Volunteer at the Cannery

What it is: Looking for a behind-the-scenes way to support the Cannery? Interested in working with historical artifacts, photographs, and papers? Assist the Collections and Exhibits Manager with special projects subject to availability.  

What you’ll do:  

• Scan and label images for entry into the GOGC NHS database. 
• Photograph and label artifacts for entry into the database. 
• Transcribe oral histories for entry into the database. 
• Assist the Collections and Exhibits Manager with exhibit creation and construction. 

• Training in Safe Object Handling and basic artifact care. 
• Training in using Rules for Archival Description (RAD). 
• Experience in producing exhibits at a National Historic Site. 
• Database and scanner training for populating the database. 

Qualifications: 

• Fluent in English, French is an asset. 
• An interest in Canadian history, especially the fishing industry of coastal British Columbia. 
• Post-secondary school experience in any of the following: archival studies, library science, anthropology, art history, First Nations studies, cultural studies, and/or museum education.

What it is: Do you like working with kids? Are you available on weekdays, Monday-Friday? Join the Education Programs Assistant team and help the next generation get the most out of their visit to the Cannery! In this role, you will help out our Interpreter staff as they lead school groups through a variety of hands-on educational experiences created to bring BC Curriculum goals to life! 

What you’ll do: 

• Assist program leaders in setup and take-down of education program props, worksheets, and activity materials. 
• Reset program materials and activities between classroom groups. 
• Assist with group engagement and direction (putting away backpacks, finding bathrooms, etc.) 
• Assist in the organization and upkeep of education programs storage and prop collection. 
• Other duties as needed. 

• Training on how to engage with students from preschool to Grade 7. 
• Historical knowledge covering a wide variety of topics related to cannery workers, canning machine operation, Indigenous ways of knowing, fishing methods, and more! 
• Experience in managing large groups of multiple students. 

Qualifications: 

• Weekday availability – programs typically take place between 10:00am-2:00pm Monday-Friday. 
• Interested in working with children between the ages of 4-13. Some opportunities for high school-aged children may be available. 
• Previous experience working with children and students is an asset. 
• Fluent in English, French is an asset. 

What it is: Exhibition Construction Volunteers assist the Collections Manager and head construction staff in finalizing the details of exhibits prior to installation. In this role, you will work with your hands, collaborate as part of a team, and see exhibits being built from the literal ground up. 

What you’ll do: 

• Finish construction projects by sanding, washing, painting, etc. 
• Help move exhibit walls and display cases. 
• Cleaning exhibit debris during installation process. 
• Other duties as directed by Collections Manager and/or head construction staff. 

• Basic carpentry finishing skills. 
• Experience in exhibit construction and troubleshooting logistical problems. 
• Knowledge in the maintenance of heritage buildings. 

Qualifications: 

• The ability to perform detail-oriented, repetitive work. 
• Able to lift 40 pounds and squat comfortably. 
• Ability to work independently on assigned projects. 
• Previous experience in carpentry/familiarity with power tools and safety procedures preferred. 

What it is: Join us in taking care of the Cannery Store throughout the year. The store features a mix of toys, apparel, books, gifts, art pieces, salmon products and more, and always has something new to see! Volunteering as a Gift Shop Assistant is sure to appeal to those with retail experience, or to volunteers who are interested in telling visitors what we have to offer. 

What you’ll do 

• Receive, organize, label, and display items for the Cannery Store. 
• Tidy up and restock merchandise displays. 
• Assist with yearly inventory. 
• Support Front Line Staff with customer inquiries regarding the store. 

• Experience in customer service and communicating with visitors. 
• Training on product and stock management such as labeling and restocking. 
• Training on Profitek database updating and product entry. 
• Knowledge of a wide range of store merchandise and its benefits. 

Qualifications: 

• Wide availability of some weekdays and some weekends (we need Gift Shop assistants for all days that the Cannery is open). 
• The ability to lift, squat, and stand for 2 hour shifts. 
• An eye for detail and the ability to work independently. 

