the CAM is looking for volunteers!

Join our team as a Volunteer Tour Guide at the Canadian Automotive Museum!

Are you a people person with a passion for cars and Canadian history? Do you thrive on sharing stories and engaging with visitors of all ages and backgrounds? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to become a Volunteer Tour Guide at the Canadian Automotive Museum!

About Us:

The Canadian Automotive Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing Canada's automotive experience. From the dawn of the horseless age to the new era of electric transportation, our museum offers a fascinating journey through time for visitors of all ages. We pride ourselves on providing informative and enjoyable experiences that inspire curiosity and appreciation for automotive history.

Role Overview:

As a Volunteer Tour Guide, you'll have the opportunity to share your passion for automotive history while interacting with diverse audiences, including tour groups, families, and seniors. No prior automotive expertise is required – we provide comprehensive training and technical information to equip you with the knowledge you need to lead engaging tours.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct guided tours for visitor groups of all ages, sharing stories and insights about our exhibits.

• Conduct gallery interpretation and interact with visitors during public events, including March Break and Doors Open Oshawa. Engage with visitors, provide interpretation on the collection, and answer questions to enhance their museum experience.

• Interact with tour groups, school classes, car clubs,  and individual visitors, tailoring your communication to suit different age ranges and backgrounds.

• Be on-call to be onsite at minimum 2 hours a week, spending time circulating in the galleries when not giving tours. Work with museum staff to ensure a welcoming and informative environment for all visitors.

• Act as a Tourism Ambassador for Oshawa, recommending local restaurants and attractions to visitors.

Requirements:

• Enthusiasm for history and a desire to share your passion with others.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with people of all ages and backgrounds.

• Commitment to being onsite at least two hours a week, spending time circulating in the galleries or assisting at the front desk when not giving tours.

• Willingness to undergo training and learn about the museum's exhibits and tour procedures.

• All applicants must be at least 16 years of age.

• Criminal background check for those working with minors.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive training and technical information provided to support your role as a Tour Guide.

• Opportunities to interact with visitors of all age ranges and backgrounds from around the world.

• Gain valuable experience in public speaking and museum interpretation.

• Utilize the extensive Baechler Canadian Automotive Research Library, enriching your knowledge and understanding of Canadian automotive heritage.

• Join a welcoming community of fellow volunteers who share your passion for cars and storytelling.

• Volunteer hours can be used toward graduation requirements at local high schools, colleges, and universities.

If you're ready to make a difference by inspiring visitors with your enthusiasm for history, be it automotive or otherwise, we want to hear from you! To apply, please fill in our volunteer application form.

If you’d like, you can also send a resume and brief letter of interest outlining why you'd be a great addition to our team to office@canadianautomotivemuseum.com. Please include the phrase “Volunteer Tour Guide Application” in the subject line.

Why Volunteer?

The Canadian Automotive Museum has a mission to share the importance of Canada’s automotive heritage, which we achieve with the assistance of volunteers. We are looking for individuals with a genuine interest in Canada’s automotive history that can foster the growth of the museum and stimulate public awareness of its programs and facilities. 

Benefits of Volunteering:

• Free admission to the museum and special events.

• Invitations to recognition events, meetings and training sessions.

• Fulfill school requirements in a fun and rewarding atmosphere.

• Meet others who are passionate about Canadian automotive history.

Volunteer Opportunities

Collections and Archives Assistant: Explore Canada’s automotive history through newspapers, photographs, and maps. Under the supervision of the Automotive Librarian, volunteers will assist with cataloging and digitizing the automotive reference collection.  

Buildings & Grounds Maintenance: Our century-old museum building is in constant need of maintenance from painting to plumbing and general upkeep of the facility.  

Vehicle Maintenance: Skilled volunteers assist with detailing vehicles, inflating tires, and turning over engines to ensure that the collection is properly maintained.

Tour Guide: Guides serve as knowledgeable experts leading groups through the museum during group tours, special events, and school field trips. Guides receive training and access to research materials to create their own individualized tours.

Special Events Assistant: The CAM hosts special activities during Family Day, March Break, and Winter Break. Special event volunteers answer visitor questions, help children assemble crafts, and provide security in the galleries.

Research Assistant: Do you consider yourself knowledgeable about cars, GM Canada, or automotive history? The CAM receives inquiries from researchers from around the world and often we need help answering their questions. Volunteers serve as a valuable resource for answering questions and developing new exhibits and articles.  

Professional Services: Do you have a professional service that you are willing to contribute to the operation of the Canadian Automotive Museum? Professional skills include professional fields such as plumbing, electrical, legal, and accounting.

CAM volunteer programs are supported by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.