Wolston Farmhouse - National Trust Volunteer Program

Education Program Support Volunteers assist the Education Officer in delivering Wolston Farmhouse’s schools program. The team conducts tailored educational programs about the site’s history to a diverse range of students and educative groups.

The person who undertakes this role should be receptive to working with children, be friendly and engaging, and  be able to work independently and in a team environment. Volunteers in this role may also serve as Property Tour Guides.

WHAT ARE THE TASKS?

• Support the Education Officer to deliver the education program, including conducting tours, historical skills demonstrations, and hands-on learning exercises.
• Answer student and teacher queries about the property and collection, from fact sheets and training materials provided,
• Answer general enquiries, including directions to facilities and information about bookings and events,
• Communicate the vibrant history of the site, including First Nations histories, and students with a sense of appreciation of the site’s value,
• Communicate clearly with the Heritage Site Manager and other NTAQ staff about potential issues, hazards, or disruptions to guest experiences, or risks to the property or collection,
• Pending ability, we may also request that you assist with other duties such as tidying, reporting maintenance issues, and other light domestic and administrative tasks.

WHAT SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS DO I NEED?

• Be able to communicate in an age-appropriate manner to a diverse group of students,
• Be comfortable with talking to people from all walks of life in a friendly and welcoming manner, treating everyone with respect and politeness,
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills,
• Be physically able to perform the role outlined, or communicate useful accommodations and adjustments to the Heritage Site Manager
• Demonstrate a willingness to adapt, adhere to new policies and procedures, and undertake any associated training,
• Agree to comply with all company policies and procedures,
• Have basic computer literacy and access to email communications,
• Be committed to representing the values and supporting the causes of the NTAQ.

WHEN CAN I VOLUNTEER?

We request a commitment of at least 1 x five-hour shift each week, subject to operational requirements. This includes a morning tea and lunch break during your shift. Induction and training will be provided.

Shifts:    Education Program Support Volunteer shifts are during weekdays during school hours, and are subject to school bookings. If you are not available on weekdays you may wish to consider applying as an Property Tour Guide, or Event Support Volunteer.

Garden Group Volunteers undertake general garden and grounds maintenance with the aim to re-establish the historic gardens of Wolston Farmhouse. This is a dedicated but fun group of specialised volunteers who are avid gardeners and work alongside other volunteers to beautify the property and reinforce the historical significance of the grounds.

WHAT ARE THE TASKS?

• Undertaking a variety of general gardening tasks,
• Curate and maintain the historic nature of the property’s gardens and grounds,
• Communicate clearly with the Heritage Site Manager and other NTAQ staff about potential issues, hazards, or disruptions to guest experiences, or risk to the property or collection,
• Pending ability, we may also request that you assist with other duties such as tidying, reporting maintenance issues, and other light domestic and administrative tasks.

WHAT SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS DO I NEED?

• Enthusiasm and skills in gardening and garden maintenance, or the ability to work with established volunteers to gain relevant skills,
• The ability to be polite and respectful towards fellow NTAQ staff and volunteers, and guests to the property,
• Confidence in working independently as well as in a team,
• Be physically able to perform the role outlined, or communicate useful accommodations and adjustments to the Heritage Site Manager
• Demonstrate a willingness to adapt, adhere to new policies and procedures, and undertake any associated training,
• Agree to comply with all company policies and procedures,
• Have basic computer literacy and access to email communications,
• Be committed to representing the values and supporting the causes of the NTAQ.

WHEN CAN I VOLUNTEER?

We request a commitment of at least 1 x five-hour shift each week, subject to operational requirements. This includes a morning tea and lunch break during your shift. Induction and training will be provided.

Shifts:  The Garden Group generally meet Wednesdays from 9:00 am to 2.00 pm but occasionally organise outings to other gardens.

Collection Care Volunteers work with the Wolston Farmhouse collection, ensuring objects are cleaned, presented appropriately, and report any damage or theft to our valuable collection.

The person who undertakes this role must have a keen eye for detail, a steady hand, and a cautious approach to cleaning objects in the collection.

WHAT ARE THE TASKS?

• Under direction from the Heritage Site Manager, you will clean and maintain the objects and items in the Museum’s collection,
• Perform oversight of the collection and report any concerns to the Heritage Site Manager,
• Ensure the Museum collection is properly displayed and organised,
• Communicate clearly with the Heritage Site Manager and other NTAQ staff about potential issues, hazards, or disruptions to guest experiences, or risks to the property or collection,
• Pending ability, we may also request that you assist with other duties such as tidying, reporting maintenance issues, and other light domestic and administrative tasks.

