Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers at the Jewish Museum and Archives of British Columbia are a diverse and talented group of people who enjoy sharing their knowledge and experience with others. There are many opportunities for anyone who enjoys working with people, has a love of Jewish history, or would like to learn more about it.

Qualifications and openings for volunteer positions vary depending on the assistance required. While some opportunities require more experience and skills than others, we offer great training and individual orientation sessions. Whether you want to learn, share, explore, discover or engage, there are lots of ways you can contribute to the Jewish Museum and Archives of British Columbia. Join us and help make history happen.

Become a Museum Volunteer today!

It’s easy! Just complete an application form telling us about your background, interests, education, volunteer and/or work experience, skills and hobbies, availability and any medical conditions that might be pertinent. Like other volunteer organizations, in some cases, a criminal record check is required.

Volunteer shifts are flexible, but must take place between Sundays from 1:00pm to 5:00pm, Mondays through Thursday from 10:00am to 5:00pm and Fridays from 10:00am to 3:00pm.

For more information about our volunteer program, contact: Gillian Levy, Volunteer Coordinator

Phone: 604.257.5199
E-mail: info@jewishmuseum.ca

Current Volunteer Opportunities:

Library and Archives
Our Library and Archives contains thousands of photographs and items and is used by curators, researchers, students, reporters, and the general public. Volunteers assist in numerous ways and on various projects. Some of the opportunities you can help with include completing research and database updates, assisting with the photograph processing and re-housing, and entering data into the photographic and other database collections. Library and Archives volunteers should have a knowledge of British Columbian and Canadian history, good organizational skills, attention to detail, the ability to take direction, and to work independently. Library, research, and computer skills are great assets but not necessary. Training is provided.

Museum Shop
The Jewish Museum & Archives Shop is as dynamic and varied as our collections! Our visitors marvel at the choice and quality of the products offered and volunteers play a vital role. For individuals seeking experience in retail or customer service, this is a great opportunity. Your goal is to provide excellent customer service through professional interaction with our customers, assist with the pricing and display of product, help keep the shop neat and tidy, and act as a source of information for visitors. Some experience in a retail environment is an asset.
 
Gallery Tours
Volunteers with a passion for history conduct group tours and discussions in our Permanent and Temporary galleries. Volunteers should be comfortable with public speaking, dealing with customers, and understand the importance of good delivery techniques. Training is provided. Fluency in 2 or more languages is an asset.
 
Front Desk Receptionist
Volunteers assist in a variety of roles, from data entry in our membership office, to filing artist biographical profiles, to information delivery via phone calls. Good organizational and administrative skills are required for these roles. Shifts may vary depending on projects. 

Oral History Interviewer
Volunteers are needed to interview community members as part of the Jewish Historical Society of British Columbia’s Oral History Program. The JHSBC has been interviewing community members for the past thirty-years in order to preserve the history of the Jewish community of British Columbia. This year, the Society is planning to interview more community members than ever before. To meet this goal, we are recruiting new volunteer interviewers.

Volunteering as an Oral History Interviewer is a rewarding experience. You will learn new skills, meet new people, and gain a greater sense of history. Anyone with an interest in history, good listening skills and a desire to learn is encouraged to volunteer.