Volunteer

Date Posted: Wednesday, September 18, 2026
Apply by: October 2, 2026

Description of role:

Support the smooth logistical delivery of the Baker school program at the Canadian Children’s Museum. This lively, staff-led program introduces Kindergarten to Grade 3 students to the basics of bread making through storytelling, cultural exploration, and teamwork activities.

With a focus on bringing added value to enhance the program’s delivery, volunteers play a supportive, non-instructional role to support the work of the Program Interpreter in a behind-the-scenes capacity. When present, volunteers may help to maintain an organized environment and contribute to the efficiency of materials handling and room reset. According to the Program Interpreter’s needs each day, they may assist with preparing the space in different ways before, during, and after the program. Volunteers may also provide extra support to busy groups with diverse needs as they transition between activities or with staying engaged. To enable Program Interpreters to remain more focused on delivering the demonstrative and educational elements of the program, volunteers will provide an extra pair of hands to support with any logistical needs identified to them to support with, such as washing program dishes. Volunteers do not deliver program content or lead activities but will contribute to the overall flow of the experience.

Responsibilities:

Volunteers may be asked to support any of the below tasks:

Before Program

• Help the Program Interpreter to set up the program space with hats, props, baking supplies, and other materials
• Support the Program interpreter however they need to contribute to an organized start to each program
• Assist with handwashing and help children get settled at their stations

During Program

• Distribute materials and collect props as desired by the Program interpreter
• Provide an extra set of hands to children in need of additional attention or support as they measure, mix, knead, and shape their dough
• Support dishwashing
• Keep baking supplies stocked and organized throughout the session
• Support with getting children settled for story time

After Program

• Assist with the washing of bowls, utensils, and dishes, including helping to load the dishwasher to support with a time-efficient clean-up
• Support the reset of tables and restock of materials if requested by the Program Interpreter in the case of a second session that they must prepare for
• Help with tidying, packing up and organizing the program space, including with further dishwashing

Skills and Competencies:

• Comfortable engaging with children ages 3–9 in a busy, hands-on environment
• Friendly, reliable, and proactive; able to listen and respond to needs
• Willingness to follow hygiene and safety procedures carefully
• Clear oral communication in English or French
• Bilingualism is an asset but not required

Eligibility Criteria:

• Adults (ages 18+) are preferred due to the school-day schedule
• Must be willing to work alongside staff and never alone with children

Time commitment and Logistics:

• Volunteers will directly support the work of museum staff (Program Interpreters) to help with enhancing programs through providing an extra set of helping hands.
• The Baker Program runs weekdays (Monday to Friday) during school hours.
• Daily sessions are held at 10 am and 11:15 am (each 45 minutes long).
• If one session is scheduled, the preferred time commitment is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.
• If two sessions are scheduled, the preferred time commitment is approximately 3 hours.
• Scheduling will depend on school bookings; volunteer shifts are assigned accordingly.
• The program is held in a designated school programming space at the Canadian Museum of History.
• All volunteers must attend a training session prior to starting.
• Volunteers are expected to inform us if unable to attend a scheduled shift.

The masculine form is used in this document for the sole purpose of simplifying the text: it is not discriminatory in any way.

We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including candidates from all cultures, racialized communities, all abilities, all sexual identities and genders, and anyone else who can contribute to the diversity of ideas. We are committed to an inclusive, barrier-free selection process and volunteering environment.

Both the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum were built on the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabeg, on land that has held, and continues to hold – great historical, spiritual, and sacred significance. The Museums respect and honour the enduring presence of the Algonquin people and strive to ensure that this is reflected in their work.

If you require an accommodation (including alternate formats of materials) in order to participate in this application process, please contact us to make your needs known in advance. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially. Contact: benevole-volunteer@museedelhistoire.ca.

Date Posted: Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Apply by: 11:59 pm, Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Description of role:

Conference Support Volunteers help welcome and support international arts and cultural leaders attending Communicating the Arts 2026, taking place at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau from October 13 to 16. The conference brings together cultural professionals for keynotes, panels, workshops, tours, and other activities exploring the future of the arts and cultural sector.

Volunteers provide a welcoming and professional presence throughout the conference, helping delegates navigate the Museum and the surrounding Gatineau-Ottawa area. They may assist with registration and the conference help desk, provide information about schedules and activities, escort delegates to sessions and tours, and support conference organizers with on-site needs.

Responsibilities:

Volunteers may be asked to support any of the below tasks:

• Welcome delegates, speakers, and guests and assist with registration in the Museum foyer;
• Support the conference help desk by answering basic questions and directing conference guests to sessions, workshops, case studies, tours, and other activities;
• Escort guests and delegates to sessions, workshops, tours, curated visits, and other locations within the Museum;
• Share important conference schedules, agendas, and activity information;
• Support the opening reception by helping delegates find the appropriate conference areas and activities;
• Remain present during conference sessions to assist with basic on-site needs and contact conference organizers when additional support is required;
• Assist guests participating in cultural tours and visits to partner museums, including potentially supporting a group walk to a partner museum;
• Share general wayfinding information about Gatineau and Ottawa, including directions to local cultural attractions, restaurants, and conference-related activities;
• Share information about local restaurant perks and other offerings available to conference attendees;
• Assist conference staff and organizers with other tasks as required to support the conference;
• Represent the Canadian Museum of History in a welcoming, respectful, and professional manner at all times.