WHAT SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS DO I NEED?

• A sound understanding of cleaning products and their impacts on different materials, and the ability to take direction from the Heritage Site Manager
• The ability to be polite and respectful towards fellow NTAQ staff and volunteers, and guests to the property,
• Confidence in working independently as well as in a team,
• Be physically able to perform the role outlined, or communicate useful accommodations and adjustments to the Heritage Site Manager
• Demonstrate a willingness to adapt, adhere to new policies and procedures, and undertake any associated training,
• Agree to comply with all company policies and procedures,
• Have basic computer literacy and access to email communications,
• Be committed to representing the values and supporting the causes of the NTAQ.

WHEN CAN I VOLUNTEER?

We request a commitment of 1 x five-hour shift each week, subject to operational requirements. This includes a morning tea and lunch break during your shift. Induction and training will be provided.

Shifts:   The Collection Care team generally meet Wednesdays from 9:00 am to 2.00 pm. Other shifts may be available subject to the site management schedule.

Research and Admin Support Volunteers assist the Heritage Site Manager to research, interpret, and communicate the history of Wolston Farmhouse and its collection, to ensure the significance of the site and its surrounding area are understood.

This role would suit those with an avid interest in research, in particular historical research, and would be particularly suited to university students undertaking degrees in Arts, Museum Studies, or Cultural Heritage degrees.

WHAT ARE THE TASKS?

• Undertake historical research of the site, the Farmhouse, and the collection,
• Produce interpretive and didactic materials to contribute to the collection’s display and interpretation,
• Produce scripts for tours, and contribute to the development of the Education Program materials,
• Liaise with First Nations Education Officer to facilitate research on the site’s Indigenous history,
• Communicate clearly with the Heritage Site Manager and other NTAQ staff about potential issues, hazards, or disruptions to guest experiences, or risks to the property or collection,
• Pending ability, we may also request that you assist with other duties such as tidying, reporting maintenance issues, and other light domestic and administrative tasks.

WHAT SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS DO I NEED?

• Experience undertaking historical research, such as university study, and the ability to communicate research to a diverse audience,
• The ability to be polite and respectful towards fellow NTAQ staff and volunteers, and guests to the property,
• Confidence in working independently as well as in a team,
• Be physically able to perform the role outlined, or communicate useful accommodations and adjustments to the Heritage Site Manager
• Demonstrate a willingness to adapt, adhere to new policies and procedures, and undertake any associated training,
• Agree to comply with all company policies and procedures,
• Have basic computer literacy and access to email communications,
• Be committed to representing the values and supporting the causes of the NTAQ.

WHEN CAN I VOLUNTEER?

We request a commitment of at least 1 x five-hour shift each week, subject to operational requirements. This includes a morning tea and lunch break during your shift. Induction and training will be provided.

Shifts:   Shift times will be determined by the availability of the Heritage Site Manager, and will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.

Grounds and Maintenance Volunteers are involved with general maintenance of the garden and other grounds, and general property maintenance.

This role would suit retired or semi-retired tradespeople, or skilled, self-taught handy-people.

WHAT ARE THE TASKS?

• Undertake routine maintenance work and repairs under direction from the Heritage Manager and Heritage Site Manager,
• Undertake regular lawn and grounds maintenance, such as mowing, weeding, filling, and tidying,
• Undertake specialised maintenance and repair projects relative to skill sets and under direction from the Heritage Manager and Heritage Site Manager,

• Work with Garden Group volunteers to maintain the historic nature of the property’s gardens and its grounds,
• Communicate clearly with the Heritage Site Manager and other NTAQ staff about potential issues, hazards, or disruptions to guest experiences, or risks to the property or collection,
• Pending ability, we may also request that you assist with other duties such as tidying, reporting maintenance issues, and other light domestic and administrative tasks.

WHAT SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS DO I NEED?

• Enthusiasm and skills in maintenance and repairs, or the ability to work with established volunteers to gain relevant skills,
• The ability to be polite and respectful towards fellow NTAQ staff and volunteers, and guests to the property,
• Confidence in working independently as well as in a team,
• Be physically able to perform the role outlined, or communicate useful accommodations and adjustments to the Heritage Site Manager
• Demonstrate a willingness to adapt, adhere to new policies and procedures, and undertake any associated training,
• Agree to comply with all company policies and procedures,
• Have basic computer literacy and access to email communications,
• Be committed to representing the values and supporting the causes of the NTAQ.

