Role Summary

DIG Tour Support Volunteers engage and enthuse school & family visitors on our group tours to learn about archaeology and the discoveries it can uncover about our past. Volunteers assist our archaeologist tour guides on the ‘Uncover’ aspect of the DIG Tour, engaging visitors with on our DIG Sites, replicas of four significant excavations reflecting 2000 years of York’s archaeology. 

Volunteer Tasks

• Offer increased engagement through assistance on group tours 
• Deliver visitor interaction through additional activities on DIG Tours or in DIG’s ‘Explore’ gallery areas 
• Provide support to staff leading the tour 

Skills and Interests

You don’t need guiding or historical knowledge but volunteers should:

• Have a passion for archaeology and/or education 
• Be confident initiating conversation with children and adults 
• Have a strong customer focus 
• Have a desire to contribute your enthusiasm and time to enhance visitor experience 
• Want to support York Archaeology’s educational mission 

Where Will I Be Volunteering?

DIG is a hands-on archaeological adventure where young explorers (recommended for ages 5–12) can become archaeologists for the day. Find out more at www.digyork.com.

Hours & Involvement

Volunteers can get involved on a weekly or fortnightly basis for 90 minute sessions. You will be able to flexibly choose to sign up to accompany the tours that suit your availability best.

Uniform

You are welcome to wear your own smart casual clothing suitable for a professional museum environment when volunteering in this role, teamed with a YA Volunteer branded lanyard and ID badge. As the DIG Tour Support Volunteer role is an active one, comfortable clothing and footwear is recommended. We ask that you avoid some items of clothing such as ripped jeans or graphic t-shirts. Further guidance is available from the Volunteering Team. YA branded polo shirts and sweatshirts are available on request. 

Induction, Training and Support

Video and written training materials are provided with all the information you need to get started. Before you get started as a DIG Tour Support Volunteer you will be offered opportunities to shadow a current volunteer or observe a DIG Tour. Throughout your volunteering with York Archaeology you will be supported by the Volunteering and Site Management teams. 

Application Timescales & Contact

For applications received before 18th September, Group Application Meetings will take place on 30th September and 1st October and Welcome & Training Sessions for applicants we are able to match to a role will take place on 14th and 15th October. 

For applications received between 26th September and 6th November, Group Application Meetings will take place on 13th and 19th November and Welcome & Training Sessions for applicants we are able to match to a role will take place on 2nd and 3rd December.

For applications received between 7th November and 7th January, Group Application Meetings will take place on 13th and 14th January and Welcome & Training Sessions for applicants we are able to match to a role will take place on 3rd and 4th February.

After application you will be asked to register with our My Impact volunteer management system to book onto a Group Application meeting and, if we can successfully match you to a role, to sign up to sessions through our rota system.