Skills and Competencies:

• Clear and effective communication
• Ability to provide clear directions and information
• Ability to follow schedules and instructions
• Reliability and punctuality
• Flexibility and adaptability

Preferred: Familiarity with the Canadian Museum of History and/or the Gatineau-Ottawa area
Preferred: Interest in communications, education, arts, culture, museums, or event support

Eligibility Criteria:

• Adolescents and adults (ages 16 +)

Preferred: Bilingual: French/English oral
Preferred: Students interested in communications, education, arts, culture, museums, or related fields are particularly encouraged to apply.

Time commitment and Logistics:

• Volunteer shifts are available from October 13 to 16, 2026, at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau:
  • Morning shifts: 9:00–13:00
  • Afternoon shifts: 13:30–18:00
  • Evening shifts: 18:00–22:00

  *** Volunteers working the morning shift will participate in a conference-wide volunteer briefing at the beginning of the conference. Afternoon and evening volunteers will rely on their pre-conference training for information about their assigned locations and check-in procedures.***

• Volunteers must attend one of the scheduled in-person training sessions offered the week before the conference.

  Training sessions are available:

  • Wednesday, October 7 from 11:00–12:00
  • Thursday, October 8 from 16:00–17:00
  • Friday, October 9 from 13:00–14:00.
• Volunteers are expected to notify staff in advance if they are unable to attend a scheduled shift so that coverage can be arranged.

The masculine form is used in this document for the sole purpose of simplifying the text: it is not discriminatory in any way.

We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including candidates from all cultures, racialized communities, all abilities, all sexual identities and genders, and anyone else who can contribute to the diversity of ideas. We are committed to an inclusive, barrier-free selection process and volunteering environment.

Both the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum were built on the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabeg, on land that has held, and continues to hold – great historical, spiritual, and sacred significance. The Museums respect and honour the enduring presence of the Algonquin people and strive to ensure that this is reflected in their work.

If you require an accommodation (including alternate formats of materials) in order to participate in this application process, please contact us to make your needs known in advance. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially. Contact: benevole-volunteer@museedelhistoire.ca.

Date Posted: 2026/02/05
Apply by: open recruitment

Description of role:

Provide personalized assistance to visitors of the museum by helping to make the end of their visit more seamless and pain-free as they navigate how to pay for their parking. Parking Support Volunteers will be stationed inside the museum, and available to provide friendly support to visitors, other volunteers and members of the museum. Ways that they will provide support include providing clear instructions and support with using the parking machines, demonstrating how to use any parking vouchers, and explaining options available for payment upon exiting the garage. This important volunteer role will contribute to making the Canadian War Museum and the Canadian Museum of History more accessible to all.

Responsibilities:

Volunteers may be asked to support any of the below tasks:

• Help clients navigate the parking payment process inside the museum;
• Help clients who are in possession of parking vouchers to understand how to use them
• Inform the clients that a Point of Sale (POS) ticketing machine is available at the exit and explain how to use it
• Help direct entering or exiting the parking areas to doors, stairways, elevators or escalators that lead to the floor they are seeking.

Skills and Competencies:

• Flexible, adaptable, problem solver
• Respectful and excellent listener
• Willing to provide calm and patient support

Eligibility Criteria:

• Ages 14 +
• Bilingual: French/ English Oral

Time commitment and Logistics:

• Shifts are available for in-person involvement at the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum.
• Those who wish to volunteer must commit to attending a training session scheduled before a volunteer shift.
• To volunteer for this role, you must commit to being available for a minimum of a 1 hour shift.
• There is a high demand for Parking Support Volunteers on a weekly basis, between 5 pm and 7 pm each Thursday night.
• There is a high demand for Parking Support Volunteers to support events which have varied hours, but which you may be contacted to sign up for on an occasional basis.
• Volunteers shifts will operate on a set schedule and on an as-needed basis.
• Volunteers who cannot attend a shift for any reason need only inform us so we can ensure adequate support is available in their absence.

The masculine form is used for the sole purpose of simplifying the text: it is not discriminatory in any way.

We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including candidates from all cultures, racialized communities, all abilities, all sexual identities and genders, and anyone else who can contribute to the diversity of ideas. We are committed to an inclusive, barrier-free selection process and volunteering environment.

If you require an accommodation (including alternate formats of materials) in order to participate in this application process, please contact us to make your needs known in advance. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially. Contact: benevole-volunteer@museedelhistoire.ca