We want to make the Museum of Zoology as accessible and friendly as possible. We are looking for volunteers who are excited to take on a public facing role. Prior knowledge of the museum or the collections is not a necessity, we want volunteers who are enthusiastic and willing to learn.

  • Visitor Engagement Volunteers provide a friendly welcome and interact with visitors. They supply information about the exhibitions and displays, and answer questions from visitors or direct them to members of staff who can.
  • Volunteers help make the museum accessible by providing tours and assisting visits.
  • Visitor Engagement Volunteers play a valuable role in maintaining museum security during opening hours by supervising visitors in the galleries, and supporting the front desk staff.

About Visitor Engagement

Being a visitor engagement volunteer is all about helping people make the most out of our museum. You will be acting as the face of the museum so we’d like you to welcome visitors and be aware of their needs.

Volunteer tasks

  • Provide a warm welcome to visitors
  • Interact with visitors in a helpful manner
  • Act as a guide to the museum
  • Support visitors using interactive displays and museum handouts
  • Supervise handling sessions
  • Help with museum special events
  • Maintain security in gallery spaces and follow health and safety procedures
  • Support other volunteers with extra needs

Why volunteer at the Museum of Zoology

  • Learn more about this unique world renowned collection
  • Develop a range of skills within a University museum
  • Join a supportive, professional and enthusiastic team
  • Gain valuable experience of working within a museum environment
  • Meet new people
  • You will be provided with relevant training that will enhance your CV
  • Contribute to the running of an important educational resource and historic collection

Skills required

Anyone is welcome to apply. An interest in zoology is desirable but no specific knowledge is expected. This role may appeal to those who have an interest in working in fields related to Zoology, Education and Learning, and the Museum and Heritage sector.

We value a friendly manner and enthusiasm to learn, and are looking for volunteers who are happy to take on a public facing role. Visitor Engagement Volunteers should be friendly and helpful towards all visitors.

Team work is vital to this role, along with a willingness to support other volunteers with extra needs.

Punctuality and reliability are important, as well as adherence to security, and health and safety procedures. You will be volunteering under the guidance of the Volunteer Coordinator, the Museum Administrator, and the front desk staff. You will be required to be on your feet for most of your time in the galleries, but seating will be provided.

Training and support

Volunteers will be encouraged to take part in training during their time at the museum, and will be supported by staff in Zoology and across UCM.

About the Museum of Zoology

The University Museum of Zoology holds a collection of approximately 4 million specimens covering the entire animal kingdom, past and present, of which around 5,000 are on public display.  The collections rival those of major museums world-wide and are significant for our knowledge of the history of fauna around the world, and for the history of science itself.

The museum’s main purpose is to promote and advance the understanding and appreciation of the richness and diversity of animal life in the past, present and future of our planet.

The Museum has undergone a Heritage Lottery Funded redevelopment which has transformed the gallery and collections storage to achieve that aim.  New facilities including a school room, museum shop and a café enhance the visitor experience and the key thread throughout any visit will be our dedicated team of volunteers.

Time involvement

Volunteers are needed during Museum opening hours:

Tuesday             10am –4.30pm

Wednesday        10am –4.30pm

Thursday            10am –4.30pm

Friday                 10am –4.30pm

Saturday             10am –4.30pm

Sunday               12pm –4.30pm

 

The day is divided into 2 shifts of 3 ½ hours Tuesday to Saturday:

Morning: 9.45am – 1.15 pm

Afternoon: 1.15 pm –4.45pm

Sunday is 12 –4.30pm.

Volunteers are welcome to take on more than one shift per day should they wish. In this case a break will be included between shifts.

To apply

Please download an expression of interest form and email it to Lucy Williamson, Volunteer Coordinator at zoovol@hermes.cam.ac.uk or return to: Museum of Zoology, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ. When you return your form please state the days of the week you would prefer to volunteer.

For further information call 01223 765410.