WHO WE ARE  
Opened in 1914 and welcoming over 1.3 million visitors annually, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is Canada's most-visited museum, ranking among the top 10 cultural institutions in North America. At ROM, we are dedicated to building and sharing global collections, sharing knowledge, inspiring learning, and fostering community engagement. As a globally recognized field research institute, ROM houses an impressive collection of over 18 million artworks, cultural objects, and natural history specimens, showcased in over 40 galleries and exhibition spaces. We are committed to creating a space where art, culture, and nature intersect, connecting people and communities to the past, present and shared future.

The Hands-on Galleries at ROM are vibrant, interactive spaces where children, families, and curious learners of all ages connect with nature, science, and creativity through touch, play, and conversation.

Supported by a dedicated community of over 200 volunteers, the galleries offer immersive experiences across three unique learning environments:

• The Life in Crisis: Schad Gallery of Biodiversity

• Keenan Family Gallery of Hands-on Biodiversity

• WonderWorks Gallery

Volunteer Facilitators play a vital role in welcoming visitors, sparking curiosity, and making complex ideas accessible through one-on-one engagement with specimens, museum objects, storytelling, and guided play. Whether demonstrating proper handling techniques at touch tables, helping a child build a dinosaur out of magnets, or exploring biodiversity in the Earth Rangers Studio, our volunteers help bring the ROM experience to life — one conversation at a time.

This is an ideal opportunity for individuals who enjoy working with the public, especially families and children, in a high-energy, inclusive, and meaningful environment.

WHO WE NEED
The Hands-on Galleries are interactive learning environments used by families, school groups, tourists and day camps who are seeking a multi-sensory, hands-on experience. The museum relies on knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff and volunteers who interact with visitors and promote our educational themes and activities. Volunteer Facilitators assist visitors in using the gallery to its full advantage by providing a welcoming and inviting atmosphere and facilitating with specimens at workstations with activity boxes and touch tables. As a team, Gallery Engagement staff and volunteers work together to enhance the museum’s mission to create knowledge, inspire learning, encourage gathering and spark exchange.


HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

• Interacting with visitors – creating a welcoming atmosphere, introducing visitors to the interactive elements within the galleries.
• Specimen handling & conservation – at touch tables or carts, demonstrating preferred object handling techniques, managing group behaviours and preventing loss/damage.
• Tidying, replenishing supplies for gallery activities.
• Reporting issues to staff/coordinators.

WHAT YOU BRING 

• Customer service – being approachable, initiating conversations with visitors.
• Educational background in a museum-related field (biology, ecology, anthropology, history, etc.).
• Comfort with crowds is essential.
• Science communication/public speaking.
• Confidence with written and oral communication in English is necessary; other spoken languages are assets.
• Experience working with children.
• Willing to undergo Vulnerable Sector Check process (reimbursement available).
• Familiarity with Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (note: training will be provided).

WHAT TO EXPECT 

Application & Selection Process: 

1. Apply Online: Submit your online application for ongoing consideration.
2. Interview: Selected applicants will be invited to a 30-minute interview (conducted in-person) with coordinators of the Hands-on Galleries. This conversation will focus on your experience, interests, and alignment with the role. 
3. Conditional Offer & Screening: Candidates receiving a conditional offer will be required to complete a criminal background check via a third-party service before receiving an official placement. 
4. Training Program: Accepted volunteers must complete a mandatory training program, with full details provided upon acceptance.

Training & Time Commitment: 

Training is vital for volunteer success in the Hands-on Galleries. Volunteers are always supported by staff in the galleries and supervised by coordinators in the gallery offices. We seek to inspire curiosity in our visitors and always welcome questions from volunteers: 

• Volunteers must attend a mandatory, 4-hour orientation session, which includes training around:
  • museum policies and procedures
  • customer service best practices
  • collections handling
  •  facilitation techniques
     
• Over the first 10 shifts, new volunteers are paired with permanent staff and experienced volunteers to work through training modules focused on:
  •  building confidence with gallery content
  • accessibility
  • emergency preparedness
  • communication skills

Time Commitment:

• 1 shift per week, 4 hours per shift; OR 1 shift biweekly (weekends only), 4 hours per shift.
• Occasional holiday Mondays, evenings or night shifts available.
• One-year commitment minimum.

Volunteer Facilitators are the face of the museum: 

• No cellphone usage in the galleries, no headphones or earbuds.
• Follow dress code guidelines. Volunteer vest, ID badge and lanyard provided by the museum to be easily identifiable by visitors and staff.
• Arrive on time for scheduled shift starts.
• Missed shifts to be rescheduled with make-up dates in a timely fashion.

VOLUNTEER TERMS 

• START DATE: Ongoing
• TIME COMMITMENT: 1-YEAR
• OPEN DATE: September 11, 2025 
• CLOSE DATE: Open until filled
• STATUS: Volunteer Opportunity (unpaid)
• DEPARTMENT:  WonderWorks & Hands-on Biodiversity Galleries
• LOCATION (onsite): Toronto, ON

BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING IN THIS ROLE:

• Hands-on experience in a museum setting.
• Building skills/confidence in communication and public speaking.
• Helping visitors and families create positive, memorable museum experiences, inspire curiosity and seed passion for life-long learning.
• Join a community of over 150 volunteers with a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences.
• Access to the museum, an annual allotment of free tickets to share with friends and family.
• Museum ID provides access to free or discounted admission to reciprocal partners through Attractions Ontario.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, & ACCESSIBILITY 
At ROM, we embrace diversity in our exhibitions, communities, and teams. We encourage applications from racialized persons, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, and those who can further diversify our ideas. We are committed to equitable opportunities and a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Apply today and help us create a collaborative, diverse, inclusive, and equitable space where creativity and learning flourish. 
 
We welcome and accommodate candidates with disabilities throughout the selection process. Please get in touch with us at [email protected] for assistance.

APPLY NOW

Join us today to help create a collaborative, inclusive space where discovery and imagination thrive — and where every visitor leaves with a sense of wonder.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Please note that all candidates receiving a verbal offer will be subject to a standard criminal background check.

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