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- Tasks: Lead a community project to engage with the Natural History Museum's collections.
- Company: Colchester City Council, dedicated to high-quality public services.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, pension scheme, and discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while supporting museum redevelopment.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of natural science, strong planning skills, and community engagement experience.
- Other info: Great training and career progression opportunities in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Contract type: 18 Months Fixed Term Contract
Working Hours: 22.2 hours (3 days) per week
Colchester City Council is committed to delivering high-quality and accessible services to residents, visitors and businesses. They are a local government authority providing a diverse range of public and commercial services across Colchester, the second largest district in Essex.
The Council are seeking a Collections and Learning Officer, Natural Sciences, to support the exciting redevelopment of Colchester’s much-loved Natural History Museum. This role is funded by Art Fund’s Reimagine Grant.
Duties of the role
As an essential member of the Collections and Learning Team you will lead a brand-new public collections project: ‘Community Curators’, creating inspiring and inclusive opportunities for engagement with the Natural History Museum’s collections in the lead up to the museum’s redevelopment. You will develop innovative ways to connect audiences with our resources, working collaboratively with internal teams and external partners. Responsibilities include:
- Delivering twice-weekly sessions
- Engaging community groups and SEND students
- Ensuring safe and accessible environments
- Managing supporting materials and risk assessments
- Providing timely project updates
- Celebrating achievements through blogs and social media
- Upholding data protection, safeguarding, and ethical standards
- Promoting strong relationships within the wider museum and cultural community
Qualifications and skills required
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- A strong knowledge of natural science or natural history
- Excellent planning and organisational skills
- An understanding of health and safety and museum learning requirements
- Confidence in building relationships across the community and motivating volunteers
- Experience in heritage outreach and project work
- Strong interpersonal skills
- IT skills
- The ability to produce clear reports
- The ability to apply data protection principles
- The ability to work flexibly, including attending external meetings
- Enthusiasm for community engagement and a collaborative approach
What we offer
The Council encourages all employees to maximise their potential. You will be entitled to join an attractive pension scheme and will receive a generous annual leave entitlement, including two extra company holidays during the Christmas period.
Other benefits include:
- Flexible working
- Gym, travel and online retail discounts
- Excellent training, development and progression opportunities
Collections and Learning Officer in Colchester employer: Colchester City Council
Contact Detail:
Colchester City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Collections and Learning Officer in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the museum and natural sciences community. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. 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 natural history and community engagement. Share your ideas on how you would approach the Collections and Learning Officer role and how you can contribute to the museum's redevelopment.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the Colchester Natural History Museum and its current projects. Familiarise yourself with their collections and think about how you can enhance community involvement. This will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly. So, go ahead and submit your application – we’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
We think you need these skills to ace Collections and Learning Officer in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Collections and Learning Officer role. We want to see your passion for natural sciences and community engagement shine through!
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t hold back on sharing your relevant experience in heritage outreach and project work. We’re looking for someone who can motivate volunteers and engage with diverse community groups, so let us know how you’ve done this before!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured reports, so make sure your application reflects that clarity. Use bullet points if it helps to convey your message effectively!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Colchester City Council
✨Know Your Natural Science
Brush up on your knowledge of natural science and history. Be prepared to discuss how your expertise can enhance community engagement with the museum's collections. Think about specific examples where you've successfully connected audiences with similar resources.
✨Showcase Your Planning Skills
Since this role involves delivering sessions and managing projects, come ready to share your planning and organisational strategies. Prepare a brief outline of a project you’ve managed before, highlighting how you ensured safety and accessibility for all participants.
✨Demonstrate Community Engagement Experience
Be ready to talk about your experience in heritage outreach and working with community groups. Share stories that illustrate your ability to build relationships and motivate volunteers, as these skills are crucial for the Collections and Learning Officer role.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication
This position requires strong interpersonal skills, so think of examples that showcase your collaborative approach. Discuss how you’ve worked with internal teams and external partners in the past, and be prepared to explain how you would celebrate achievements through blogs and social media.
