Volunteer and Employment Opportunities
The Avon River Heritage Society is always looking for volunteers to help with various aspects of the museum.
Each summer we hire students to aid in the daily operations of the facility.
We are currently looking for a number of volunteers with different interest and skill sets to contribute to our ongoing projects, for example experience in public relations, marketing, sponsorship and fundraising are all areas where we could use extra help.
We are also looking for several casual volunteers to lend a hand in the café or gift shop during busy events like the Great Little Art Show, Artisans in Action and the Honey Harvest Festival.
Going forward we plan to pair local youths who show skills in leadership and communication with members of our community who have various interest in art, culture, history, ecology and recreation. Together they will lead a variety of curated experiences for children and youths making use of our local recreation sites, our Avon Spirit Shipyard and our Artists Landing studio space within the museum.
One example would be a local expert passing on their knowledge of plant life as they lead the group on a hike through one of our neighbouring trail system. Other examples could be an afternoon spent learning different types of throws for a frisbee or disk golf; practicing origami and releasing (biodegradable) paper boats on the turn of the tide; collecting local fruit and baking a pie in our café; visiting the local sheep farm and returning to then turn the wool into a work of art - anything that involves the exchange of knowledge from one generation to another, speckled with local history. We intend these to be fun, social experiences that encourage physical activity while broadening the mind.
If you have a skill, knowledge or activity you'd like to share with the younger generation please contact us at infoavonriver@gmail.com
All youth mentors require a criminal records check, first aid is also an asset.
If you are interested in giving back to your community, we'd love to hear from you!
We are currently looking to fill a number of volunteer positions for the 2021 season including gardener, event photographer/videographer and maintenance/general repair.
For more on volunteer committee roles please scroll down to the next section.
Each summer we hire students to aid in the daily operations of the facility.
We are currently looking for a number of volunteers with different interest and skill sets to contribute to our ongoing projects, for example experience in public relations, marketing, sponsorship and fundraising are all areas where we could use extra help.
We are also looking for several casual volunteers to lend a hand in the café or gift shop during busy events like the Great Little Art Show, Artisans in Action and the Honey Harvest Festival.
Going forward we plan to pair local youths who show skills in leadership and communication with members of our community who have various interest in art, culture, history, ecology and recreation. Together they will lead a variety of curated experiences for children and youths making use of our local recreation sites, our Avon Spirit Shipyard and our Artists Landing studio space within the museum.
One example would be a local expert passing on their knowledge of plant life as they lead the group on a hike through one of our neighbouring trail system. Other examples could be an afternoon spent learning different types of throws for a frisbee or disk golf; practicing origami and releasing (biodegradable) paper boats on the turn of the tide; collecting local fruit and baking a pie in our café; visiting the local sheep farm and returning to then turn the wool into a work of art - anything that involves the exchange of knowledge from one generation to another, speckled with local history. We intend these to be fun, social experiences that encourage physical activity while broadening the mind.
If you have a skill, knowledge or activity you'd like to share with the younger generation please contact us at infoavonriver@gmail.com
All youth mentors require a criminal records check, first aid is also an asset.
If you are interested in giving back to your community, we'd love to hear from you!
We are currently looking to fill a number of volunteer positions for the 2021 season including gardener, event photographer/videographer and maintenance/general repair.
For more on volunteer committee roles please scroll down to the next section.
Committees
Collections and Exhibits Committee Role and Responsibilities:
This committee is responsible for overseeing the acquisition, care, and use of the museum’s collection and overseeing planning and creation of exhibits. In carrying out its work, the Collections Committee will be guided by and will adhere to the Avon River Heritage Museum Collection Management Policy, Exhibitions Policy, and adhere to the Canadian Museums Association’s Ethics Guidelines (2006).
• Displays and Interpretation
Responsible for what and how the Museum artifacts and possessions are displayed, in accordance with the Statement of Purpose and Mission of the Museum and the Accession Policy. The Committee shall develop, design, build and organize new or reworked Museum displays. Responsible for the planning and the layout of the Museum. Responsible to ensure that when designing, organizing and building displays, the visitors’ ability to correctly and easily interpret the theme and message of the display remains paramount. The Committee is encouraged to develop interesting permanent and temporary displays with the innovative use of materials, colour, clear signage and interpretive information and where appropriate, to incorporate the use of sound, smell and interactive devices. Visitors of all reasonable ages should be able to follow, enjoy and understand the information being presented. Safety of the visitors and displays must be built into the displays’ design and construction. This Committee shall provide pertinent information to assist in maintaining the ARHS website.
• Accessions
Responsible for the Accession and De-accession Policy and the procedures necessary to ensure their efficient implementation. This Committee decides what artifacts will or will not be accepted for donation, loan or temporary loan. Defers to the BOD for major acquisition decisions as required by the Collections Policy. With support of staff, maintains records of collection documentation, files, completed Accession and De-accession forms. Is responsible for the correct and thorough cataloguing of the Museum Collection and when artifacts are not on display, for their safe and proper storage in accordance with the Museum’s standard procedures. The catalogue will record all artifacts and possessions of the ARHS.
