Volunteer

Share your love of the natural world with others by joining the Beaty Biodiversity Museum’s volunteer team!

The Beaty Biodiversity Museum is a public museum dedicated to enhancing the public’s understanding and appreciation of biodiversity, and making the research conducted by the scientists of UBC’s Biodiversity Research Centre more accessible to the public. Volunteers play a vital role in helping the museum achieve this mission.

Why Volunteer at the Beaty?

  • Work with experienced museum staff, UBC biodiversity researchers, and like-minded volunteers
  • Learn about biodiversity and current research through training and development opportunities
  • Invitations to special volunteer appreciation events and ongoing training opportunities
  • Receive complimentary admission to the museum, along with other discounts and perks
  • Enhance your resume, and gain references after reaching a minimum number of hours

Am I Eligible?

  • Minimum age: you must be at least 16 years old on your training date
  • Commitment: varies based on each opportunity, but in general, we expect a minimum of four, 4.5 hour shifts per month (totaling 15-20 hours per month). Volunteers choose their own schedule from a variety of available shifts.
  • Screening and training: you must be able to participate in a face-to-face interview and attend a training session, see the position descriptions below for dates and times.
  • For all positions that interact with the public, you must feel comfortable communicating in English. Volunteers are expected to actively start conversations with visitors.
  • Education volunteer applicants must be willing to obtain a criminal record check if selected. Email volunteers@beatymuseum.ubc.ca if you have questions about this step.

Current Volunteer Opportunities

Tracy, a volunteer in red vest, shows a jar of specimens to a visitor in the lab. There is the museum logo and text "VOLUNTEER, beatymuseum.ubc.ca/volunteer Apply by September 30. Follow social media @beatymuseum

Museum Education Volunteers: Closed, please check back in Spring 2025.
See the description for interview and training dates. We accept applications in the spring and fall each year. 

Museum volunteers engage visitors in the wonder of biodiversity through discussions and activities, and answer questions about the museum, its collections, and its research. Volunteers represent the museum on the floor daily and occasionally provide support for special museum events and lectures. This is an in-person role located at the Beaty Biodiversity Museum at UBC Vancouver.

Click here for the Education Volunteer position description
Read about an education volunteer’s experience here.

Looking for other opportunities? Send us an email to be notified of our next recruitment or ask us questions.


How do I apply?

Step 1: Check our current volunteer opportunities above to find a volunteer role that fits your skills and interests.

Step 2: Complete the online volunteer application form before the deadline (opens in Spring 2025). Need help? Watch our video tutorial to guide you through the process. If you have any issues with the form, please email us!

Step 3: You will receive an email confirmation that your application has been submitted. If there is a suitable volunteer opportunity for you, we will contact you by email after applications have closed to set up a time for a group face-to-face interview.

Step 4: Attend the group interview.

Step 5: If we are able to match your skills and interests with an existing volunteer position, you will be invited to join our volunteer team.

Step 6: Attend training sessions for your role.

Step 7: Begin your role as a member of our amazing volunteer team! 

If you have any questions please email volunteers@beatymuseum.ubc.ca

Apply now

 

Accessibility information: For volunteer positions, fob access will be given to offices behind-the-scenes. Stairs and elevators are used in the building, doorways have no lips and several have button-operated doors. Lockers and locks are provided, as is a basic kitchenette with dishes, sink, fridge, toaster, kettle, and microwave. Restrooms in the building are multi-stall men/women restrooms with accessible stalls with handrails – we encourage everyone to use the facilities that work best for them. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have questions about access and accommodations! Check out our accessibility page for details about the museum space.