Museum Collections Officer

Museum Collections Officer

Full-Time 30000 - 35000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Ards and North Down Borough Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage and care for museum collections while supporting exhibitions and events.
  • Company: North Down Museum, a vibrant hub for arts and heritage.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, casual work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to engage with the community and lead volunteers.
  • Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a difference in preserving cultural heritage.
  • Qualifications: Degree in museum or heritage discipline and two years of relevant experience.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.

The purpose of the post is to assist in the effective management, documentation, interpretation, access and care of the Council's museum collection, in accordance with Spectrum standards.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

  • To assist the Museum Manager in reviewing and updating museum policies and plans as part of the UK Museum Accreditation Scheme.
  • To undertake the environmental monitoring and pest management of the museum collection, according to museum procedures to ensure the long-term preservation of the collection.
  • To support the effective delivery of the museum's programming, including the curation and installation of exhibitions and delivery of events, outreach and digital online content.
  • To respond to collection-based research enquiries and facilitate access to the collection from researchers.
  • To assist in delivering the museum's documentation, conservation and access plans. This includes assisting in collections audits and conducting condition checks, upgrading packaging and storage and reviewing documentation and cataloguing needs.
  • To support and assist the Museum Manager in handling new acquisitions and the accessioning of new objects into the museum's collection in accordance with Spectrum standards. Including communicating with potential item donors, collating paperwork and researching objects provenance.
  • To carry out research on the collection as required for documentation and interpretation purposes. This includes the delivery of talks and tours related to the museum's collection for a public audience.
  • To support the loans coming into and out of the museum including dealing with insurance and transport arrangements and security assessments as required.
  • To supervise volunteers and work with the museum manager to create volunteer work plans.
  • To comply with and promote equality, health and safety in accordance with Council Policies and legal requirements.
  • To undertake any other appropriate duties as may be allocated from time to time in accordance with the general nature of the post.

Person Specification:

The person specification provides information on the qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills required to carry out the duties of the post. The essential criteria will be used for shortlisting and as part of the selection process.

Qualifications:

  • Essential: A Degree or equivalent in a relevant museum or heritage related discipline.
  • Desirable: Additional relevant professional qualifications.

Experience:

  • Essential: Two years experience within the museum and heritage sector to include:
    • Experience of caring for and developing museum collections to Spectrum standards.
    • Delivery of a varied and successful museum programme, for example, exhibitions, launches and other museum and heritage events.
  • Desirable: Knowledge of the UK Accreditation Scheme. Experience of delivering talks and tours on heritage-based subjects.

Key Skills & Abilities:

  • Essential: Proven experience of IT such as familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and emails.
  • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
  • Ability to work independently as well as within a team.

Other Requirements:

  • Desirable: A valid driving licence with access to a form of transport that will allow fulfilment of the duties of the post or have access to a suitable form of transport which will enable the post holder to meet the requirements of the post.

Museum Collections Officer employer: Ards and North Down Borough Council

At North Down Museum, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through ongoing training opportunities and the chance to engage with the community through meaningful cultural programming. Located in a vibrant area, we offer a unique opportunity to contribute to the preservation of heritage while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that values creativity and teamwork.

Ards and North Down Borough Council

Contact Details:

Ards and North Down Borough Council Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Museum Collections Officer

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the museum and heritage sector, attend events, and join relevant groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for museum collections and heritage. Share your ideas on how you could contribute to their programming and collection management.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the museum's current exhibitions and collections. Bring thoughtful questions to the table that show you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in their work.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that Museum Collections Officer role. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on new opportunities in the field.

We think you need these skills to ace Museum Collections Officer

Museum Collection Management
Documentation Skills
Environmental Monitoring
Pest Management
Curation and Installation of Exhibitions
Research Skills
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Museum Collections Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.

Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on your work in the museum and heritage sector. Mention specific projects or roles where you've cared for collections or delivered programmes, as this will resonate with us.

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the museum field, and make sure your passion for the role shines through!

Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We can't wait to see what you bring to the table!

How to prepare for a job interview at Ards and North Down Borough Council

Know Your Collections

Before the interview, dive deep into the museum's collection. Familiarise yourself with key pieces, their history, and any recent exhibitions. This shows your genuine interest and helps you engage in meaningful conversations about the collection.

Brush Up on Spectrum Standards

Since the role involves managing collections according to Spectrum standards, make sure you understand these guidelines. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied similar standards in your previous roles or how you would approach them in this position.

Showcase Your Communication Skills

As a Museum Collections Officer, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've delivered talks or tours in the past, and be ready to demonstrate your ability to convey complex information clearly.

Prepare Questions for Them

Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions to ask about the museum's future plans, community engagement strategies, or how they measure the success of their programmes. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you assess if the role is right for you.