Facilities Committee Role and Responsibilities:
This committee will ensure that the physical facilities are in safe and secure working order. They will be responsible for carrying out an annual inspection of the property using the ARHS Inspection Checklist. It is responsible for inspection of all facilities and arranging for all maintenance, repair, appearance, cleanliness and preservation of the Museum complex and its grounds. Responsible for all necessary preparations for winter, for the first-aid kits, first-aid fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, fire marshal inspections, building and facilities’ security, wheelchair accessibility to the ground floor, landscaping, gardens and parking lots. The Committee shall determine where road signs are needed, have them produced, put in place and maintained. The Committee is responsible for incorporating the Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Plan of the Avon River Heritage Museum and making adjustments pertinent to the circumstances of the ARHS. The Committee is responsible for the training of all staff and volunteers in executing this plan. The Building Committee shall try to maintain a list/roster of volunteers with various maintenance skills that are willing to be called upon to assist with maintenance problems.
Finance Committee Role and Responsibilities:
This committee shall consist of the President, Treasurer, the Facilities Manager, and any other financial advisor appointed by this committee or the BOD. The principal responsibility of the Finance Committee is to prepare the annual budget for the consideration of the BOD and to oversee its execution. The Committee shall oversee and assist the Treasurer in the execution of their duties and shall keep the BOD thoroughly informed as to the financial state of the ARHS. The Finance Committee establishes and executes the procedure for issuing charitable income tax receipts in accordance with the rules of Revenue Canada.
Volunteer and Human Resources Committee Role and Responsibilities:
This committee will recruit, support, and acknowledge volunteers following the ARHS Volunteer Policy and using the volunteer application form and exit interview, where appropriate. It will also produce job descriptions, advertise positions, conduct interviews, and select those to be hired. This whole procedure is to be conducted in accordance with ARHS Human Resources policy. It must take into account any hiring restrictions required by Human Resources Development Canada or the Nova Scotia Department of Economic Development and Tourism.
This Committee shall be responsible for producing and keeping current the Staff Manual which outlines the duties and responsibilities of staff, volunteers, and summer student staff.
This Committee shall prepare applications for grants of financial assistance for hiring permanent, casual, summer or other staff. The Committee is responsible for ensuring that staff are given proper orientation and training so they understand their duties, what is expected and required of them, and what the ARHS is trying to accomplish.
CMAP or Quality Control Committee Role and Responsibilities:
This committee will stay abreast of museum best practices, will oversee policy review and recommend changes to the BOD where needed, will maintain clear, accessible records of policies and procedure for staff and volunteers (on-line and/or print), will oversee and participate in planning for external museum reviews, and will update the museum’s Strategic Plan as needed.
Nominating Committee:
This committee, appointed by the BOD, is comprised of BOD members who are not standing for re-election. The committee keeps a record of end of term for each member of the BOD, recruits, and recommends at least one qualified new board member for each open position. The committee also takes responsibility for orienting new BOD members.
Committees - General, Relationship to Board, Authority and Decision-Making:
Each committee will be guided by and will adhere to the Avon River Heritage Museum’s Mission Statement and Strategic Plan. Each committee has a chair and as many members as required. The chair is a member of the Board of Directors (BOD). The committee reports to and is responsible to the BOD. Each Committee adheres to museum policy including the Canadian Museums Association’s Ethics Guidelines (2006). When needed, the committees will make recommendations to BOD policy and museum operating practices as they affect their committees’ Terms of Reference and duties. Term of office for committee members will be one year, with the opportunity to renew at each Annual General Meeting.
Committees Chair Job Description:
The committee chair is accountable to the Board of Directors. S/He is chosen based on qualifications (interest in topic) and experience. The term of the position will be reviewed annually. Chair responsibilities and basic tasks include:
This committee is responsible for overseeing the acquisition, care, and use of the museum’s collection and overseeing planning and creation of exhibits. In carrying out its work, the Collections Committee will be guided by and will adhere to the Avon River Heritage Museum Collection Management Policy, Exhibitions Policy, and adhere to the Canadian Museums Association’s Ethics Guidelines (2006).
• Displays and Interpretation
Responsible for what and how the Museum artifacts and possessions are displayed, in accordance with the Statement of Purpose and Mission of the Museum and the Accession Policy. The Committee shall develop, design, build and organize new or reworked Museum displays. Responsible for the planning and the layout of the Museum. Responsible to ensure that when designing, organizing and building displays, the visitors’ ability to correctly and easily interpret the theme and message of the display remains paramount. The Committee is encouraged to develop interesting permanent and temporary displays with the innovative use of materials, colour, clear signage and interpretive information and where appropriate, to incorporate the use of sound, smell and interactive devices. Visitors of all reasonable ages should be able to follow, enjoy and understand the information being presented. Safety of the visitors and displays must be built into the displays’ design and construction. This Committee shall provide pertinent information to assist in maintaining the ARHS website.
