Visitors from around the world flock to our three permanent, interactive galleries at the ROM. Our hands-on galleries depend on a team of over 200 dedicated volunteers who engage visitors in various ways. This is an excellent volunteer opportunity for people who enjoy working with children in a fun and immersive environment.
The Life in Crisis: Schad Gallery of Biodiversity
The Schad Gallery engages with visitors with a “hands-on” approach using museum specimens to talk about the diversity of life on the planet and the challenges facing its conservation. These conversations happen in Earth Rangers Studio – where volunteers and staff welcome learners to explore topics such as biodiversity, migration, coral reefs, and beyond.
For more information, visit the Schad Gallery web page.
Keenan Family Gallery of Hands-on Biodiversity
Volunteer facilitators engage with visitors (mainly families and school groups) using activity stations, interactive components and museum objects. From the beehive to the touch tables, this environment offers a range of opportunities for volunteers to explore museum education principles in real-time, grow interpersonal skills, and learn science communication.
For further information, visit the Hands-on Biodiversity web page.
WonderWorks Gallery
The WonderWorks Gallery is an open play-based learning space where children and families engage with a variety of play spaces, including puzzles, a story nook, and interactive opportunities that foster imagination and creativity. From building a dinosaur to creating a flower out of magnets, our volunteer facilitators engage with families through play, storytelling, and encouraging visitors to make connections with others in the space.
For additional information, visit the WonderWorks webpage.
Volunteers will:
- Work alongside other volunteers and staff as a team, ensuring the gallery meets its goal of providing fun, hands-on learning experiences.
- Engage directly with the public with learning tools, i.e. discovery boxes, activities, play stations, storytelling, and specimens.
- Welcome school groups, visitors, and families of varying interests and abilities through excellent customer service
- Engage with visitors in lively, often busy environments.
- Learn new things on-the-go through experiential learning and open-ended play.
Qualifications
- Applicants must be 18 or older and have a High School Diploma. University Degree, or working on a university degree, is considered an asset
- Able to make a consistent commitment of one four-hour shift every week for one year including the summer months and holidays
- Previous experience working with children is essential
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- 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
- Enthusiasm for educational museum work, experiential education and volunteering with children