Become a Volunteer
Dalnavert Museum and Visitors' Centre (DMVC) runs on the dedication of its volunteers. Our volunteers are the force driving our success. Without our committed community members, this historic home and community resource wouldn't exist.
If you're interested in getting involved, please take a minute to explore our volunteer descriptions below and discover how you can help DMVC continue to thrive. If any of them look interesting, send us an email at volunteerservices@dalnavertmuseum.ca telling us which position you're interested in and why you would like to work with us. If you're ready to submit an application, fill it out and attach it to the email.
The minimum age to volunteer is 14.
All volunteers will go through an orientation on the history of the house and visitor services. They will receive further training according to their duties.
For more information, email your questions to volunteerservices@dalnavertmuseum.ca or give us a phone call at 204-943-2835.
To apply:
Read over our job descriptions and pick which one you're interested in;
Download a volunteer application form and fill it out;
Write a quick note telling us what type of volunteer work you're interested in and why (only has to be a few sentences);
Email the note and the application to us at volunteerservices@dalnavertmuseum.ca.
Once we've received your application and your email, we'll get back to you to discuss the best way for you to be involved. If your skills or interests don't fit our current needs, we will hold your application for six months and contact you when a position opens up. Please note, we are currently experiencing a backlog processing applications.
You don't do email? That's fine! Give us a call at 204-943-2835.
Current Opportunities
Outdoor Crowd AMbassador - Doors Open
The Outdoor Crowd Ambassador will help Dalnavert create a welcoming environment for visitors attending Doors Open 2024.Doors Open is the museum’s two busiest days of the year. As part of this city-wide event, we provide free admission to share our built heritage and history. As an Outdoor Crowd Ambassador, you will help us ensure this event runs smoothly.
You will provide basic information to visitors waiting to enter the historic house, help manage crowds, answer basic questions (ie. ‘Where is the washroom?’ rather than ‘Tell me about the history of Dalnavert’), and give directions. Make sure the line-up is orderly and stays in the intended areas.
Volunteers will mostly be stationed outdoors, but may be asked to work inside and help direct people to the Costume Museum’s exhibit in the Visitors’ Centre.
This role will involve working outside. Please dress for the weather and bring a reusable water bottle. We will attempt to provide you as much relief from weather as possible (ie. shade, breaks) but Dalnavert does not control the weather. Doors Open will proceed rain or shine. Please bring your own sunscreen, layers, and umbrellas as necessary.
Volunteers must be able to attend a 1 hour training session at Dalnavert on May 19 at 10:30am. Volunteer shifts are a minimum of 2.5 hours on May 25 and 26.
Skills required
Fluency in spoken English is required. Additional languages an asset
Interpersonal skills – friendly and able to start conversations
Ability to stand and/or walk for extended periods of time outdoors (including with the use of mobility aids) – This is a minimum 2.5 hour outdoors shift. Some breaks of sitting may be available depending on crowd volumes
Ability to take direction
Passion for museums, history, and/or built heritage not required but welcome and encouraged!
We communicate with volunteers via email and track volunteers using Better Impact. Basic computer skills and email access are required for this.
Skills Gained/Related Careers
Develop your skills in Communication & interpersonal skills, community events, public speaking, working with the public, teamwork, and customer service
Gain experience in museum and heritage related fields