• Accessions
Responsible for the Accession and De-accession Policy and the procedures necessary to ensure their efficient implementation. This Committee decides what artifacts will or will not be accepted for donation, loan or temporary loan. Defers to the BOD for major acquisition decisions as required by the Collections Policy. With support of staff, maintains records of collection documentation, files, completed Accession and De-accession forms. Is responsible for the correct and thorough cataloguing of the Museum Collection and when artifacts are not on display, for their safe and proper storage in accordance with the Museum’s standard procedures. The catalogue will record all artifacts and possessions of the ARHS.
Facilities Committee Role and Responsibilities:
This committee will ensure that the physical facilities are in safe and secure working order. They will be responsible for carrying out an annual inspection of the property using the ARHS Inspection Checklist. It is responsible for inspection of all facilities and arranging for all maintenance, repair, appearance, cleanliness and preservation of the Museum complex and its grounds. Responsible for all necessary preparations for winter, for the first-aid kits, first-aid fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, fire marshal inspections, building and facilities’ security, wheelchair accessibility to the ground floor, landscaping, gardens and parking lots. The Committee shall determine where road signs are needed, have them produced, put in place and maintained. The Committee is responsible for incorporating the Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Plan of the Avon River Heritage Museum and making adjustments pertinent to the circumstances of the ARHS. The Committee is responsible for the training of all staff and volunteers in executing this plan. The Building Committee shall try to maintain a list/roster of volunteers with various maintenance skills that are willing to be called upon to assist with maintenance problems.
Finance Committee Role and Responsibilities:
This committee shall consist of the President, Treasurer, the Facilities Manager, and any other financial advisor appointed by this committee or the BOD. The principal responsibility of the Finance Committee is to prepare the annual budget for the consideration of the BOD and to oversee its execution. The Committee shall oversee and assist the Treasurer in the execution of their duties and shall keep the BOD thoroughly informed as to the financial state of the ARHS. The Finance Committee establishes and executes the procedure for issuing charitable income tax receipts in accordance with the rules of Revenue Canada.
Volunteer and Human Resources Committee Role and Responsibilities:
This committee will recruit, support, and acknowledge volunteers following the ARHS Volunteer Policy and using the volunteer application form and exit interview, where appropriate. It will also produce job descriptions, advertise positions, conduct interviews, and select those to be hired. This whole procedure is to be conducted in accordance with ARHS Human Resources policy. It must take into account any hiring restrictions required by Human Resources Development Canada or the Nova Scotia Department of Economic Development and Tourism.
This Committee shall be responsible for producing and keeping current the Staff Manual which outlines the duties and responsibilities of staff, volunteers, and summer student staff.
This Committee shall prepare applications for grants of financial assistance for hiring permanent, casual, summer or other staff. The Committee is responsible for ensuring that staff are given proper orientation and training so they understand their duties, what is expected and required of them, and what the ARHS is trying to accomplish.
CMAP or Quality Control Committee Role and Responsibilities:
This committee will stay abreast of museum best practices, will oversee policy review and recommend changes to the BOD where needed, will maintain clear, accessible records of policies and procedure for staff and volunteers (on-line and/or print), will oversee and participate in planning for external museum reviews, and will update the museum’s Strategic Plan as needed.
Nominating Committee:
This committee, appointed by the BOD, is comprised of BOD members who are not standing for re-election. The committee keeps a record of end of term for each member of the BOD, recruits, and recommends at least one qualified new board member for each open position. The committee also takes responsibility for orienting new BOD members.
Committees - General, Relationship to Board, Authority and Decision-Making:
Each committee will be guided by and will adhere to the Avon River Heritage Museum’s Mission Statement and Strategic Plan. Each committee has a chair and as many members as required. The chair is a member of the Board of Directors (BOD). The committee reports to and is responsible to the BOD. Each Committee adheres to museum policy including the Canadian Museums Association’s Ethics Guidelines (2006). When needed, the committees will make recommendations to BOD policy and museum operating practices as they affect their committees’ Terms of Reference and duties. Term of office for committee members will be one year, with the opportunity to renew at each Annual General Meeting.
Committees Chair Job Description:
The committee chair is accountable to the Board of Directors. S/He is chosen based on qualifications (interest in topic) and experience. The term of the position will be reviewed annually. Chair responsibilities and basic tasks include:
- schedule dates, times and location for meetings
- ensure meeting are held in accordance with the ARHS by-laws
- establish and confirm an agenda for each meeting
- officiate and conduct meetings
- ensure committee complies with its responsibilities
- ensure that discussion on agenda items is on topic and productive
- ensure minutes are accurate, retained, and reviewed at the next meeting
Travailler avec nous!
L’Avon River Heritage Society est toujours à la recherche de bénévoles pour aider avec les divers aspects du Musée.
Chaque été, nous embauchons deux étudiants pour aider avec les opérations quotidiennes de l’installation.
L’Avon River Heritage Society est toujours à la recherche de bénévoles pour aider avec les divers aspects du Musée.
Chaque été, nous embauchons deux étudiants pour aider avec les opérations quotidiennes de l’installation.