Register your interest

Do you enjoy talking to people and working in a team? Are you looking to develop new skills in Customer Service, Museum Interpretation and Guiding? The National Trust of Australia (NSW) is currently recruiting volunteers to work as Guides across all properties in Sydney and Regional NSW.

What will I be doing?

• Guiding small groups of visitors on approx. 1-hour long tours.
• Tailoring tours to suit the diverse needs, interests and abilities of our visitors.
• Working as a part of a team to deliver tours to large coach tour and special interest groups.
• Assisting with opening up and closing the property on open days.
• Staying on top of current historical research by attending training and reading relevant books and articles.
• Looking after the property, visitors, staff and volunteers by following safe work procedures.

Where will I be based?

The National Trust (NSW) has properties across Sydney and regional NSW for further information – go to https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/places-nsw/

How much time will I be expected to give?

• Volunteer Guides are required for regular open weekends, and booked coach tour or special interest groups during the week
• Volunteer Guides are rostered on a minimum monthly 4-hour shift.

What skills, qualities and experience do I need?

• Excellent communication skills. Fluency in a language other than English is a bonus.
• Feeling comfortable and confident talking to visitors of different ages, abilities and from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
• Flexibility and adaptability with a willingness to work with others.
• Commitment to providing a high level of customer service.
• Time management skills.
• Working cooperatively and collaboratively with staff.
• The National Trust (NSW) encourages and supports applicants of diverse abilities.
• A current Working With Children Check is a requirement for all staff and volunteers at the National Trust (NSW).

Why does National Trust (NSW) need my support?

We need volunteers to help us celebrate our rich history, share our incredible stories, advocate for the protection of our natural, cultural and built heritage, or conserve our natural landscapes across New South Wales.

The National Trust of Australia (NSW) is the oldest and largest independent heritage conservation charity in Australia. Established in 1945, we offer many exciting volunteering opportunities at our historic homes, world class art galleries, museums, beautiful gardens and bush regeneration areas.

Volunteer Guides are essential to keeping our places open to the public, and providing an excellent visitor experience. Income derived from ticket sales helps support the conservation work of the National Trust.

What support and training will I receive?

• Induction and familiarisation visit with the site and staff.
• Guidance on the content and delivery of house tours – home-based learning.
• On-the-job training in tour delivery and customer service.
• Guidance on providing a positive visitor experience during special events and exhibitions.
• Ongoing support from museum staff and fellow volunteers.
• Please note that training is property-specific and volunteers will not receive any formal qualifications as a result of training for this role.

What will National Trust (NSW) expect from me?

• To be the friendly face of the National Trust and deliver excellent customer service
• To be reliable in attendance and dependable
• Help us maintain the highest standards of presentation at our sites and properties
• To attend your volunteer shift neatly dressed in accordance with our Dress Guidelines.
• Help us protect people, properties and collections by understanding and following our security and safety procedures
• Maintain good working relationships with staff, other volunteers and members of the public
• Attend appropriate training and learn about the work of the National Trust (NSW)
• Observe organisational policy and procedures
• Safeguard confidential information about the National Trust (NSW) and let us know about anything relating to your role or the work of the National Trust (NSW) that you think might be controversial
• Any documentary or other material (including any copyright applying thereto) you are provided with or is created by you in respect of your volunteering will be the property and copyright of the National Trust (NSW)

What can I expect from the National Trust (NSW)?

• A welcoming and enjoyable experience
• To be treated fairly and with respect
• Associate Membership to the National Trust after completion of 96-hours volunteering over 12 months
• Recognition and appreciation for your contribution
• A full induction and training programme with ongoing support
• A certificate to demonstrate work carried out for National Trust (NSW) is available on request to show future employers or further education providers

If this position is of interest to you,  please register your interest via the online form.

Do you enjoy hands-on work in interesting places? Are you looking to share your skills, or develop new skills, in gardening? The National Trust (NSW) is currently recruiting volunteers to work as valuable members of the Trust’s Green Team at our prestigious properties!

What will I be doing?

• Performing day-to-day gardening tasks at Trust properties such as pruning, weeding, mowing the lawns, laying mulch, maintaining paved areas and paths, and occasionally creating new plantings.
• Depending on your shift day and time, you will be working in pairs or as part of a small team.

How much time will I be expected to give?

• Shift times are flexible and will vary depending on the property.
• You can volunteer once a month, once a fortnight, or once a week.

Where will I be based?

The National Trust (NSW) operates properties across Sydney and regional NSW. We recommend volunteering at a property that is close to home.

Why does National Trust (NSW) need my support?

The National Trust (NSW) manages properties across Sydney and regional NSW. We are looking for enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers to help us care for these properties. Our Green Team volunteers are vital in ensuring our gardens remain safe, attractive and historically correct for all of our visitors.

What skills, qualities and experience do I need?

• Flexibility and adaptability.
• Ability to follow Safe Work procedures and maintain a safe workplace.
• Enjoyment of hands-on work outdoors.
• Skills in gardening, home maintenance, carpentry or other trades, or a desire to learn new skills in these areas.
• Some physical work, such as bending, lifting and carrying, is a genuine requirement of the role.
• Working cooperatively and collaboratively in a team with other volunteers, site staff and external contractors.
• The National Trust of Australia (NSW) encourages and supports applicants of diverse abilities.

