Volunteer roles with SWAM. 

We offer a wide range of volunteering opportunities which include administration, aircraft maintenance, hangar maintenance, reception / gift shop, cafe and general weekend volunteers. Our volunteers are our pride and joy and without our volunteers we wouldn’t be able to open our doors to the public.

Becoming a volunteer at SWAM opens an array of opportunities.

We’re looking to grow our team and have the following volunteer vacancies.

Front of House

  • Working with the visitor experience team, you will be the first point of contact for all our visitors, providing a helpful, welcoming, and friendly greeting. Front of House volunteers greet and engage with visitors, provide information on our exhibitions and activities, as well as helpful directions to our different exhibits. They have a vital role in helping to create a warm welcome for all our visitors, answering general queries, ensuring that visitors have an interesting and enjoyable visit.

    • Provide a friendly greeting to all visitors on arrival and towards the end of the day thank them for their visit and say goodbye

    • Answer enquiries in a friendly and helpful manner; be friendly and approachable to all visitors

    • Collect entrance fees using electronic till and electronic card machine

    • Issue and record annual visitor passes

    • Inform visitors about current exhibitions, events, and activities to help them plan their visit.

    • Recognise and respond to the specific needs of all our visitors

    • Inform the Duty Manager of any problems or issues using the VHF radio

    • Assist with the evacuation of visitors in an emergency

    • Re-stock shop shelves and maintain sales records

  • We are looking for people who can regularly volunteer.

Visitor Experience

  • Working with the visitor experience team, you will welcome all museum visitors with the same level of excitement and friendliness. The Volunteer will assist in processing visitors as they enter the museum, provide directions, help orientate our visitors, and share knowledge about the museum as required.

    The Volunteer may act as an escort, leading individuals to private events and located out of eyesight within the museum. The Volunteer is a critical first step in building a warm and welcoming impression to our guests.

    • Greeting visitors with a warm and friendly welcome

    • Inquiring the reason for their visit, and provide further directions to address their needs

    • Escort visitors to their desired area, if requested or appropriate

    • Respond to inquiries, as needed

    • Respond and assist with any emergencies that may occur

    • Enjoys interacting with diverse groups

    • A positive attitude, strong interpersonal skills, a real people person

    • Strong communication skills

    • A problem-solver who can adapt to meet the needs of varying interests

    • Able to work independently and in a team setting

Housekeeping

  • We are looking for House Keeping Volunteers who will play a vital role in helping the Museum to conserve and protect its collections.

    • Carry out conservation cleaning of the aircraft and objects on display, using conservation materials and equipment

    • Liaising with the Museum Manager and reporting back on any issues

    • Being aware of the often-fragile nature of historic displays and collections

    • Being aware of emergency procedures as required

    • Maintaining the cleanliness of the exhibition rooms

  • Skills and qualities needed for the role

    • Interest in museums and collections

    • Ability to handle objects with care and sensitivity

    • Ability to work as part of a team and on own initiative when required

    • Physically be able to move around the building and clean hard-to-reach areas

    Looking for approx. 2 – 3 hours a week; days are flexible.

  • Are you a gardening enthusiast with a love for outdoor maintenance? Join us as a Volunteer Gardener and Outdoor Maintenance Specialist! As a valued member of our team, you will play a crucial role in preserving and enhancing the museum's grounds, creating a warm and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere for our visitors.

    • Garden Design and Planting: Devise and implement imaginative and sustainable garden designs that complement the historical significance of the museum. Choose and plant various flowers, shrubs, and trees to enhance the overall ambiance.

    • Lawn Care and Maintenance: Ensure they are well-kept and presentable. This includes regular mowing, edging, and addressing any lawn care requirements.

    • Weeding and Pest Control: Keep the gardens free of weeds and pests using eco-friendly and sustainable practices. Implement organic solutions to maintain a healthy and vibrant garden.

    • Pathway and Outdoor Infrastructure Maintenance: Oversee the maintenance of pathways, benches, and outdoor structures within the museum premises. Conduct repairs and improvements as needed.

    • Collaboration with Volunteers: Work closely with fellow volunteers and staff members to cultivate a sense of community spirit. Share your gardening knowledge and skills with others who may be keen on learning more about outdoor maintenance.

  • Skills and qualities needed for the role

    • Passion for gardening and outdoor maintenance.

    • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.

    Benefits

    • Engage with a lively and supportive community of volunteers.

    • Gain hands-on experience in garden design and maintenance.

    • Enhance your gardening skills and knowledge in a distinctive setting.

  • If you have green fingers and a passion for outdoor spaces, join us at the South Wales Aviation Museum! Together, let's create a welcoming and beautiful environment for visitors to enjoy the rich history of aviation

Gardener

  • We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented individual to join our museum team as a Volunteer Clerical Assistant. This role is ideal for someone with strong organisational skills, an interest in museum operations, and a desire to contribute their time and expertise to support our mission. The position involves handling various clerical tasks crucial to the smooth functioning of the museum's administrative processes.

