Volunteers

The Australian Museum Volunteer Program

Background information

The Australian Museum has an international reputation in the fields of natural history and indigenous research, community programs and exhibitions. The Museum was established in 1827 and is Australia's first museum, with unique and extensive collections of natural science and cultural artefacts. The Australian Museum is open every day of the year except December 25 (Christmas Day).

Volunteers have traditionally been an important part of the operations of the Museum, both in the public and non-public areas. The contributions of volunteers enable the Museum to provide services that add value to its core services.

FAQs

What do volunteers do at the Australian Museum?
How do I become a volunteer?
What qualifications and experience do I need?
How much time do I need to commit?
What training is provided?

What do volunteers do at the Australian Museum?

There are two distinct volunteer sections of the Australian Museum: those who volunteer in Public Programs working with Museum visitors as Front-of-house volunteers and those who volunteer behind the scenes.

Front-of-house volunteers meet and greet Museum visitors, help visitors feel welcome and oriented to the Museum, take guided tours, and interpret Museum content. Front-of-house volunteers also assist in special events such as Science Week.

Behind the scenes volunteers assist in a wide variety of roles, supporting scientists and other Museum staff in clerical and other often-diverse duties such as cataloguing, researching and classification.

How do I become a volunteer?

Front-of-house volunteers are recruited in set intakes, usually every 12–18 months. Prospective volunteers receive an information sheet and application form. Applications are assessed and prospective volunteers interviewed. Successful applicants then attend a compulsory four-day induction course. On completion, volunteers commence 'on-the-floor' duties working with visitors.

People who are interested in volunteering behind the scenes are interviewed and have their skills and interests placed on a database, where they are matched to suitable volunteer tasks as they arise.

What qualifications and experience do I need?

Volunteers come from all range of backgrounds and age groups, but are united by a love of Australia's natural history and cultural heritage, coupled with a keenness to learn and be a part of the team at the Australian Museum. Some people prefer to use their existing skills in their volunteer work, whilst others elect to develop new skills and assist in areas where they have an interest but no prior work experience. Some sections require a degree of experience of their volunteers; however, this depends upon the task being performed.

How much time do I need to commit?

Volunteers in the Front-of-house section need to be able to commit 22 days, per year, plus attendances at regular meetings and training days. A typical day begins at 9.30am and runs through to 3.00pm.

Behind the scenes volunteer commitments varies with the type of task to be performed. Ongoing projects require regular attendance, usually one or two days per fortnight. There are often short-term projects that only require volunteers for a set time period.

What training is provided?

Front-of-house volunteers must commit to a four-day induction course, covering such topics as customer service, basics of museum interpretation and education, Museum content and taking guided tours.

Behind the scenes volunteers are trained on the job by their supervisors.

Contacts

Isobel Kindley, Volunteers Coordinator
Phone (+612) 9320 6223
Email Isobel Kindley