What support and training will I receive?

• Induction and familiarisation visit with the site and staff.
• Guidance on the conservation policies of the National Trust and what this means for gardening works.
• Training in Safe Work procedures for works at the property.
• Ongoing support from staff and fellow volunteers.
• Please note that training is property-specific and volunteers will not receive any formal qualifications as a result of training for this role.

What will National Trust (NSW) expect from me?

• Be the friendly face of the National Trust and behave in a professional manner in the workplace.
• Be reliable in attendance and dependable.
• Observe organisational policy and procedures and to follow all reasonable directions from staff.
• Help us protect people, properties and collections by understanding and following our security and safety procedures.
• Attend your volunteer shift dressed safely for work in covered shoes and appropriate work wear.
• Help us maintain the highest standards of presentation at our properties.
• Maintain good working relationships with staff, other volunteers and members of the public
• Attend appropriate training and learn about the work of the National Trust (NSW)
• Safeguard confidential information about the National Trust (NSW) and let us know about anything relating to your role or the work of the National Trust (NSW) that you think might be controversial
• Any documentary or other material (including any copyright applying thereto) you are provided with or is created by you in respect of your volunteering will be the property and copyright of the National Trust (NSW)

What can I expect from the National Trust (NSW)?

• A welcoming and enjoyable experience
• To be treated fairly and with respect
• Recognition and appreciation for your contribution
• A full induction and training programme with ongoing support
• A certificate or reference to demonstrate work carried out for National Trust (NSW) is available on request to show future employers or further education providers

If this position is of interest to you,  please register your interest via the online form.

Are you a patient person with a high attention to detail? Are you looking to use your skills, or develop new skills, in Museum Conservation, Cleaning or Museum Interpretation? The National Trust (NSW) is currently recruiting volunteers to work as Conservation Assistants at our prestigious properties.

What will I be doing?
• Cleaning designated objects using proper conservation cleaning techniques
• Inspecting, measuring and recording environmental conditions inside the house
• Monitoring and recording object condition, and moving objects as necessary
• During exhibitions, you may assist with receiving loan objects and writing condition reports, unpacking and repacking objects, assisting in object movement and installation, and providing feedback and advice on environmental conditions in the exhibition space.
• Working in a small team under the supervision of National Trust (NSW) staff.

Where will I be based?
We need collection care volunteers at various properties across Sydney and regional NSW.
How much time will I be expected to give?
• Volunteers work hours will be negotiated upon commencement.

What skills, qualities and experience do I need?
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Skills or general interest in cleaning, conservation cleaning and management, or museum interpretation
• Some physical work, such as bending, lifting, carrying and climbing stairs, is a genuine requirement of the role.
• Attention to detail and ability to follow procedures
• Working cooperatively and collaboratively in a team with other volunteers, site staff and external contractors
• The National Trust of Australia (NSW) encourages and supports applicants of diverse abilities
• A current Working with Children Check – or a commitment to get one prior to starting work – is a requirement for all National Trust (NSW) staff and volunteers.

Why does National Trust (NSW) need my support?
We need volunteers to help us celebrate our rich history, share our incredible stories, advocate for the protection of our natural, cultural and built heritage, or conserve our natural landscapes across New South Wales.
The National Trust of Australia (NSW) is the oldest and largest independent heritage conservation charity in Australia. Established in 1945, we offer many exciting volunteering opportunities at our historic homes, world class art galleries, museums, beautiful gardens and bush regeneration areas.
We are seeking the time and talent of people who have a passion to make a difference; volunteers with specialist skills including event management to help us keep our beautiful historical properties open.

What support and training will I receive?
• Induction and familiarisation visit with the site and staff.
• Guidance on the content and history of the property.
• Training in customer service and other skills as a volunteer.
• Ongoing support from museum staff and fellow volunteers.
• Please note that training is property-specific and volunteers will not receive any formal qualifications as a result of training for this role.

What will National Trust (NSW) expect from me?
• To be the friendly face of the National Trust and deliver excellent customer service.
• To be reliable in attendance and dependable.
• Help us maintain the highest standards of presentation at our sites and properties.
• To attend your volunteer shift appropriately dressed.
• Help us protect people, properties and collections by understanding and following our security and safety procedures.
• Maintain good working relationships with staff, other volunteers and members of the public.
• Attend appropriate training and learn about the work of the National Trust (NSW).
• Observe organisational policy and procedures.
• Safeguard confidential information about the National Trust (NSW) and let us know about anything relating to your role or the work of the National Trust (NSW) that you think might be controversial.
• Any documentary or other material (including any copyright applying thereto) you are provided with or is created by you in respect of your volunteering will be the property and copyright of the National Trust (NSW).

What can I expect from National Trust (NSW)?
• A welcoming and enjoyable experience.
• To be treated fairly and with respect.
• Discount at National Trust retail outlets.
• Free entry at National Trust properties throughout NSW (except S.H. Ervin Gallery and Retford Park).
• Recognition and appreciation for your contribution.
• Associate membership to the National Trust after completion of 96-hours volunteering over 12 months.
• A certificate to demonstrate work carried out for National Trust (NSW) is available on request to show future employers or further education providers.

If this position is of interest to you,  please register your interest via the online form.