Tring Learning Volunteer

About the Natural History Museum at Tring

The Natural History Museum Tring, Hertfordshire, 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 matter to us.

Our vision is of a future where both people and the planet thrive. Diversity is one of our core values and we strive to build a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging. All new staff who join us learn about the importance of diversity and inclusion to the Museum and how to contribute to creating an inclusive environment.

We know we have more to do, but we are committed to ensuring that everyone who works at the Museum feels they can thrive and feel valued and respected.

About the volunteer role

Learning Volunteers are a core part of our galleries and gardens here at the Natural History Museum in Tring, sharing their passion for nature and inspiring visitors. The Learning Volunteer Programme offers volunteers an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic team to share science and engage learners with fun activities that spark curiosity about the natural world.

The Learning Volunteer Programme offers individuals over the age of 18 the support and training to develop their confidence, teamwork, communication, and knowledge to interact with visitors through a range of learning activities, with the aim of creating 'advocates for the planet'.

There are a variety of activities, including roving with skulls and tabletop exercises such as sorting insects or identifying bird adaptations, and supporting public events.

The timings of this role are flexible, but core delivery times are between 10:00 - 14:30, Tuesday - Sunday.

About you

We are looking for individuals who can commit to volunteering at least 1 - 2 days a month. You will be delivering exciting specimen-based activities with visitors in our galleries and gardens, exploring different ways in which we can engage our visitors and supporting a strong connection to nature.

You will:

• Work well as part of a team
• Be willing to learn and help others learn about nature
• Be able to communicate with people from different backgrounds and ages
• Approach tasks creatively and enjoy supporting learning experiences

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.

Thriving at the Museum: the way we work

We are proud to work at the Museum and have identified the qualities we all need to embody to reach our shared ambition. This sits alongside the Museum’s values and forms the framework for the way we work.

Find out more here

What we offer

• Out of pocket travel and lunch expenses up to £15 a week
• 20% discount in the Museum shops and cafes
• Training and support to be confident in the role
• Access to inspirational lectures, and special events in South Kensington and Tring, and social events with other volunteers
• Free entry to affiliated museums and galleries
• Training and support to be confident in the role
• Free admission to our exhibitions and many other paid exhibitions at museums, galleries and institutions across the UK.
• Staff discount at our Museum shops and cafe

Due to the nature of this role the work pattern will be 100% on site.