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

Natural Sciences Handling Collection Volunteer

Closing date: 26/07/2026
  • This role is an exciting opportunity to work closely with natural science specimens in the Horniman’s Handling Collection, while developing practical skills in collections documentation, species identification, and museum database systems
  • This is a regular volunteering opportunity, usually on a weekly basis for up to three months though can flexible around patterns of volunteering that work for you.
  • This role would suit someone who has an academic interest in the natural sciences, whether through study, personal interest, or experience, feels comfortable using databases with an excellent attention to detail
  • This role is open to applicants aged 18 and over.

If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to an informal interview on Monday 10th August.

To Apply

Please apply by 10am on Sunday 26 July.  Find out more in the role description below.

Please complete our online form, or email volunteering@horniman.ac.uk for an application form or if you have any questions.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and circumstances. Adjustments are available to support your application and placement in this role. Please get in touch if you have any questions. You do not need to have experience in all areas to apply for the role.

We can only accept applications when volunteering roles are advertised.

Find any current roles on this page.

We take volunteers from age 15 upwards though some roles will only be available to those aged 18 and over. Where this is the case, this will be clear on the role description. 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 Activity or Gardening, we ask for a minimum of 4-5 months if possible.

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

We are able to provide a few work experience opportunities for school students each year, depending on capacity. Find out more on our work experience webpage.

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).