What it is: Learn about the history of the West Coast commercial fishing industry and share this knowledge with Cannery visitors. Gallery Attendants are a key part of delivering a high-quality customer experience, with the ability to aid in wayfinding, answer questions, and support safe and engaging interaction in the site.  

What you’ll do: 

• Engage site visitors by delivering site orientations, answering questions, and providing general site information as required. 
• Reset and tidy exhibit elements as needed to provide the best visitor experience. 
• Observe and monitor visitors to ensure safety of both Cannery exhibits and visitors. 
• Provide basic directional wayfinding for visitors. 

• Historical knowledge covering a wide variety of topics related to cannery workers, canning machine operation, Indigenous ways of knowing, fishing methods, and more! 
• Training on interpersonal skills and interpretation for a historic site. 
• Ability to work with a diverse team of staff and volunteers. 

Qualifications: 

• No previous experience or knowledge is necessary; all training is provided. 
• Ability to stand for at least 2 hours preferred. 
• Fluent in English, French is an asset. 

What it is: Greet, lead activities and provide information to visitors attending special events at the Cannery. These fast-paced shifts happen throughout the year at events like Easter at the Cannery, The Haunted Sea, and more.   

What you’ll do: 

• Greet and engage Cannery and event visitors to create a welcoming atmosphere. 

• Deliver site information, orientations, give directions, and answer visitor questions as needed. 

• Manage event tables or booths for events such as Santa at the Cannery or the annual Tourism Challenge. 

• Lead Cannery activities, crafts, and tours as required. 

• Assist visitors and customers in the site, lobby, gift shop, or event space as necessary. 

• Interpersonal and customer service skills. 
• Historical knowledge covering a wide variety of topics related to cannery workers, canning machine operation, Indigenous ways of knowing, fishing methods, and more! 
• Training on interpersonal skills and interpretation for a historic site. 
• Ability to work with a diverse team of staff and volunteers. 
• Artistic and crafting skills for a wide variety of Cannery activities. 

Qualifications: 

• Friendly energy and desire to work will all ages of guests, especially children. 
• Availability around and on certain holidays. 
• Basic English skills, French and additional languages an asset. 

What it is: Build, prepare and set up/take down materials for special events throughout the year. Learn new skills and be part of an exciting ‘behind the scenes’ team!   

What you’ll do: 

• Assist with setup and take-down of temporary installations, programming materials, and technology. 
• Design, craft, and paint props and display items for events such as The Haunted Sea. 
• Support the organization and inventory of props and materials for public programs and special events. 

• Ability to work with a diverse team of staff and volunteers. 
• Time Management – Assist staff by committing to a project deadline and following through with production guidelines. 
• Knowledge in the maintenance of heritage buildings. 

Qualifications:  

• The ability to perform detail-oriented, repetitive work. 
• An interest in crafts and art projects (all skill levels welcome!) 
• Able to lift 20 pounds and squat comfortably. 
• Ability to work independently on assigned projects. 

What it is: Opportunities to use your organizational skills to help us stay on top and on track of many of the procedures needed to run a successful museum. 

What you’ll do: 

• Research and assist with compliance training initiatives and reports. 
• Data gathering and analysis. 
• Filing, archiving, mailing and organizing Society records. 
• Support frontline and office staff with administrative tasks. 

• Insight to operating a museum and National Historic Site. 
• Historical knowledge covering a wide variety of topics related to cannery workers, canning machine operation, Indigenous ways of knowing, fishing methods, and more! 
• Financial, statistical and business processes. 
• Understanding of general business practices and policies in a non-profit environment. 

Qualifications: 

• Fluent in written and spoken English, French an asset. 
• Comfortable working with computers and software such as MS Word, MS Excel, and SharePoint. 
• A passion for learning and trying new things!