Volunteering

Volunteers are integral and valued members of the Horniman team assisting us in both visitor-facing roles and vital work behind-the-scenes.

Along with a supportive learning environment, we offer the chance to gain new skills and experience or simply to do something you enjoy.

Current vacancies

Schools Outdoor Learning volunteer

The Horniman offers a wide ranging, high-quality programme for visiting school groups. We are currently developing outdoor workshops in the Gardens and Nature Trail and are looking for confident, enthusiastic volunteers with an interest in outdoor learning and working with children of nursery and primary school age. See the attached role description for more details and how to apply.

Engage volunteer

This is a regular, visitor-facing role in our Natural History and World galleries helping to bring our displays and objects to life and enabling visitors to have a richer, more hands-on experience. An Engage volunteer shift also involves helping visitors understand the behaviour of insects in the Butterfly House and, with further training, marine life in the Aquarium.

We are looking for people with good spoken English, a friendly manner and willingness to learn. See the attached role description for more details and how to apply.

Gardens volunteer

This is a weekly volunteer opportunity assisting the gardens team in a variety of tasks on Thursdays from 10am – 3pm, including a lunch break. Enthusiasm for gardening, knowledge of common weeds and an ability to follow instructions are all that is needed. See the attached role description for more details and how to apply.

We can only accept applications when volunteering roles are advertised.

Find any current roles on this page.

We take volunteers from age 18 upwards and there is no upper age limit.

No. Volunteer roles are different from staff roles and do not lead to paid work.

However, they do provide an opportunity to gain skills and experience.

We reimburse out-of-pocket travel expenses up to a maximum of £12 per day.

Volunteers offering a full day shift can also be reimbursed lunch expenses.

For on-going roles which are usually weekly or fortnightly, like Engage, Family Learning or Gardening, we ask for a minimum of 5 months.

Fixed term placements last 3 months, doing 1-3 days a week.

No, we regret we do not have the capacity to provide work experience, such as those requiring a few days or 1 – 3 weeks.

Yes, you may volunteer whilst on benefits, but you would need to let the Job Centre know about your volunteering.

The Horniman acknowledges the contribution of volunteers in supporting the organisation to achieve its aim to connect people with global cultures and the natural world, and encourage everyone to shape a positive future for the world we all share.

Read the Volunteering Policy (PDF – opens in this window).