Volunteer with us
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with The Oxford Trust for our Science Oxford programme. However, we’re not taking on new volunteers at this current time.
Our volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds, but they have plenty in common too, including a willingness to give up their time to support an organisation they believe in, an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths (STEM) or conservation and an enthusiasm for sharing their interest with others. We want to make sure that your experience of volunteering with us is rewarding and enjoyable.
Watch volunteer John talk about his experiences volunteering.
Programmes
Science Oxford has a variety of education, engagement and conservation programmes that our volunteers are involved with to support families and children in STEM.
STEM Careers Programme
Regular weekdays throughout the year
Individuals with a background in working in a STEM organisation and/or an interest in developing STEM skills and careers awareness of young people are essential for the delivery of all aspects of this programme.
Live Lab Activities
Regular Saturdays and holiday weekdays (sessions 10 – 12, 12.30 – 2.30, 3 – 5)
Our Live Lab volunteer are individuals or teams with interesting research to share or those who work for a cool STEM organisation. Those with an interest in public engagement, science communication and careers awareness are valuable for the provision of Live Lab activities.
Computing Clubs
One Saturday each month (volunteering time 9:30 – 5 or for separate sessions, sessions 10-11.30, 12.30-2, 3-4.30)
Those with an interest in engaging families and children with computing and coding are valuable in supporting our staff to deliver our Computing Clubs. This role requires some knowledge of computer programming and using physical computing devices like BBC micro:bit, Raspberry Pi, and other electronics.
Science Clubs
Two Saturdays each month (volunteering time 9:30 – 5 or for separate sessions, sessions 10 – 11.30, 12.30 – 2, 3 – 4.30)
Individuals with an interest in engaging families and children with science are valuable in supporting our staff to deliver our Science and Nature Clubs. Your role would include handing out materials, answering and asking questions, and encouraging families to get stuck in and be curious.
Science Oxford Holiday Club
Holiday weekdays
Individuals with an interest in engaging families and children with science and tech are valuable in supporting Science Oxford Centre staff to deliver our Holiday Tech Clubs and Summer Camps. This role will vary by activity and could involve some knowledge of computer programming or electronics.
Family Days
Every Saturday and some holiday weekdays (volunteering time 9:30 – 5:30, sessions 10 – 12, 12.30 -2.30, 3 – 5)
Those with an interest in engaging families and children with science are valuable in supporting Science Oxford Centre staff to engage with visitors with hands-on exhibits in our Exploration Zone and to encourage outdoor discoveries in our woodland. We also have a Live Lab programme of drop-in activities (see above).
School Visits to the Science Oxford Centre
Term time, Tuesday-Friday (9.30 – 2.30)
Volunteers with an interest in science education are valuable in supporting Science Oxford Centre staff in the delivery of our education programme for primary schools (Exploration Zone, woodland walks, shows and workshops).
Woodland Conservation
One Monday morning each month (4 hours) and 2 – 3 Sundays each year with Oxford Conservation Volunteers
Volunteers with an interest in woodland or conservation are valuable in supporting Science Oxford Centre staff to maintain the pathways, plant trees and flowers, mow the lawn, hang bird feeders and develop outdoor activities for our 15 acres of woodland and ponds.
What support do we provide to our volunteers?
If you take part in volunteering with Science Oxford, we will provide you with help and guidance. See Our Commitment to You.
What commitment do we expect from our volunteers?
In return, we expect our volunteers to follow the guidelines in Your Commitment to Us.