Volunteer Telford

Opportunity Description

You will be a key part of the team that conserves two Sentinel locomotives that form part of the Trust Collection.

Working with a small team you will help to conserve these important objects so they are stable now, and can be enjoyed by future visitors. You will also explain the work and object history to visitors.

Main Tasks

Under the direction and supervision of the Collections Curator and an external Conservation Consultant you will be responsible for the day to day conservation work on the locomotives – this includes wet and dry cleaning; priming bare iron; painting; if appropriate carrying out some minor repairs; talking to visitors about the work; photographing all stages of the project.

Location

Coalbrookdale – under one of the viaduct arches

Expected Commitment

We are looking for someone who can commit to at least one regular full day a week from September to November.

Training

The project will begin with a whole day training session led by an experienced Conservator. On the job training will also be provided as and when required.

More Information

The two sentinel locomotives are historically important parts of the Trusts Museum Collection, and displayed in a visible area of Coalbrookdale. The Trust has secured funding from the Association for Industrial Archaeology to carry out important conservation work. Please note the locomotives are not running, and this work is conservation (i.e. preserving what’s there) rather than restoration.

The role will require a reasonable amount of physical activity and working outside (though under some cover) in all weather. It will also involve talking to visitors of all ages and from diverse backgrounds.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for al staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

This role description is subject to periodic review.

Requirements

No qualifications are required, however you should be fairly fit and able to climb onto and around the locomotives.

We are looking for a maximum of 8 volunteers to help with the project, and It would be great if we could get a mix of existing people and new. Training will be provided, so there isn’t a need to have any conservation experience – however they will need to be able to climb on and around the two locomotives, so they will need to be relatively fit and able.

We would like to run the training for all volunteers on Saturday 9^th September. This is the first day of Heritage Open Days at Coalbrookdale.

Benefits

Our benefits are free access to all 10 museums for the volunteer, £0.45 per mile paid for travelling expenses maximum 30 miles per day and food and non alcoholic drink (receipts required) if volunteering more than 4 hours that day.  We have monthly social and annual volunteer meetings and a dedicated volunteer officer and a named contact for support. We have a mind fullness craft club and free tea & coffee whilst on site in designated restrooms.