About the Museum 

The multi-award-winning National Wool Museum (Museum) focuses on the cultural life of Australians as told through the wool fibre and textile story. Operated by the City of Greater Geelong it is housed within the c1872 landmark Dennys Lascelles Woolstores bridging Central Geelong and the waterfront districts.

The 30-Year Vision for the Museum will see it transform into the Museum of and for Geelong. Since 2010 we have has broadened our programming to explore all facets of the regions rich history and post industrial transformation. Wool fibre and textiles will continue to be at the heart of the museum as well as exploring the themes of Human Endeavour Our relationships (People and Environment) and the Future of Geelong. 

The Museum is fully accredited through the Museum Accreditation Program (MAP) of the Australian Museums and Galleries Association (AMaGA) Victoria. 

Volunteering at the Museum

Our Honorary Staff (volunteers) play a vital role in the operation of the Museum by:

• providing excellence in customer service to visitors
• offering appropriate information on the Museum’s displays temporary exhibitions and the history of the Geelong region
• working closely with the Museum team to deliver an engaging visitor experience.

Position responsibilities

The Museum Volunteer will work under supervision on the following tasks:

1. Interact with National Wool Museum visitors to provide a human face to the museum.
2. Work closely with staff and other volunteers to ensure visitors enjoy the time they spend in the museum.
3. Assist visitors in a professional manner and assist in leading groups of visitors through the museum when required (all ages).
4. Assist in special programs events and displays as required or requested. 
5. Maintain a knowledge of all temporary exhibitions.
6. Attend National Wool Museum volunteer training meetings and information sessions as required.
7. Assist in cleaning and maintaining gallery spaces as required to ensure a positive visitor experience.
8. Be an ambassador of the Museum through commitment to the Museum’s aims principles & values.
9. Neat presentation including dressing in smart casual attire and wear the Museum’s name badge provided.
10. Adhere to National Wool Museum Honorary Staff Procedures Code of Conduct and Councils policies and procedures relevant to this position. 

Values

Our values represent who we are and who we aspire to be. They are the tools to create the workplace culture we want. We are all accountable for this.

• Respect and encourage each other
• Create a healthy and safe environment for all
• Embrace new ideas and better ways to work
• Make people the centre of our business

Risk Management and Occupational Health & Safety responsibilities

• Understand and comply with Council OHS policies procedures and legislative requirements relevant to the position.
• Perform work in a safe and appropriate manner.
• Ensure behaviour does not discriminate bully or harass others.
• Take responsibility for ones own safety and that of others.
• Proactively report any incidents injuries hazards or unsafe work practices.

The following general physical and functional requirements may apply to this position. Specific physical requirements will be attached if applicable.

• Prolonged periods of sitting and standing.
• Dealing with difficult clients and situations.

Key selection criteria

1. Ability to positively interact with people from a range of age groups backgrounds and demographics and the ability to provide excellent customer service.
2. Good verbal communication listening and public speaking skills. Ability to gauge the needs and interests of visitors and respond accordingly.
3. Ability to attend on rostered day(s) and time(s); available shifts vary due to special programs and events.
4. Be able to safely carry out all duties and responsibilities of the role (where possible appropriate support and adjustments will be made to accommodate additional needs).
5. Ability and willingness to work flexibly and cooperatively within a team and respond to guidance from Museum staff.
6. Current Working with Children Check (employee or volunteer card).
7. National Police Check (to be initiated by the City of Greater Geelong).

Desirable 

8. Experience in a similar role at a cultural institution or previous experience in the wool or textile industry.
9. Creative skills or wool craft experience.
10. Fluency in a language other than English and/ or Auslan.

Rostering

• A volunteer commits to a regular shift as set with the Programs Manager during operational hours.
• The museum is open 10am – 5pm seven days a week including public holidays except Christmas Day Boxing Day and Good Friday.
• A minimum of one shift per week is preferred. The shift length is 3.5 hours long at either 10:00am to 1:30pm or 1:30pm to 5:00pm.

Additional information

• You will need to supply the details of two referees - one personal referee and one professional referee if you have been employed within the last five years. Please supply names and contact details on your application form.
• The City of Greater Geelong provides personal injury cover under our Personal Injury Insurance and therefore volunteers can work up to 90 years of age.
• Animals and/or children cannot accompany volunteers during their shift unless they are Seeing Eye or Assistance Dogs.
• All volunteers will receive a travel allowance of $5 per shift to contribute to parking expenses. 

Training and additional requirements 

• All volunteers are required to complete induction training and a site visit prior to beginning their volunteer role. Volunteers will gain an understanding of the Museums mission and goals so they can become a valuable representative of Museum.
• From time-to-time Museum Volunteers will be required to acquire new skills to fulfil their role. Volunteers are expected to show a willingness to participate in any training and learning that supports the provision of new skills & knowledge.

How to apply

Applications for this position should be submitted using our on-line form:

Need to know more...

If you require further information regarding this position please contact the Programs Manager at the National Wool Museum on 03 5272 4701 or email nwmeducation@geelongcity.vic.gov.au