WHEN CAN I VOLUNTEER?

We request a commitment of at least 1 x five-hour shift each week, subject to operational requirements. This includes a morning tea and lunch break during your shift. Induction and training will be provided.

Shifts:  The Grounds and Maintenance team meet Wednesdays from 9:00 am to 2.00 pm. Other shifts may be available subject to the site management schedule.

Property Tour Guide Volunteers welcome guests from diverse backgrounds, answer questions about the property, and conduct site tours designed to share the history of the property and collection. The primary aim is to ensure guests to get the maximum enjoyment possible from their visit.

To undertake this role, you should have exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, a welcoming nature, and be able to work both independently and in a team environment. Volunteers in this role may also serve as an Education Program Support Volunteer.

WHAT ARE THE TASKS?

• Work as part of a small team of friendly Property Tour Guides, to provide short property tours for our guests, to showcase the property and collection,
• Answer guest queries about the property and collection, from fact sheets and training materials provided,
• Perform Front of House duties, including ticket sales through our Point-of-Sale system,
• Answer general enquiries about guests’ visits, including direction to facilities and information about bookings and events,

• Communicate the vibrant history of the site, including First Nations histories, and leave guests with a sense of appreciation of the site’s value,
• Communicate clearly with the Heritage Site Manager and other NTAQ staff about potential issues, hazards, or disruptions to guest experiences, or risk to the property or collection,
• Pending ability, we may also request that you assist with other duties such as tidying, reporting maintenance issues, and other light domestic and administrative tasks.

WHAT SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS DO I NEED?

• Be comfortable with talking to people from all walks of life in a friendly and welcoming manner, treating everyone with respect and politeness,
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills,
• Be physically able to perform the role outlined, or communicate useful accommodations and adjustments to the Heritage Site Manager
• Demonstrate a willingness to adapt, to adhere to new policies and procedures, and undertake any associated training,
• Agree to comply with all company policies and procedures,
• Have basic computer literacy and access to email communications,
• Be committed to represent the values and support the causes of the NTAQ.

WHEN CAN I VOLUNTEER?

We request a commitment of at least 1 x five-hour shift each week, subject to operational requirements. This includes a morning tea and lunch break during your shift. Induction and training will be provided.

Shifts:    Property Tour Guide Volunteers will predominantly be required on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays). Weekday shifts may be requested in the event of group bookings. If you are not available on weekends you may wish to consider applying as an Education Program Support Volunteer.

Farmhouse Events and Function Volunteers support the Heritage Site Manager for large event bookings, such as Weddings, and Farmhouse Open Days.

The person who undertakes this role must have a friendly and welcoming nature, be able to work independently and in a team environment, take direction well, and possess exceptional interpersonal skills.

WHAT ARE THE TASKS?

• Under direction from the Heritage Site Manager, you will perform a variety of duties relating to Farmhouse events and their organisation. These may include front of house management, including ticket sales through our Point-of-Sale system, venue reception, invigilating the house and collection during public openings,
• Answer general enquiries about guests’ visits, including direction to facilities and information about bookings and events,
• Communicate clearly with the Heritage Site Manager and other NTAQ staff about potential issues, hazards, or disruptions to guest experiences, or risk to the property or collection,
• Pending ability, we may also request that you assist with other duties such as tidying, reporting maintenance issues, and other light domestic and administrative tasks.

WHAT SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS DO I NEED?

• Be organised and take direction well,
• Be comfortable with talking to people from all walks of life in a friendly and welcoming manner, treating everyone with respect and politeness,
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills,
• Be physically able to perform the role outlined, or communicate useful accommodations and adjustments to the Heritage Site Manager
• Demonstrate a willingness to adapt, to adhere to new policies and procedures, and undertake any associated training,
• Agree to comply with all company policies and procedures,
• Have basic computer literacy and access to email communications,
• Be committed to represent the values and support the causes of the NTAQ.

WHEN CAN I VOLUNTEER?

Your commitment will be subject to our operational requirements when Events are scheduled. Induction and training will be provided.

Shifts: Shift times and dates will be determined by event bookings.