Volunteer FAQs

Members of the public are able to submit a volunteer application at any time. However, for administrative reasons these applications are screened and processed a set number of times each year. Completing an application form does not guarantee placement as volunteers are selected on the basis of their skills, interests and suitability to fulfil the available position/s. Applicants may be placed on a waiting list. Volunteer applications are kept on the waiting list for 1 year.

Although there may be applicants waiting for placement, additional volunteers may be recruited when assignments require skills or abilities not possessed by persons on the waiting list.

What time commitment is required?

Hours and days vary according to the volunteer role. Days and times can be negotiated with your supervisor. Volunteer guides and Special Event volunteer positions are available weekdays and weekends. Project and Speaker Program volunteers are only offered weekdays. Some volunteers may work 3 hours a week or fortnight, whilst others may work a 7 hour day 10am to 5pm once a week. Days and hours can be negotiated with your supervisor. Volunteers are not required to work more than 16 hours per week.

Volunteers are asked to make a commitment of at least 12 months. There are instances where volunteers may be recruited to work for much shorter periods, these projects are negotiated with management and the volunteer.

What training is involved?

Induction training covers the Historic Houses Trust, the work, health and safety and other work related policies over 2 days. In some cases Induction is conducted one on one with the Volunteers Coordinator in one hour. Skills, site-specific knowledge and experience will be gained on the job. There will be further opportunities for continuing training.

Does the HHT provide travel assistance or reimbursment of expenses?

No, it does not. As a volunteer you’ll receive no remuneration, only cases where expenses are incurred at the request of the supervisor, or reimbursement of genuine and reasonable expenses. Where required the HHT will provide special protective clothing to meet the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Will I be covered by insurance while volunteering?

The HHT is covered by the NSW State Government insurance that protects volunteer workers for injury or damage that results from work related activities. Volunteers must sign-in/out on their attendance sheet each time they are on duty to be fully covered by the insurance policy.

Can I volunteer at any HHT museum?

At present the only HHT musuem that do not have volunteers is the Museum of Sydney and Rose Seidler House. We anticipate that both these museums may recruit volunteers in the near future. All other HHT musuems have volunteers in a range of areas.

You can volunteer for more than one HHT museum and/or unit if there is a need and if you are suited to each volunteer position. Many current HHT volunteers volunteer at two or more musems/units.

What do volunteers do at the HHT?

Volunteers perform a variety of roles, with a range of interesting duties, providing invaluable support to the paid staff and a high standard of customer service to visitors.

Volunteers supplement the efforts of paid staff and do not replace any paid jobs or key elements of paid jobs. Volunteers work as part of a team, helping to achieve organisational goals. All volunteers have a position description outlining the volunteer’s role and duties.

Read more about the volunteer roles within the organisation

What qualifications and experience is required?

The Volunteers Program attracts people with a range of backgrounds and skills, a shared commitment to history, heritage, the arts and a desire to help the HHT. For each volunteer position offered there is a list of skills, knowledge and experience needed. Some positions require a degree of experience and knowledge, whilst other positions may only require a desire to help the HHT, and skills may be learnt whilst being a volunteer. Please see current opportunities section.

Why does the process to become a HHT volunteer take so long?

The HHT is lucky enough to have many people interested in volunteer opportunities within our organisation. Over 200 applications are received yearly with only approximately 40-80 volunteer roles offered annually. Our process of recruitment helps us to select the right person for the volunteer role and helps you decide if the volunteer role is right for you. Volunteers are selected on the basis of their skills, interests and suitability to fulfil the needs of the organisation at any given time. Volunteers are always engaged in productive, meaningful and enjoyable work.

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