About the Museum 

The multi-award-winning National Wool Museum (Museum) focuses on the cultural life of Australians as told through the wool, fibre and textile story. Operated by the City of Greater Geelong, it is housed within the c1872 landmark Dennys Lascelles Woolstores bridging Central Geelong and the waterfront districts.

The 30-Year Vision for the Museum will see it transform into the Museum of and for Geelong. Since 2010, we have has broadened our programming to explore all facets of the region's rich history, and post industrial transformation. Wool, fibre and textiles will continue to be at the heart of the museum as well as exploring the themes of Human Endeavour, Our relationships (People and Environment) and the Future of Geelong. 

The Museum is fully accredited through the Museum Accreditation Program (MAP) of the Australian Museums and Galleries Association (AMaGA) Victoria. 

Volunteering at the Museum

Our Honorary Staff (volunteers) play a vital role in the operation of the Museum by:

• providing excellence in customer service to visitors
• offering appropriate information on the Museum’s displays, temporary exhibitions, and the history of the Geelong region
• working closely with the Museum team to deliver an engaging visitor experience.

Position responsibilities

The Museum Volunteer will work under supervision on the following tasks:

1. Interact with National Wool Museum visitors to provide a human face to the museum.
2. Work closely with staff and other volunteers to ensure visitors enjoy the time they spend in the museum.
3. Assist visitors in a professional manner and assist in leading groups of visitors through the museum when required (all ages).
4. Assist in special programs, events and displays as required or requested. 
5. Maintain a knowledge of all temporary exhibitions.
6. Attend National Wool Museum volunteer training, meetings, and information sessions as required.
7. Be an ambassador of the Museum through commitment to the Museum’s aims, principles & values.
8. Neat presentation including dressing in smart casual attire and wear the Museum’s name badge provided.
9. Adhere to National Wool Museum Honorary Staff Procedures, Code of Conduct and Council's policies and procedures relevant to this position. 

Our purpose

Working together for a thriving community

Our values

• Champion each other
  We support, uplift, and celebrate each other to build a safer, more inclusive workplace and community.

• Be brave
  We speak up, make difficult decisions, and lean into the tough stuff to make a bigger impact.
• Share the why
  We listen, actively share information, and explain the why behind decisions to build trust and transparency.
• Find a better way
  We challenge the status quo, learn from one another, and remove barriers to deliver simpler, more sustainable solutions for our customers.

Risk Management and Occupational Health & Safety responsibilities

• Understand and comply with Council OHS policies, procedures and legislative requirements relevant to the position.
• Perform work in a safe and appropriate manner.
• Ensure behaviour does not discriminate, bully or harass others.
• Take responsibility for one's own safety and that of others.
• Proactively report any incidents, injuries, hazards or unsafe work practices.

The following general physical and functional requirements may apply to this position. Specific physical requirements will be attached if applicable.

• Prolonged periods of sitting and standing.
• Dealing with difficult clients and situations.

Child safe

City of Greater Geelong policies, procedures and training support employees, volunteers and contractors to achieve child safe practices.

The City is committed to:

1. preventing child abuse occurring within our services, programs and facilities
2. creating an organisational culture of child safety
3. setting clear expectations of employees, volunteers and contractors as to what is required to keep children safe
4. ensuring employees, volunteers, contractors are clear about their responsibilities when they suspect abuse of a child
5. ensuring all suspected abuse is reported and fully investigated.

Diversity and inclusion

The City of Greater Geelong recognises the value of the diversity and strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures to the heritage of all Australians and encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.

Key selection criteria

1. Ability to positively interact with people from a range of age groups, backgrounds and demographics and the ability to provide excellent customer service.
2. Good verbal communication, listening and public speaking skills. Ability to gauge the needs and interests of visitors and respond accordingly.
3. Ability to attend on rostered day(s) and time(s); available shifts vary due to special programs and events.
4. Be able to safely carry out all duties and responsibilities of the role (where possible appropriate support and adjustments will be made to accommodate additional needs).
5. Ability and willingness to work flexibly and cooperatively within a team and respond to guidance from Museum staff.
6. Current Working with Children Check (employee or volunteer card) or Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) registration.
7. National Police Check (to be initiated by the City of Greater Geelong).

Desirable 

8. Experience in a similar role at a cultural institution or previous experience in the wool or textile industry.
9. Creative skills or wool craft experience.
10. Fluency in a language other than English and/ or Auslan.

Rostering

• A volunteer commits to a regular shift as set with the Programs Manager during operational hours.
• The museum is open 10am – 5pm seven days a week including public holidays except Good Friday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
• A minimum of one shift per week/fortnight is preferred. The shift length is 3.5 hours long at either 10:00am to 1:30pm or 1:30pm to 5:00pm.

Additional information

• You will need to supply the details of two referees - one personal referee and one professional referee if you have been employed within the last five years. Please supply names and contact details on your application form.
• The City of Greater Geelong provides personal injury cover under our Personal Injury Insurance and therefore volunteers can work up to 90 years of age.
• Animals and/or children cannot accompany volunteers during their shift unless they are Seeing Eye or Assistance Dogs.

Training and additional requirements 

• All volunteers are required to complete induction training and a site visit prior to beginning their volunteer role. Volunteers will gain an understanding of the Museum's mission and goals so they can become a valuable representative of Museum.
• From time-to-time Museum Volunteers will be required to acquire new skills to fulfil their role. Volunteers are expected to show a willingness to participate in any training and learning that supports the provision of new skills & knowledge.

How to apply

Applications for this position should be submitted using our on-line form:

Need to know more...

If you require further information regarding this position, please contact the Programs Manager at the National Wool Museum on 03 5272 5053 or email [email protected]