Title:         Learning Volunteer

Location: Tring, Hertfordshire

About the Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum (NHM) is a world-class visitor attraction and leading science research centre and commercial event space.  We use our unique collections and unrivalled expertise to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world today.  We care for more than 80 million objects, both in our London and Tring museums, spanning billions of years and welcome more than five million visitors annually. 

We are at a pivotal moment in our history, as we launch a new strategy setting out our role as the natural world faces increasing threats.  Building on our world-leading collection, global reputation for science and as one of the world’s leading visitor attractions, the NHM has ambitious plans leading up to its 150^th anniversary in 2031 making this a truly exciting time to be part of the NHM team.

About the Natural History Museum at Tring

The Natural History Museum at Tring was once the personal collection of Lionel Walter, the second Lord Rothschild. Upon Lord Rothschild’s death in 1937, the Museum and his collections were presented to the Nation to become part of the Natural History Museum.

The Museum is a hidden gem, with over 4000 specimens on display, the NHM bird collection onsite and a historic building. Set in Tring, Hertfordshire the Museum is a national museum on a local scale. We welcome 150,000 visitors a year and 8,000 school students. We aim to provide an inspiring and excellent experience for all visitors.

Diversity and Inclusion

We welcome applications from everyone – diversity, inclusion and the feeling of belonging matters to us.  By attracting people to volunteer for us from a broad range of diverse backgrounds we can continue to look at the world with fresh eyes and find new ways of doing things.  We offer a stimulating and professional environment in which to volunteer. This is a remarkable place we look for volunteers who can volunteer according to our values – we champion diversity, encourage creativity, we are connected, and we value evidence.

Role Purpose

The Learning Volunteer Programme offers anyone over the age of 18 and from any background the support and training to develop their confidence, skills and knowledge to interact with our visitors, through a range of hands-on learning activities. Our Learning Volunteer activities bring Museum specimens into our galleries and exhibitions to support visitors of all ages to investigate the natural world and create unforgettable experiences. More information about the Learning Volunteer Programme can be found on our website here: www.nhm.ac.uk/lvprecruit.

Role Summary

As part of a team, you will deliver hands on engagement with school and general visitors. There is a variety of activities such as roving with skulls and tabletop activities such as sorting insects or identifying bird adaptations. Alongside delivering activities you will be a face for the Museum, answering visitor questions and engaging in conversation. When delivering you may be with a partner or on your own. You will also help to shape the future of the programme, collaborating in developing new activities. The timings of this role are flexible, but core delivery times are between 10.00-14.30 Tues-Sun.

Main Tasks

• Engaging with families, adults and school children
• Delivering hands on activities
• Answering visitors questions
• Developing ideas for future activities

Person Specification

You will:

• Have a passion for natural history
• Be friendly, approachable and enjoy talking to children and adult visitors
• Have an interest in helping others to learn and talk about the natural world
• Be willing to be flexible and work effectively as part of a team

• Anyone over the age of 18 can join in; you do not need to have experience in science or education to take part

To apply

If this sounds like you, please apply online on the Natural History Museum’s volunteer portal and complete a short on-line application form.

Closing date for applications:   25th May

Welcome day: 3rd June

Induction day: 12th June

Spaces are limited but we will respond to all applications no later than 3rd June to advise if you have been successful. 

If you require any further information or wish to discuss the role, then please contact us via email volunteering@nhm.ac.uk  We aim to respond within 48 hours.   

Applicants will be shortlisted based solely on the information provided in the application form, so please say why you would like the role and why you are interested in the opportunity providing examples if necessary, to support your answers.