Volunteer program

Volunteering at the Powerhouse Museum, Powerhouse Discovery Centre & Sydney Observatory
The upcoming year is full of diverse special exhibitions for the Powerhouse Museum including the Powerhouse Discovery Centre at Castle Hill and Sydney Observatory. Now is your chance to experience these and other exhibitions from the inside.

Over 250 Volunteers bring their enthusiasm and skill to shape a highly interactive Museum experience. They assist in both ‘Visitor Services’ and ‘Behind the Scenes’ areas. We value our volunteers, who play an important role in the life of the Museum. Volunteers actively involve the community in the mission and activities of the Museum. They bring vitality, interests, experience and skills to supporting the work of staff and they assist the Museum in maintaining its high standards of customer service. Our Volunteers’ contribution of time and talent is vital to the Museum’s success.

‘Visitor Services’ volunteers assist with the public programs and activities for school groups and the general public. They meet and greet visitors, take orientation tours, give special objects talks, brief school groups, meet booked groups and act as explainers in various exhibitions.

‘Behind the Scenes’ volunteers assist paid staff in work that happens away from the public areas of the museum in a variety of areas including collection research and curatorial assistance, registration or conservation (collection management), photography, exhibition development or design.

 

Application Process
The process of becoming a volunteer does take some time, it is important that there is a match between the skills of the volunteer and the position. Applications are collected throughout the year and are processed twice yearly, they are then sent to the relevant departments to determine if there is a suitable project or position.

Powerhouse Museum volunteers at Christmas party at Sydney Observatory
Volunteers lounge

Once placed in a position volunteers can take advantage of our continuing education programs, including free lectures, presentations, and tours. There are also Museum Shop discounts, annual recognition events, and the chance to constantly meet new people and make new friends. Volunteers also receive the Volunteer Newsletter, with behind-the-scenes articles about the museum, essential volunteer information, and spotlights on special exhibitions.

If you are over 16, enthusiastic and reliable and looking for a challenging and rewarding experience we hope to hear from you soon.