Volunteer Opportunities
Front of House
Front of House volunteers help visitors orient themselves in the museum space. They answer questions about the community, exhibits, facilities, costs, and giftshop products. To accomplish these goals, Front of House volunteers will be trained in a brief local history, visitor information systems, cash handling, and till operations.
- Time Commitment:
At least two 3 hour shifts per month.
Special Events
The Museum hosts and participates in community events throughout the year. These include our annual Burger & Brew, Dickens Tea (Christmas), Canada Day, and Summer Programming. Special Events volunteers do everything from walking in parades to staffing craft tables. No special training beyond the new volunteer training is needed; however, you may be asked to have a vulnerable sectors criminal record check completed.
- Time Commitment:
At least two events per year.
Docent / Tour Leader
Docents are informal teachers who interact with families, adults and school children. They inspire and inform museum visitors by interpreting galleries and artifacts. This may be done in a more formal tour setting, or informally in the gallery upon visitor request. Specific training in content and its delivery is mandatory. Standing and interacting with the public are requirement of this position.
- Time Commitment:
At least two booked tours a year.
Flexibility with schedule required.
Office Assistant
Assist in a variety of clerical tasks and other office duties. Projects will vary based on needs but may include data entry, routine cleaning, filing, and inventory. These positions typically do not need to interact with the public.
- Time Commitment:
At least two 3 hour shifts per month.
Collections Assistant
Want to learn about the History of the Harrison River Valley or how a museum operates? Volunteering in collections is a great way to expand your local knowledge. Most Collections Assistant positions do not require previous specialized experience. These positions are detail-oriented and attention to accuracy is required. Tasks for this position may include cataloguing objects, inventorying collections, data entry, and transcription. These positions often do not need to interact with the public.
Availability of these positions will vary throughout the year based upon the availability of collections resources and staff time.
- Time Commitment:
At least two 3 hour shifts per month.
Building and Grounds
These volunteers will take on maintenance and custodial projects within and on the exterior of the Museum building.
If a volunteer has a special talent and/or skill they are able to contribute, such as electrical or plumbing services, a meeting will be arranged with the Manager. Documentation of skills, such as college degrees, work experiences, First Aid and CPR Certification, may need to be provided.
- Time Commitment:
At least two 3 hour shifts per month.
Internships / Work Experience
Internships or Work Experience projects are determined on a case-by-case basis. The length and hours of the work term, content, and supervisor are dependent on the desired experience. These projects may be eligible for school credit if facilitated through an institution.
- Time Commitment:
Will vary, but typically no less than 30 hours.
Benefits of Volunteering
The staff and Executive of the Agassiz-Harrison Museum & Visitor Centre understand with great clarity the vital role that volunteers play in order to fulfill the daily needs of the Museum’s operation. Your time is important, valued, and does not go unnoticed. Not only do all volunteering opportunities offer the individual a chance to meet new people and gain first-hand knowledge of the Museum, but volunteers receive benefits through other means as well. In honour of your hours of service, you can also receive the following benefits.
Discounts at the Local-Motive Giftshop
If you choose to become a Museum Member, you will receive a 10% discount at the Museum Shop.
Volunteer Appreciation Gathering
The Museum Manager and Executive hold an annual volunteer recognition dinner which time all volunteers are recognized for their service with a complimentary meal and an announcement of their hours of service. A time for us to celebrate together everything we accomplish!
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are available from the Museum Manager. These letters become especially necessary when applying for internships, organizations, college, jobs, or other volunteer organizations.
Educational Rewards
Any museum is part of a cultural community, and such is the case with the Agassiz-Harrison Museum & Visitor Centre. While serving here, you have the opportunity to attend virtual events, lectures, workshops, and special training opportunities to further your personal interests and knowledge of history, service, and community.
For more info please contact:
Agassiz-Harrison Museum & Visitor Centre
Volunteer Contact: Maria Martins – Manager
604-796-3545