Learning & Access Volunteer
The Scottish Maritime Museum is expanding its busy learning programme! We are looking for a volunteer who would like to assist in the development and running of our popular Little Sea Monsters Under 5’s Sessions supported by our Learning Team. You will also have the opportunity to work with children, families, and adults of all ages. Potential activities to support include school visits, children’s crafts, family workshops, and bringing more play to Museum visits.
Tasks
-Assisting the Learning Team to deliver information and interact with visitors
-Helping to run and develop our Under 5’s Little Sea Monster sessions.
– Assisting in school visits and learning activities
-Showing children and other groups the various exhibits.
-Assisting with the set up and clearing of activities for visiting groups.
-Helping out at events.
Skills and Experience
-Strong communication skills.
– Understand the importance of accessibility for all our visitors
-Able to work with children of all ages and abilities.
-Experience of working with children preferred, especially Under 5’s.
Personal Qualities
-Friendly and approachable.
-Reliable.
-Interest in education and/or museum education.
-Interest in maritime, industrial or social history an advantage but not essential.
Volunteer Benefit
-Experience in working with museum audiences of all ages.
-Experience in both a museum and education capacity.
-Opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people.
-Scope for developing new projects and getting involved in other areas.
– If you are aged 18 – 25 we will also support your enrolment in Saltire Awards for young volunteers
Museum Benefit
-Brings fresh ideas to the Museum team.
-Enhances the experience of visitors.
Time Commitment
Every Thursday morning essential but other opportunities available during the week and weekend too.
Training
A short informal training session is required, as well as some on the job training. The volunteer will have the support of the Learning & Access Team including ongoing training and development opportunities.
For more information please contact the Learning & Access Manager Claire Munro at Claire@scotmaritime.org.uk or call 01294 278283 during office hours – 10am – 4pm
Visitor Services Volunteer - Irvine/ Dumbarton
Do you have a passion for history? Are you looking for experience in a museum environment? This exciting opportunity is perfect for anyone that would like to improve their public speaking and knowledge of history as we look for Visitor Services volunteers. The activities you can expect to be involved in include –
- Guiding tours to our working triple expansion steam engine and 1920’s shipyard workers tenement flat in Irvine or the iconic Denny Ship Model Experiment Tank in Dumbarton.
- Explaining some of the exhibitions around the museum buildings to our visitors.
- Helping out in our program of annual events that include Pirate Days, Halloween and much more!
Young volunteers between ages of 16 and 24 can also be guided through the process to sign up for the Saltire Awards where you will be recognised for the volunteering hours that you have done.
For more information please contact the Volunteer Co-ordinator at James@scotmaritime.org.uk or call 01294 278283
People volunteer for many reasons. Some of the benefits of volunteering include: meeting new people; a productive way to spend time; developing or enhancing skills; trying something different; an addition to your CV; gaining experience for employment; contributing to a Museum of national significance.
Unfortunately we cannot provide volunteers with travel expenses at this time.
Yes, PPE and uniforms are provided by the Museum.
Volunteers are free to take holidays. If you wish to take a longer period of leave, please speak to the Curator beforehand.
There is no minimum commitment but we recommend that volunteers attend once a week. Visitor Service volunteers will be expected to fit in with the weekly rota.
Unfortunately, we do not have home working volunteering opportunities at this time.
We aim to provide volunteers with support to assist you in your roles and make sure you are happy with your tasks. The Curator responsible for volunteers has an open door policy and is happy to speak to you face-to-face, by telephone or email.
Yes, but please let your Job Centre Advisor/benefits office know that you are volunteering.
Whilst you are volunteering at the Museum you are fully covered by the Museum’s insurance policy.
Anyone aged 16 and over may volunteer. There is no upper age limit.
After the informal interview volunteers are selected based on their skills, personal qualities and experience. We are an inclusive organisation and welcome people from all nationalities, faiths and backgrounds.
First contact James McLean by emailing him James@scotmaritime.org.uk or telephone 01294 278283 to leave a message for him to get back to you. James is normally available Monday to Friday between 10am and 4.30pm, however much of his work takes him out of the office. You may be invited for an informal one-to-one interview and asked to fill out a form with your basic personal information.