Volunteers & Interns
Volunteer Opportunities
March Break Camp at the ROM
Earth Ranger Studio Ushers
Patrick and Barbara Keenan Family Gallery of Hands-on Biodiversity and CIBC Discovery Gallery
Life in Crisis: Schad Gallery of Biodiversity
Join the Department of Museum Volunteers (DMV)
If you are responsible, enthusiastic and enjoy working with children, then we want you! ROMKids Programs are looking for volunteers for ROM for the March Break Camp and ROM for the March Break Galleries!
March Break Camp is a pre‑registered educational camp for children ages 5-14. March Break Camp programs run from march 12 to 16, 2012 and are based on the Museum's exhibits and collections. Courses are led by one instructor and up to four volunteers who help the instructor deliver their program.
March Break Galleries run from March 10 to 18, 2012 and are based on the Museum's exhibits and collections. Volunteers will be working throughout the Museum, interacting with visitors and assisting with a variety of hands-on activities.
Attached are TWO separate application forms (one for each program). You must be 14 years of age or older to apply for March Break Galleries, and 16 years of age or older to apply for March Break Camp (15 if you've successfully completed our Summer Leadership program). Applications for both programs are due no later than 5 pm on Tuesday, February 21, 2012. More information can be found in the application forms.
> March Break Camp Application Form (PDF)
> March Break Galleries Application Form (PDF)
The Earth Rangers Studio is a dynamic space in the Schad Gallery of Biodiversity. The Earth Rangers are seeking Earth Ranger Studio Ushers for the live animal presentations scheduled Tuesday throughout Saturday. For details about this volunteer opportunity please visit the Earth Rangers website.
Patrick and Barbara Keenan Family Gallery of Hands-on Biodiversity and CIBC Discovery Gallery
Volunteer Facilitators work with our visitors (including families and school groups), engaging them in gallery activities, such as discovery boxes, interactive components, activity stations and Museum objects. This volunteer experience provides valuable training in communication and teaching skills, as well as an opportunity to learn about the Museum's collections.
Responsibilities
- Work with other volunteers and staff as a team to ensure the gallery meets its goal of providing fun, hands-on learning experiences
- Work directly with the public to facilitate the use of discovery boxes, work stations and other displays by actively engaging visitors
- Circulate throughout the gallery ensuring the presence of a Volunteer Facilitator in each area
- Welcome school groups and visitors
- Ensure that the gallery is tidy, free from obstructions, and supplies are replenished as needed
Qualifications
- Enthusiasm for museum work and for the hands-on gallery approach
- Able to make a commitment of one four-hour shift per week
- Able to volunteer throughout the year including the summer months
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Able to work well in a crowded and noisy environment, and with visitors of all backgrounds and ages (particularly children)
- Able to work well as part of a team under the direction and supervision of staff
- Background or interest in a museum-related subject
- Bilingualism is an asset
For more information, please contact:
Keenan Family Gallery Coordinator
Tel: 416.586.5730
Fax: 416.586.5562
E-mail: romgall@rom.on.ca
CIBC Discovery Gallery Coordinator
Tel: 416.586.5800
Fax: 416.586.5562
E-mail: romgall@rom.on.ca
Life in Crisis: Schad Gallery of Biodiversity
Volunteer Facilitators work with our visitors, engaging them in discussions about conservation through the use of Museum objects. This volunteer experience provides valuable training in communication and teaching skills, as well as an opportunity to learn more about biodiversity, conservation and the Museum's collections.
Learn more about the Life in Crisis: Schad Gallery of Biodiversity.
Responsibilities
- Work with other volunteers and staff as a team to ensure the effective communication of the gallery’s conservation message
- Work directly with the public by actively engaging visitors using Museum objects and sharing conservation stories
- Circulate throughout the gallery to engage a range of visitors
- Welcome school groups and visitors
- Ensure that the gallery is tidy, and free from obstructions
- Monitor gallery objects to ensure proper handling, and report objects in need of repair to the Coordinator
Qualifications
- Background and interest in conservation biology and biodiversity
- 18 years or older and have a High School Diploma
- Able to make a commitment of one five-hour shift every other week for one year
- Able to volunteer throughout the year including the summer months and holidays
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Enthusiasm for volunteering with the public
- Experience working in a crowded and noisy environment
- Proficiency in English; bilingualism is an asset
- Able to work well as part of a team under the direction and supervision of staff
- Interest for educational museum work and for the hands-on gallery approach
For more information, please e-mail schad@rom.on.ca
Join the Department of Museum Volunteers
The ROM's Department of Museum Volunteers (DMV) will hold information meetings to acquaint potential volunteers with upcoming volunteer opportunities. The information meetings will take place at the Museum on the following dates: Saturday, September 10, 2011; Saturday, December 3, 2011; and Saturday, March 3, 2012. You need only attend one of these information meetings.
To let us know which one of these meetings you would like attend, please call the DMV Reception line at 416.586.8097. On the day of the meeting, please meet at the Security Staff Entrance at the South Side of the ROM on University Avenue, opposite the Planetarium at 10:15 a.m.
Volunteer opportunities vary depending upon the program requirements and current openings at the DMV. These opportunities are usually available in the the Meeters and Greeters Program, Gallery Interpreters, ROMbus, Special Exhibitions and Special Assignments.
Information meetings are held prior to individual program training and orientation provided to new volunteers. The DMV encourages the participation of volunteers from all walks of life including students, retirees, employed persons and other interested individuals. Individuals proficient in English and a second language are welcome.
Please note that information meetings are strictly for volunteer opportunities and NOT for paid positions at the Museum.
The following are requirements for interested individuals who wish to become volunteers through the DMV:
- Valid ROM Membership
- 2 year commitment
- DMV dues upon Active status
Interested individuals are encouraged to monitor this web site for dates of upcoming information meetings. Unfortunately, due to the large number of inquires it is difficult to respond to each request.
