The Australian Museum Volunteer Program
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.
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).
FAQs
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.
Prospective volunteers must be 18 years of age to participate in the volunteer program.
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.
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7 comments
Isobel Kindley
11.11 AM, 25 November 2009
Hi Pat Thanks for your interest. All you need to do is click on my hyperlink name and then you can send your request to be a volunteer as an email to my email address. I can then contact personally via email about how to get involved. Hear from you soon. Isobel
Pat
4.11 PM, 24 November 2009
G,day my nam is Patric Mitchell i'm intrested in voulentering for the Muesuem and i'm just wondered how to get in contact. i'm18 and have no real skills yet but ver much intrested in biology and history.
Isobel Kindley
5.11 PM, 04 November 2009
Dear John Thank you for your interest in working in our Museum. All paid positions are advertised on the Australian Museum web page in the section called 'Working at the Australian Museum' then click on 'Current Positions Vacant'. I wish you all the best in your job hunting. Isobel
Isobel Kindley
5.11 PM, 04 November 2009
Hi Arabella It is lovely that you are so interested in looking at a career in museums. I have worked in various museums and art galleries in Sydney and Adelaide and my work has always been very interesting and enjoyable. I am very glad that I have chosen this area for my career. To participate in our volunteer program you will need to wait until you are 18 years of age and I look forward to hearing from you again then. Good luck with all your studies. Isobel
acoope12
3.10 PM, 11 October 2009
Hi my name is Arabella Cooper and Im 15yrs old, i would really like to volunteer at the museum but i am not sure of the age,background and hours required to become volunteer. Im a full time student and would like to pursue history as a career and the museum has always greatly interested me, the hours i can volunteer are not huge but i am willing and enthusiastic to assist with any job required can you please email me back at Madamgoth@hotmail.com Kind regards Arabella Cooper
aileendavid
10.09 PM, 15 September 2009
Hi! I'm curious if the museum has any need for a volunteer photographer? I specialize in macro and close-up photography which I think would be of use for the minerals and fossils collections (and the others, of course). However, if there is no need, may I instead know how and where to email some images I've taken of the permanent collections as my way of contributing to the museum.
malavante
1.09 PM, 06 September 2009
Hello My name is John David, I'm from Colombia, I'm 35 years old and have a Bachellor degree in Industrial Design, I am really interested to find some way to work with the museum, I love museums, their work, their social commitment, and resources. I will like to know if there's any way to have an interview to show you my resume and skills, that you will find interesting, and find any possibility to make art of this amazing museum. My mail is davidkdavid@gmail.com and mobile 0405472373 Than you very much
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