Volunteer with us

The London Museum of Water & Steam used to be powered by water and steam, now it is powered by our wonderful team of volunteers!

Much of the work at the Museum is carried out by our dedicated and valued team of volunteers. From looking after our unique collection of steam engines, archives and garden, to ensuring all our visitors are warmly welcomed and have unforgettable visits.

Volunteering with us will give you the opportunity to get involved in your local community, make friends or sharpen your skills. 

If you would like to find out more about volunteering with us, please email our Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected]

Current volunteering opportunities

  • Museum Host
  • Gardener
  • Visitor Welcome Assistant

Museum Host

The diverse role of a Museum Host means that every day is different! Working alongside the exhibits, Museum Hosts offer outstanding customer service and bring to life the exciting narrative of The London Museum of Water and Steam’s important role in providing clean water for London.

Tasks may include

  • Liaising with the Duty Manager to ensure a safe and well-organised working day.
  • Providing a friendly greeting for all visitors.
  • Listening to visitors’ needs and providing them with information about the museum’s events and history
  • Assisting the Duty Manager in ensuring that the museum is kept clean and tidy.
  • Supporting visitors way-finding and access through the museum
  • Helping visitors to complete evaluation forms.

Uniquely volunteers can get the opportunity to

  • Assist the wider LMWS with social media marketing, collections and research for development of our exhibits and education and learning.
  • Help with the setting up and organising public programme events that are held at the museum.
  • Assist education facilitators with school workshops.
  • Work collaboratively with the wider LMWS team

Time Commitment

This role is currently available Thursday, Friday, Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holidays 9.00am-4.00pm.

Volunteers can book a full day, or a half-day shift. Shifts are flexible and you can choose the number of days you work. Full training will be provided.

This role will suit someone who …

  • Has an interest in history and industrial heritage.
  • Enjoys creative problem-solving
  • Enjoys meeting new people and providing great visitor experiences.
  • Has keen listening and communication skills.
  • Has good conversational and clear spoken English.
  • Has a friendly and open attitude, and willing to collaborate to get involved and learn a range of new skills.
  • Has a willingness to get stuck in and to make a difference, helping the museum to achieve the standards and ambitions we aspire to.
  • Has a willingness to carry out tasks independently and as part of a team.
  • Is comfortable standing for longer periods of time.

London Museum of Water and Steam

The London Museum of Water and Steam tells the story of London’s water supply, the site, its people and the amazing pumping engines that helped to make London the city it is today.

Today the museum is at the heart of the community, working in partnership with community groups and welcoming many residents.

For more information contact: The Collections Officer at [email protected]

Gardener

Duties Include

  • Assisting in the upkeep of the museum’s unique gardens 
  • Working outside
  • Working collaboratively in a team environment

Experience or an interest in horticulture would be desirable

London Museum of Water and Steam 

The London Museum of Water and Steam tells the story of London’s water supply, the site, its people and the amazing pumping engines that helped to make London the city it is today.  

Today the museum is at the heart of the community, working in partnership with community groups and welcoming many residents. 

For more information contact: 

The Collections Officer at [email protected]  

Visitor Welcome Assistants

About the role: Your friendly face will be one of the first visitors see, as you greet visitors, answer questions, and ensure that they have the information that they need to help them make the most out of their visit.

Tasks may include:

  • Providing a warm and friendly greeting for all visitors.
  • Listening to visitors needs and helping them plan their visit.
  • Assisting with ticket and shop sales, promoting Gift Aid with ticket transactions.
  • Promoting the museum and current and future exhibitions and events to visitors.
  • Helping with events and other visitor experience activities as needed.
  • Taking responsibility for money handling and end of day till procedures.
  • Taking customer surveys.

Time Commitment

This role is currently available Thursday through Sunday, 9.30am-4.30pm.

Volunteers can book a half day or full day shift, depending their availability. We would like a half-day commitment per week, preferably on the same day.

For more information contact: 

The Collections Officer at [email protected]  

Frequently Asked Questions

  • When can I volunteer?

    Our regular volunteering days are Thursday to Sunday, between 9:30-16:30. For most roles there is no need to commit to a particular day or amount of time. However, our Visitor Welcome Assistants do work on a shift basis, mornings 10:00-13:00 or afternoons 13:00-16:00.

  • What is the minimum age for volunteering?

    Our minimum age for volunteering is 14 years old.

    Young people aged 14 to 16 years old need to be accompanied by a responsible adult, or have written parental consent if that adult is not your parent/guardian.

  • What is the minimum age for operating any machinery?

    The minimum age to operate machinery is 16 years old. Anyone under 18 can only operate machinery under supervision.

  • Do I need specific skills to volunteer at the museum?

    No, we have a range of roles available and welcome people will a wide array of skills and experiences. You do not need to have an engineering background to volunteer with us.

  • Can I apply for multiple roles?

    Yes, of course you can. We appreciate all the time you can give and would love you to get involved with us in a range of ways if that is available to you.

  • Do you provide training?

    You will receive an induction when joining the museum as a volunteer, including basic safety training. Our roles will provide you with hands on training, and where necessary role specific training days.

Stationary Steam Engine volunteer talking to families at a Steam Up event.
A volunteer providing a guided tour of the Museum.
A volunteer welcoming visitors to the Museum.