wipe down carousel animals once per shift to keep them clean and well-maintained
Training:
- Volunteers will complete two training shifts to get comfortable with the role.
- Training covers carousel safety procedures, guest assistance, and ring game operation.
This is a fun and interactive position where you’ll help create memorable experiences for guests while ensuring the carousel operates smoothly!
Operator Volunteer
Age Requirement: 18+
If you are responsible, attentive, and enjoy managing multiple tasks while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for guests, the Operator role is for you! This position is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys working closely with a team.
Responsibilities:
- Operate the carousel and ensure smooth and safe operation
- Receive and check guest tokens, cards, passes, and wristbands
- Open the gate for guests to board the carousel
- Ensure guests follow safety rules during the ride
- Control the band organ/music player and the overhead intercom
- Make important announcements, such as “Last Ride” and “Happy Hour”
- Communicate closely with the two Operator Assistants to ensure a seamless experience
Training:
- Volunteers must first complete training as an Operator Assistant before taking on the Operator role.
- Training involves learning carousel operation, guest interaction, and safety procedures.
This position requires someone who can multitask, stay alert, and create a memorable experience for guests while keeping things running smoothly!
Float
Age Requirement: 14+
If you enjoy keeping spaces clean and organized while helping out behind the scenes, the Float role is perfect for you! This position is ideal for someone who likes maintaining a tidy environment and can jump in to assist with various tasks as needed.
Responsibilities:
- Monitor the outer circle of the Carousel Room and Lobby
- Keep guest seating areas tidy by wiping off tables, chairs, and door handles
- Sweep floors and wipe down railings and gates around the Carousel
- Clean carousel animals when necessary
- Answer basic guest questions and provide assistance as needed
- Assist with administrative tasks when the space is less busy
Training:
- Volunteers will complete a training shift to get familiar with the space and cleaning responsibilities.
This is a flexible role that helps ensure the carousel area is clean, organized, and welcoming for guests while providing support where needed!
Greeter Volunteer
Age Requirement: 14+
If you love meeting new people and helping them navigate a new space, the Greeter role is a great fit for you! This position is perfect for someone who enjoys engaging with guests and providing guidance to ensure they have a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Responsibilities:
- Welcome guests as they arrive at the Carousel
- Direct first-time visitors to key areas such as where to buy tokens, the bathroom location, free tour waiting area, Gift Shop, Café, etc.
- Assist party guests in finding their designated party room
- Answer basic questions about the Carousel and its offerings
- Assist Floats and Operator Assistants with wiping down the animals, cleaning tables, railings, and sweeping floors as needed
Training:
- Volunteers will complete a training shift to become familiar with the layout of the Carousel and key guest services.
This role allows you to be the first friendly face guests see and helps create a welcoming atmosphere while supporting other volunteers!
Tour Guide Volunteer
Age Requirement: 16+
If you enjoy storytelling, sharing history, and engaging with groups, the Tour Guide role is an exciting fit! This position is ideal for someone who is outgoing, confident in speaking in front of others, and has a passion for history.
Responsibilities:
- Lead guests on tours of the Carousel, Museum, carving workshop, and painting studio
- Share detailed information about the history of the Carousel and Museum, including interesting facts and stories
- Answer questions from guests throughout the tour
- Lead multiple tours each shift, including group tours and field trips
Training:
- New tour guides will shadow experienced guides and review the history and key facts.
- Full training will be provided, covering all essential information and tips for leading engaging tours.
This role is perfect for someone who loves to engage with guests, share knowledge, and make history come alive!
Event Volunteer
If you’re looking to make an impact by helping during our larger events, the Event Volunteer role is a perfect fit! These events take extra hands, and we rely on volunteers like you to help make them a success.
Responsibilities:
- Assist with setting up and taking down tents, tables, decorations, and other event supplies
- Help with guest interaction, such as handing out candy to kids or assisting with event activities
- Tasks vary by event, so each opportunity is unique, and we appreciate all the support provided
Work Parties
Our work parties are non-event support opportunities that help maintain the Carousel and prepare for special occasions. These are perfect for volunteers who enjoy helping behind the scenes.
Responsibilities:
- Set up and take down decorations, often around major holidays
- Assist with general maintenance tasks as needed
- Sign up for these opportunities via email notifications
Party Assistant
The Carousel is a popular venue for private events like meetings, weddings, and parties. As a Party Assistant, you’ll play an essential role in supporting these events and providing an amazing experience for our guests.
Responsibilities:
- Assist with event tasks as directed by the Party and Membership Coordinator
- Help with tasks like setting up and ensuring event needs are met
- Communicate with other volunteers to ensure everything runs smoothly
- Support in roles such as café, gift shop, tours, greeters, carousel operators, and assistants during after-hours events
- Enjoy the flexibility of working after regular business hours
This role is great for volunteers looking for flexible hours, hands-on support for exciting events, and the chance to directly contribute to making these occasions unforgettable!
Carvers & Painters
Age Requirement: 14+
If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at carving or painting, this is the perfect opportunity! No prior experience is needed—many of our current volunteers started with no carving or painting skills at all.
Responsibilities:
- Learn the art of carving or painting with guidance from a master carver or painter
- Work at your own pace with all tools and materials provided
- Begin with a simple project, like carving or painting a flower, and progress from there
- Participate in carving and painting sessions held multiple times a week, including after-hours options for flexible scheduling
- Contribute to creating and restoring carousel animals and decorations, helping bring living history to life!
Whether you enjoy socializing or prefer quiet, focused work, this role offers the perfect balance. Learn a new skill while playing an important part in preserving the Carousel’s vibrant history!
Ready to sign up and start volunteering? Click below to submit the form!
Want more info?
Have a question?
Contact our Volunteer Coordinator
albanycarouselvolunteers @gmail.com
541-497-2934 x4
