Rocket Vault Steward

Rocket Vault Steward

Posted for Royal Gunpowder Mills

Posted by Volunteer Essex

Register your interest

You will be redirected to the Volunteer Essex website to express your interest.

The Royal Gunpowder Mills is a 170 acre site protected for its’ industrial heritage and natural history. Almost thewhole site is classed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM) and is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). 

We open to the public to share the exhibitions and offer tours and activities. We run a schools programme that fits with the history of the site and the National Curriculum. We offer hire space and interesting environments for filming. 

The charity’s aims are to protect, preserve and enhance the special aspects of the site and to share the story of the industrial and social history, the science and the nature.

This exhibition contains rocket motors and missiles relating to the post war research activities of the site in the areas of rocket propellants and materials. They relate to both military and civilian use in upper atmosphere and space research. The Rocket Vault is open on public days during our open season and is opened for interested groups.

About the role:

We need volunteers to welcome and assist visitors as they approach the exhibition and then to help the visitors get the most from their visit by giving interesting and relevant information to make the exhibits come alive!  While each exhibit is described in an A4 display panel and a DVD shows them in action, many visitors appreciate a personal guided tour. The members of the Friends Association who set up and care for the exhibition can provide the appropriate information for new stewards. There are also opportunities for research into this period of the history of the site, both in on site archives and also in the National Archives at Kew where many of our documents are now stored. 

What skills do I need?

We seek someone: 

•  With the ability and willingness to understand and follow the rules/procedures to enable the visitors to enjoy their experience in safety and comfort.
• Who is able to work with a wide range of the public in a calm, helpful and friendly manner. 
• With the ability to gauge the level at which to engage with each visitor and the level and amount of information to give to interest them. 
• With expertise/knowledge/or just interest in relevant science/history to give a good basis for learning the information to be passed on to the visitors. 
• While a basic knowledge of science is desirable, it is not essential, as full training will be provided. 
• Confident in communicating with other staff/volunteers and visitors. 
• Who has a positive attitude and will work cooperatively in a team environment. 
• Reliable, e.g. informing RGM ASAP, if not able to attend on any pre-agreed days/times. 

If you are unsure of any of the above please feel free to phone and have a chat.