Current Volunteer Opportunities
Westfield is looking for volunteers in a variety of areas. Please click below for each position description.
Father Christmas – Reports to Program Coordinator
Major Objectives
Provide a magical experience for visitors through friendly conversation and interaction in Westfield’s historical buildings and natural environments.
Major Responsibilities
– Dressing in a special festive costume to portray a traditional Father Christmas during seasonal programing at Westfield
– Sitting for extended periods and speaking with young visitors and their families
– Occasional appearances in outdoor locations, including walks in the forest
– Frequent posing for photos with young children and their families
Qualifications
– Ability to communicate in a friendly, gentle and effective manner with children and adults, as well as elves or other helpers
– Willingness to work for short periods of time outdoors and in buildings heated by fireplaces or other traditional heat sources
– Personal transportation to the museum is essential
– A cheerful manner and excellent personal hygiene are essential
– All ages and body types are encouraged to apply
– Long white whiskers are not essential but an asset
– Experience in educational settings, theatre or museums an asset
Training
– An orientation session and job specific training will be provided.
– Personal evaluation and feedback.
Time and Location
Duties will take place at Westfield on December 7, 14 and 21, 2019.
Selection Process
Interested applications should send a letter outlining their qualifications to westnote@conservationhamilton.ca by October 17, 2019.
The selection process will include auditioning for a panel of several young experts. This is an unpaid position, but milk and cookies will be provided.
Historic Interpreter Public Program – Reports to Program Coordinator
Major Objectives
Engage the public with an accurate representation of the historical period being represented as determined by the Program Coordinator
Major Responsibilities
– Learn and deliver accurate interpretation and develop skills for effective communication and demonstrations with visitors from diverse backgrounds
– Arrive at site with time to costume; deliver materials to building, light fires as necessary. Interpreters should be in place before village opens.
– Provide schedule of availability to scheduler. When possible shifts should be scheduled no later than 72 hours prior to an event.
– Ensure the safety and security of all buildings, artifacts and personnel
– Provide interpretation a minimum of 9 public program days per calendar year
– Direct emergency situations or safety concerns to Westfield staff
– Wear PPE as required
Qualifications
– Ability to communicate effectively with a range of visitors in different situations
– Historical knowledge is desirable however training materials will be provided
– Willingness to be photographed and work in appropriate costuming
– Personal transportation to the site is necessary
Training
– Initial orientation session
– Review of Safe working procedures and available safety materials
– Initial shift (s) with an experienced interpreter
– Interpretation training
– Personal evaluation and feedback
Risk Assessment: Medium
– May involve working with fire, using sharp objects, exposure to weather, dust and other environmental conditions associated with historic buildings depending on placement
– Will involve continual independent contact with visiting public
Time/Place:
– Westfield site, minimum of 9 shifts per year, approximately 45 hours per year minimum
– Site is open Sunday, holiday Mondays and other dates. This position requires the ability to participate on Sunday afternoons.
– Opportunities may exist to participate in community engagement outside of Westfield
Length of Commitment: Minimum one year commitment is required
Sewing Committee Member – Reports to Program Coordinator
Major Objectives: Repair, maintain and construct costuming for the Village collection
Major Responsibilities
– Hemming, ironing, laundry, replacing buttons
– Hand stitching and machine sewing
– Organize and maintain costume area
– Switch costuming over for seasons
– Research and learn authentic historic costuming
Qualifications
– Basic sewing ability
– Attention to detail
– Interest in history is desirable
Training
– Initial orientation session
– One on one with experienced volunteers
– Access to Westfield library and pattern collection
Risk Assessment: Low
– Indoor work in controlled situation
– Some use of machinery and sharp objects
Time/Place
– Sewing committee meets Tuesday mornings from 9:30 to noon from March to December
– Some work may be completed at home
– Opportunities may exist to participate in community fashion shows outside of Westfield
Length of Commitment Minimum one year commitment is required
Gardening Committee Member – Reports to Garden Committee Chair
Major Objectives: To plan and Maintain the Village gardens in keeping with the historic areas
Major Responsibilities
– Attend 3 to 5 meetings annually to plan and discuss gardens
– Liaise with Chair regarding progress and requirements for garden
– Tend to assigned garden area on a regular basis
– Communicate watering requirements
Qualifications
– Able to lift, shovel, bend, propel a wheel barrow
– Rudimentary garden knowledge is desirable
– Able to work independently
Training
– Written resources are available
– Gardeners will receive guidance from the program coordinator regarding appropriate garden content
– Gardeners will be eligible to attend any training provided at Westfield
Time
– Seasonal requirements as weather permits
– 3 hours per week, timing is flexible after initial Tuesday morning orientation
Risk Assessment: Medium
May involve working with sharp objects, will require lifting and repetitive motions
Length of Commitment: Minimum commitment of one garden season is desirable
Parking Volunteer – Reports to Parking Supervisor
Major Objectives: Safely assist visitors to locate parking at Westfield on special event days
Major Responsibilities
– Wear PPE as required, including high visibility vest, closed toe shoes, radio, directional wand, hat, sunscreen
– Direct emergency situations or safety concerns to Westfield staff
– Arrive one hour prior to program to receive assignment from parking supervisor and stay in position until supervisor determines position is no longer necessary
– Communicate with the public in a safe and respectful manner, providing good customer service
Qualifications
– Ability to communicate effectively with a range of visitors with gestures and verbal communication
– Must be 16 years of age or over to volunteer without a parent
– Able to stand outside exposed to weather for extended periods
– Personal transportation to the site is necessary
Training
– Overview of immediate working area and sign in procedures will be provided by parking supervisor or experienced volunteer
– Training on use of radio and parking procedures
Risk Assessment: Medium
– May work at a distance from other volunteers in the context of moving vehicles
– Exposure to a variety of weather condition depending on the time of year
Time/Place
– Parking volunteers are required during Westfield special events (see website)
– Parking involves 4 to 6 hour shifts
– Parking volunteers are accepted on a long or short term basis.
Length of Commitment: Minimum one shift commitment is required, three to four shift per year commitment is desirable
