Volunteer Program
• + Frequently asked questions
• + Volunteer positions available
• + Work experience
• + Register to volunteer

What do volunteers do at the Powerhouse Museum?
Volunteers assist in a variety of departments, both with ‘Visitor Services’ and ‘Behind the Scenes’, below are some of the most common:

Powerhouse Visitor Services volunteers Powerhouse Visitor Services volunteers provide services to Museum visitors or to groups in the community via the outreach program. They support the public program activities of the Education and Program Development department by greeting visitors and taking orientation walks; conducting tours; giving exhibition, object and special event talks and assisting with school holiday programs and demonstrations; assisting staff with education briefings and education packages and assisting groups with teacher guided visits; assisting people with a disability or frail aged visitors, meeting and greeting booked adult groups including those with special needs.

Powerhouse Discovery Centre volunteers
The Powerhouse Discovery Centre volunteers are a critical and valued component of the Discovery Centre, assisting the site team - in particular the Education and Volunteers Coordinator - to deliver a diverse range of public access programs and activities including tours, talks, school group visits and education and school holiday and public programs. These include monthly public open days and quarterly community field day events.

Observatory Visitor Services volunteers
Observatory Visitor Services volunteers meet and greet visitors and provide directions to facilities, conducts tours of the exhibition and site for the general visitor, where possible assist with after hours events and provide assistance with mail-outs and to the Curator when required. Standing, walking, talking and listening are major components of these positions, so Observatory volunteers need to be able to physically meet the demands of the work.

Behind the Scenes
Behind the Scenes volunteers support staff in work that happens outside the public areas of the Museum in a wide range of departments including; Education and Program Development, Curatorial, Registration, Conservation, Photography, Design, Print Media Production, Audio Visual, and Information Technology. Their work involves clerical and administration support, assistance with conservation, research work and cataloguing.

What qualifications and experience do I need?
Volunteers come from all range of backgrounds and age groups, but are united by a love of science and design, coupled with a keenness to learn and be a part of the team at the Powerhouse Museum. Some people prefer to use their existing skills in their volunteer work, whilst others elect to develop new skills and assist in areas where they have an interest but no prior work experience. Some sections require a degree of experience of their volunteers, however this depends upon the task being performed.

What kind of time commitment do I need to make as a volunteer? Volunteers are asked to make a commitment of at least 12 months, one day per week (or one weekend per month). There are occasional projects where volunteers may be recruited to work for much shorter terms, these projects will be clearly advertised on the opportunities page.

Can I volunteer any day?
It depends upon the voluntary role you take up. Most 'visitor services’ roles are available 7 days a week. 'Behind the scenes' roles are only available on weekdays.

Why is the process to become a PHM volunteer so lengthy?
The Powerhouse Museum is lucky enough to have many people interested in a volunteer role. We receive a large number of applications for each of our sites. Our processes help us to get to know you, and for you to get to know the museum, to see whether this is the right place for you to volunteer. Our induction also makes sure that those that do get accepted into the program are given all the information they need to effectively and safely carry out their volunteer role.

What training is provided?
Visitor Services volunteers must commit to a three day induction course, covering such topics as customer service, basics of museum interpretation and education, Museum content and taking guided tours. Behind the scenes volunteers are provided orientation training and then trained on the job by their supervisors.

Is there ongoing training?
Yes - we have an extensive training and professional development program to support volunteers in their role and allow them to experience all areas of the museum.

Does the Powerhouse Museum provide travel assistance to its volunteers?
No, it does not. We ask you to carefully consider the financial impact that regular attendance at the Museum will have your on own budget.

Am I covered for insurance while volunteering with the Museum?
Volunteers are fully covered by appropriate insurance coverage when volunteering at the Museum. All volunteers must complete the Volunteer Registration form and fill out the attendance sheets each time they work at the Museum, so they are covered in case of an accident.

Volunteer Recognition and Benefits

To find out more please contact one of Powerhouse Museum's Volunteer Services team at volunteercentre@phm.gov.au

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