The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is delighted to invite applications for the volunteer role of Heritage Ambassador based at the Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage, 1A Dryden Terrace, Edinburgh. We are recruiting specifically for Front of House positions.
ABOUT THE MUSEUM
The Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage is operated by the SFRS as part of our community Fire Station on McDonald Road in Edinburgh. The museum is our flagship site and represents firefighters from all over Scotland, telling their stories and reflecting the diverse challenges of our different communities, sharing firefighters’ unique ways of life. The museum celebrates the heritage of Scotland’s fire service
WHO ARE HERTIAGE AMBASSADORS
Our Heritage Ambassadors are essential to helping the museum reach it aims and objective. From being forward facing to the public and educational groups there are a variety of roles you can get involved in. We are looking for people who genuinely enjoy working with others and have a desire to share the history of firefighting. Full training, travel expenses and support will be provided to selected Heritage Ambassadors.
WHY BE A HERITAGE AMBASSADOR
We are committed to providing the best possible volunteering experience for everyone who gives their time to the SFRS with a view to helping us share our rich and interesting history. In addition to a supportive and encouraging environment, and the unique opportunity to support the Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage and the wider SFRS community, you will gain:
1. Training and support to develop as an integral part of our team
2. Opportunity to develop your transferrable skills and experience within the museum and cultural sector
3. Undertake meaningful voluntary work experience which could enrich your CV
4. The opportunity to spend time doing something you enjoy and meet others with similar interests
SPECIFIC HERITAGE AMBASSADOR ROLES
Volunteers work closely under the guidance and supervision of SFRS Heritage staff, contributing to the museum’s operations, though they do not carry the same organisational responsibilities as paid staff members. Volunteers are required to defer to SFRS Heritage Staff regarding museum operations.
Front of House
As a Front of House volunteer, you’ll be the welcoming face of the museum, creating a positive first impression.
5. Welcome visitors and provide general information
6. Answer phone calls and direct enquiries
7. Assist in the gift shop with sales, restocking, and tidiness
8. Use the point-of-sale (POS) system for basic transactions
9. Provide support to families (e.g. access, facilities)
10. Maintain a clean and organised reception area
11. Support with admin tasks, such as booking tours
12. Assist with special events as directed
13. Defer maintenance issues or incidents to staff
Gallery Attendants
As a Gallery Attendant, you will help maintain a safe, friendly environment in the museum’s galleries.
14. Greet visitors in a professional, approachable manner
15. Monitor exhibits and encourage respectful visitor behaviour
16. Be mindful and respectful of families and children, supporting a welcoming and inclusive environment for all ages
17. Provide basic information or direct visitors to appropriate staff
18. Report any issues (e.g. spills, disruptions) to staff
19. Support visitor flow and capacity management in busier areas
20. Assist during events and special exhibitions
21. Defer all concerns or incidents to museum staff
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Applicants must meet the requirements of a Standard disclosure prior to being offered a volunteer post and are expected to maintain this while they are volunteering.