DIG Tour Support Volunteer
What Do DIG Tour Support Volunteers Do?
DIG Tour Support Volunteers engage and enthuse school & family visitors on our group tours to learn about archaeology and what it can uncover about our past. Volunteers assist our archaeologist tour guides on the ‘Uncover’ aspect of the DIG Tour, engaging visitors on our DIG Sites, replicas of four of YA’s significant excavations reflecting 2000 years of York’s archaeology.
Where Will I Be Volunteering?
DIG is a hands-on archaeological adventure where young explorers (recommended for ages 5–12) can become archaeologists for the day. Find out more at www.digyork.com.
Who Does the Role Suit?
Involvement in the Tour Support Volunteer role offers a fun and engaging way to share an interest in archaeology with a schools and family audience. It is ideal for anyone looking for experience of archaeological interpretation, teaching, or heritage education, as well as anyone with a passion for archaeology and a desire to inspire a love of the past in young people.
Skills & Interests
You don’t need guiding experience or historical knowledge but volunteers should:
- Have a passion for archaeology or education
- Be confident initiating conversation with children and adults
- Have a strong customer focus
- Enjoy being part of a team with other staff and volunteers
- Have a desire to contribute your enthusiasm and time to enhance visitor experience
- Want to support York Archaeology’s educational mission
Volunteer Tasks
- Offer increased engagement through assistance on group tours
- Deliver visitor interaction through additional activities on DIG Tours or in DIG’s ‘Explore’ gallery areas
- Provide support to staff leading the DIG tour
Induction, Training & Support
Video and written training materials are provided with all the information you need to get started. Before you get started as a DIG Tour Support Volunteer you will be offered opportunities to shadow a current volunteer or observe a DIG Tour. Throughout your volunteering with York Archaeology you will be supported by the Volunteering and Site Management teams
What Will I Gain from Volunteering?
Contribute to the work of York Archaeology : Our volunteers contribute to the work of our self-funded educational charity by helping us deliver a great visitor experience and engage people with the history and archaeology of York.
Meet new people : You will be part of a friendly team of volunteers and staff at DIG and get the opportunity to talk to visitors with a wide range of interests and backgrounds.
An inspiring place to volunteer : Our school and family visitors to DIG are making new discoveries as part of their wider learning. You will get an opportunity to share in their excitement as they explore the world of archaeology.
Learn something new : Volunteers will be given training on the archaeology of York represented in DIG and how to engage young visitors in inquiry-led learning.
An active routine that suits you : With flexible, self-selected volunteering sessions available volunteers will have a regular, social and fun activity to take part in that fits around their lives.
Hours & Involvement
Volunteers can get involved on a weekly or fortnightly basis for 2 hour sessions. You will be able to flexibly choose to sign up to accompany the tours that suit your availability best.
Uniform
You are welcome to wear your own smart casual clothing suitable for a professional museum environment when volunteering in this role, teamed with a YA Volunteer branded lanyard and ID badge. As the DIG Tour Support Volunteer role is an active one, comfortable clothing and footwear is recommended. We ask that you avoid some items of clothing such as ripped jeans or graphic t-shirts. Further guidance is available from the Volunteering Team. YA branded polo shirts and sweatshirts are available on request.
Further Information
York Archaeology is committed to reflecting the diversity of our audiences and reducing barriers to volunteering. If you are interested in volunteering but have questions, including about support or access needs, that you’d like to ask before applying please contact our friendly volunteering team by emailing volunteer@yorkat.co.uk
