Gallery Interpreters (Volunteer Opportunity) at Royal Ontario Museum

Toronto, Ontario, Canada -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

27 Apr, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

27 Jan, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Communication, Interpersonal Skills, Visitor Engagement, Storytelling, Cultural Knowledge, Teamwork, Adaptability, Learning, Customer Service, Public Speaking, Object Handling, Flexibility, Passion for Arts, Passion for Science, Passion for Culture, Enthusiasm

Industry

Museums;Historical Sites;and Zoos

Description

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 Department of Museum Volunteers (DMV) plays an essential role in bringing the ROM experience to life. Our over 400 volunteers are passionate ambassadors of discovery, dedicated to enhancing the visitor experience through guided tours, wayfinding, educational outreach, shared enthusiasm for the collections, and much more. We are committed to supporting the Museum's mission to inspire learning, wonder, and deeper connections with our global heritage. WHO WE NEED We are seeking 10 insightful and approachable individuals to serve as Gallery Interpreters for Spring 2026. This is an unpaid volunteer role in the Department of Museum Volunteers at ROM. More than guides, you will be facilitators of curiosity. Recognizable by your distinctive red lab coat, you will use fascinating touchable objects to spark conversations and connections within our galleries. Your role is to ask the questions that lead visitors of all ages to their own discoveries, linking objects to the bigger stories of history, culture, and science. This volunteer role is perfect for someone who loves stories, both telling them and uncovering them in others. You are a listener first, eager to engage with people and share your enthusiasm for learning. By creating these welcoming and interactive moments, you will play a direct part in making the collections accessible and memorable, supporting our mission of public education and inspiration. HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT Use touchable objects and storytelling to lead interactive sessions that connect them to broader historical, cultural, and scientific themes. Answer visitor questions, offer directions to exhibitions and amenities, and provide tailored recommendations to meet diverse needs. Maintain and share current knowledge of exhibitions, collections, and special events to enrich every interaction. Participate in ongoing learning to master new interpretive techniques and object information. Safely handle and manage collection objects, ensuring their preservation during interactive sessions. Follow all safety and operational procedures to ensure a secure environment for visitors, staff, and the collection. Represent ROM as a volunteer with professionalism and enthusiasm, wearing the provided red lab coat as our ambassador. Coordinate with fellow volunteers and staff (if necessary) to ensure seamless visitor experiences. WHAT YOU BRING Department of Museum Volunteer (DMV) Qualifications: Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application. Agree to a criminal background check conducted by a third-party provider. Obtain a valid ROM membership upon receiving a conditional offer. Commit to paying a nominal annual fee after successfully completing the maximum 6-month provisional period. Gallery Interpreter Volunteer Qualifications: Willing to make a two-year commitment, volunteering an average of 4 hours per month (a yearly minimum of 18 shifts). Available for a flexible schedule, including weekdays, weekends, and occasional evenings or holidays such as March Break, ROM for the Holidays, or ROM After Dark. Able to engage comfortably with visitors while standing and walking for 45-minute shifts (accommodations available). Passionate about culture, the arts, natural history, and science, with an enthusiasm for sharing knowledge. Exceptional communicator with strong interpersonal skills, a welcoming demeanour, and comfortable speaking with diverse individuals and small groups. Committed to providing outstanding visitor service and a positive experience for all. A reliable team player who can also work independently and adapt to new information. Eager to learn and engage in ongoing development within the museum environment. Ability to safely handle, transport, and manage touchable objects during interactions. Previous experience in museums or cultural institutions is an asset. Background in people-focused roles such as customer service, education, guiding, or communications is ideal, as it demonstrates your ability to engage and connect with diverse audiences. Proficiency in French or another language is a strong asset. VOLUNTEER TERMS START DATE: April 11, 2026 (Training Day 1) OPEN DATE: January 26, 2026 CLOSE DATE: February 8, 2026 STATUS: Unpaid Volunteer PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Maximum six (6) months LOCATION (onsite): Toronto, ON WHAT TO EXPECT Application & Selection Process: Apply Online: Submit your online application before the deadline on February 8, 2026. Interview: Selected applicants will be invited to a one-hour interview (in-person or virtual) with a member of the Membership and Gallery Interpreter committees. This conversation will focus on your experience, interests, and alignment with the role. Conditional Offer & Screening: Candidates receiving a conditional offer will be required to provide proof of an active ROM membership and complete a criminal background check via a third-party service before receiving an official placement. Mandatory Training Program: Accepted volunteers MUST attend ALL six (6) mandatory Saturday in-person training sessions between April 11 and May 23, 2026, at ROM. Full details will be provided later. **All virtual interviews will be conducted via Zoom.** Training & Commitment: Becoming a Gallery Interpreter involves a supportive training program designed to set you up for success: DMV Provisional Period: All new volunteers enter a maximum 6-month provisional period, during which they attend Museum tours, workshops, and DMV events to integrate into the department fully. Gallery Interpreter Training: This role-specific program consists of six (6) mandatory training sessions between April 11 and May 23, 2026, during which you will learn how to conduct yourself as a Gallery Interpreter, expectations, key museum knowledge, and engagement techniques. On-the-Floor Experience: You are required to learn the "story" of two touchable objects and related objects on display, culminating in a final assessment with a trainer. Ongoing Support: You will receive continuous guidance and have access to a network of committee members and fellow volunteers for questions, mentoring, and skill development throughout your training and beyond. WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE ROM Cultural engagement: Daily interactions with Toronto's diverse culture and international visitors offer insights into social and cultural trends. We champion inclusive community programs and connections through diverse experiences. Continuous learning: At ROM, expertise and continuous skill development are paramount. Our culture of curiosity and open-mindedness fosters growth beyond traditional career paths. Passion & fulfillment: Our work in preserving and curating cultural narratives brings deep satisfaction. We are passionate about the arts, global history, cultural diversity, and leveraging digital technologies to enhance accessibility. Team & culture: ROM promotes a positive workplace with collaborative, supportive teams that encourage creativity and innovation. We value new ideas and collective problem-solving. Academic collaboration: We are committed to education, partnering with universities and providing student resources, underscoring our dedication to research and accessibility. If you're excited about this role, even if your experience differs from the specific requirements, we encourage you to apply. We're keen to meet candidates who can contribute their talents to our goals, and will consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience. 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 contact us at [email protected] for assistance. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ROM does not require "Canadian experience." International applicants with equivalent experience are encouraged to apply. This posting is to recruit approximately 10 additional volunteers to join our current Gallery Interpreter team; we are seeking individuals able to commit regular volunteer hours. APPLY NOW We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Please note that all candidates receiving a conditional offer will be subject to a criminal background check.

Responsibilities

Gallery Interpreters will facilitate curiosity and engage visitors through storytelling and interactive sessions using touchable objects. They will also answer questions, provide directions, and maintain knowledge of exhibitions and collections.