    • Data Input to Xero Finance:

    • Inputting receipts and financial data into the Xero finance system.

    • Ensuring accuracy and completeness in financial records.

    • Electronic File Management:

    • Organising and filing electronic files related to museum operations.

    • Maintaining a systematic and accessible digital filing system.

    • Volunteer Induction Scheduling:

    • Assisting in the scheduling of volunteer inductions.

    • Coordinating with existing volunteers to ensure smooth onboarding for new team members.

    • Paperwork Filing:

    • Managing and organising physical paperwork efficiently.

    • Creating and maintaining a filing system for easy retrieval of documents.

    • Weekly Roster Distribution:

    • Compiling and sending out the weekly volunteer roster.

    • Communicating any schedule changes or updates to the relevant parties.

  • Skills and qualities needed for the role

    • Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.

    • Basic knowledge of financial processes, preferably with experience in Xero or a similar finance system.

    • Proficiency in computer skills, including data entry and file management.

    • Excellent communication skills for coordinating with volunteers and museum staff.

    • Ability to commit to a couple of hours per week, with flexibility in scheduling.

    Benefits

    • Gain valuable experience in museum operations and administration.

    • Contribute to the success of a cultural institution.

    • Flexible hours to accommodate your schedule.

    • Opportunity to work in a collaborative and dynamic environment.

  • Enthusiastic about supporting the museum's administrative functions and meet the qualifications outlined above.

Clerical Assistant

  • Join the South Wales Aviation Museum's Restoration Team and become an integral part of preserving aviation history! As a member of the Restoration Team, you will have the unique opportunity to rebuild and restore aircraft to their former glory, contributing to the museum's mission of showcasing the rich heritage of aviation in South Wales. No prior experience in restoration is required, as you will receive hands-on training on the job.

  • 1. Aircraft Restoration:

    • Work collaboratively with the team to disassemble, refurbish, and reassemble aircraft to accurately reflect their historical appearance.

    • Learn and apply restoration techniques under the guidance of experienced team members and experts.

    2. Documentation

    • Assist in documenting the restoration process, including photographs, written records, and other relevant documentation.

    • Research historical details to ensure accurate restoration of each aircraft.

    3. Team Collaboration:

    • Collaborate effectively with fellow team members, sharing knowledge and skills to achieve restoration goals.

    • Participate in regular team meetings and training sessions.

    4. Museum Displays:

    • Contribute to the preparation of restored aircraft for display within the museum or in designated outdoor areas.

    • Ensure that completed restorations are showcased to the public in a visually appealing and informative manner.

    5. Safety and Maintenance:

    • Adhere to safety protocols and guidelines during the restoration process.

    • Assist in the maintenance of tools and equipment used in the restoration workshop.

  • Skills and qualities needed for the role

    • Enthusiasm for aviation history and a passion for preserving heritage.

    • Willingness to learn on the job; no prior restoration experience required.

    • Ability to work as part of a team in a collaborative environment.

    • Good physical health, as the role may involve lifting and physical labour.

    • Commitment to the museum's values and mission.

    Benefits:

    • Gain hands-on experience in aircraft restoration.

    • Contribute to preserving South Wales' aviation history.

    • Work alongside experienced professionals and fellow aviation enthusiasts.

    • Develop new skills and knowledge in the field of aircraft restoration.

Aircraft Restoration Team Member

Weekend Cafe Assistant

  • As a Weekend Café Assistant, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of our café during busy weekends. The position involves a variety of tasks, including:

  • 1. Customer Service:

    • Greet and assist visitors with a friendly demeanour. Take orders, serve drinks, and provide information about the café menu.

    2. Table Management:

    • Help set up and clear tables efficiently, ensuring a clean and welcoming environment for our guests.

    3. Kitchen Assistance:

    • Support the cook in the kitchen with tasks such as preparing simple snacks, organising supplies, and maintaining cleanliness.

    4. Team Collaboration:

    • Work collaboratively with other volunteers and staff to handle peak hours effectively.

  • Skills and qualities needed for the role

    • · Friendly and approachable demeanour

    • Good communication and customer service skills

    • Ability to handle a fast-paced environment.

    • Willingness to assist in various tasks as needed.

    Time Commitment:

    We understand that your time is valuable. A commitment of a couple of hours on weekends will make a significant impact and contribute enormously to the success of our café.

    Benefits:

    • Opportunity to be a part of a vibrant and exciting museum environment.

    • Gain valuable experience in customer service and hospitality.

  • If you enjoy speaking to people, serving drinks, helping with table management, and have a willingness to assist in the kitchen, we invite you to join our team.

If you would like to join our team of volunteers. Please contact us via email to [email protected]