Volunteer
You have unique skills, an interest in giving back, and a passion for culture and learning. Now, put your talents to work by joining our vibrant volunteer community.
Since 1887, volunteers have provided essential support to the museum. From Archives to Zoology and everything in between, they are active across all our departments and highly valued. In 2024-25 fiscal year, 225+ active volunteers contributed 22,000 hours of their time.
Why volunteer at the museum?
- Share your unique knowledge and experience with others
- Help further access to arts, culture and education for people across BC
- Build partnerships across the museum and with the public
- Join an exciting, rewarding community of passionate individuals
Areas of volunteering
Administration
The museum requires administrative support among Volunteer Services and the Marketing, Communications and Business Development department. These volunteers help us grow our reach and further our mission to make our education and programs accessible around the globe.
Front of House
For many visitors, the first person they see at the museum is a volunteer at our Information Desk or Lobby. These volunteers are hosts and ambassadors who provide museum information, wayfinding and support for diverse audiences.
Learning
Our 120+ learning team volunteers are eager to inspire—and get inspired by—visitors of all ages. They lead school programs and tours and help out at public or community outreach events. These team players are eager to engage and educate the public.
Collections
Volunteers supporting our collections and archives help in a wide variety of areas based on current projects. Activities may include assisting with data entry, sorting and preparing specimens, maintenance, and packing objects for moving and storage.
RBCM Foundation
Royal BC Museum Foundation volunteers play a variety of roles. Royal Museum Shop visitors may help customers at the point of sale or receive merchandise. Volunteers also assist the Foundation’s Finance office and serve on the Foundation board to set policy and direction.
Volunteer expectations
We’re committed to supporting and training you throughout your role, where you can expect guidance and supervision to help you perform duties with confidence and skill. After all, volunteering is an opportunity for you to learn new skills and discover hidden talents.
In return, we expect all volunteers to understand and support the Royal BC Museum’s mission and vision, and act as ambassadors for the museum in the community.
Our shared values are accountability, community, creativity, diversity, partnerships and service. Volunteers are expected to maintain high professional standards during shifts.
Our volunteer community
We truly appreciate the hard work and thousands of shifts our volunteers put in every year.
Volunteers are celebrated through our celebrations of National Volunteer Week in April, International Volunteer Day on Dec. 5, and our annual volunteer recognition and awards event.
We also have an active Volunteer Association comprised of 11 new and experienced volunteers. They provide a bimonthly Link newsletter, hold monthly meetings with guest speakers, and organize excursions and socials.
Becoming a volunteer
Prospective volunteers begin by filling out an application form. We receive a high volume of applications and appreciate your patience while we process your form.
We are also pleased to work with schools in our community to coordinate volunteers.
We want you to have a rewarding, enjoyable experience! To achieve this, we carefully match your interests and skills with suitable opportunities. Since we have a high volume of applicants, some positions may not be available when you apply. We keep all volunteer applications on file for two years and will contact you as soon as a position with a good fit becomes available.
When a suitable position arises, you will be asked to meet with museum staff, sometimes more than once, to see if the assignment is of interest and suits your needs and experience.
We encourage you to consider carefully whether the position and time commitment are a good fit for you. Volunteers are expected to commit to a minimum of six months—although some have been with us for many years!
Prospective volunteers with a background in research at museums, archives or educational institutions may be placed on an individual basis depending on their specific knowledge, skills and interests. Please contact Volunteer services for more information.
Once accepted as a volunteer, we will provide a written job description and schedule your orientation and training. Depending on the position, initial training may range from one half-day session to several months.
How to apply
It’s easy! Complete an online application that tells us about your background, interests and skills, past experiences and education, availability and any accessibility needs.
Apply online now
Applications are processed through the BetterImpact platform. You will have to create a user account to submit your form.
Applications can also be picked up at the museum’s Volunteer Services office or Box Office during business hours.
For volunteers aged 19+ we require two references and a Criminal Record Check. For volunteers under the age of 19 a minor consent form is required.