Applications for volunteering open at the beginning of each term. 
If you are a University of Reading student, please go to Campus Jobs at the start of term to see the roles that are currently available.

If you are not a University of Reading student, please send us an email.
We can only accept volunteers aged 18+

Volunteering is very popular, and we may not be able to offer a position to every applicant.

Enriching student experience

The Cole Museum of Zoology is an integral part of teaching at the University of Reading, and students are at the heart of what we do.

This is reflected in how the museum runs, from pest checks to packing to specimen conservation to fundraising and outreach events – our volunteer team is involved in all aspects of looking after our collections. Not only does this provide students with the opportunity to add a whole host of unique skills to their CV’s, but aids in their zoological learning too!

We also welcome members of the local community to our team; an interest in museums and animals is all you need.

The lifeblood of the Cole Museum doesn’t flow within our specimens; it is our volunteer team!

Volunteering at the Cole Museum is amazing – but don’t take our word for it! 

Gaia Zwiers, BSc Zoology student

“When deciding on which University I would go to, the prospect of volunteering at the Cole Museum of Zoology was one of the reasons which made me ultimately choose Reading – and now, having volunteered there for the last few years, I can confidently say it was the right choice. The Cole Museum team made me feel right at home – and I now have a newly found passion for dead things in jars!”

Grace Staines, BSc Zoology student

“It should not be understated how valuable the Cole Museum volunteering opportunity is. It is a fantastic experience dealing with the fluid specimens, there is staggering variety in the collection and being able to observe so many specimens really enhances my understanding in my Zoology studies.”