At a Glance
- Tasks: Enhance museum collections by improving documentation and data quality.
- Company: Kirklees Museums & Galleries, transforming how collections are experienced.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, training opportunities, and a local government pension scheme.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to improving public access to cultural heritage.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on accessibility and inclusivity in museum collections.
- Qualifications: Relevant qualification or experience in museums and strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 14985 - 15972 £ per year.
Be part of an exciting moment for Kirklees Museums & Galleries as we transform how our collections are understood, shared, and experienced. Supported by Arts Council England National Portfolio funding, this role is central to strengthening the foundations of our collections work, ensuring our records are accurate, consistent, and ready to support a more inclusive and accessible future.
Key Responsibilities
- Review and improve collections documentation and data quality
- Standardise records, templates, and terminology across systems
- Update and maintain the collections database utilising MODES
- Improve how collections information is organised, searched, and accessed
- Review historic paper records and filing systems to ensure accuracy
- Support inclusive, representative cataloguing and reduce bias in records
- Write clear guidance and procedures for colleagues
About You
You will bring a relevant qualification or equivalent experience in museums, heritage, or a related field, alongside a good understanding of collections management and documentation standards. You will be confident working with collection management databases – ideally MODES - and committed to maintaining accurate, consistent, and high‑quality records that are inclusive and accessible for the future.
You will be highly organised and detail‑focused, with the ability to manage and improve complex information and be a strong team player who communicates clearly and works well with colleagues to support shared goals. You will be passionate about strengthening documentation systems to improve access, understanding, and public benefit, with a focus on continuously reviewing and improving standards, and processes.
This role will suit someone who enjoys working independently on documentation with a particular interest in the essential work behind the scenes that ensures collections information is accurate, accessible, and meaningful.
Salary & Contract
Grade 6, £14,985 - £15,972 (Actual Salary). Temporary, contract ends 31.3.2027. Hours 21 hours per week. Location: Tolson Museum, Ravensknowle Park Wakefield Rd, Huddersfield HD5 8DJ (with some cross‑site working).
Benefits: Local Government Pension Scheme, generous annual leave, flexible working, training opportunities.
Assistant Curator in Huddersfield employer: Kirklees Council
Kirklees Museums & Galleries is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where your contributions directly impact the accessibility and understanding of cultural collections. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive team culture, you will thrive in a role that not only values your expertise but also encourages continuous learning and improvement. Located in the vibrant setting of Tolson Museum, you will be part of a transformative journey that prioritises inclusivity and public benefit.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Curator in Huddersfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the museum and heritage sector, especially those who work with collections. Attend events or workshops where you can meet potential colleagues and learn more about their experiences.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your experience with collections management and documentation. Include examples of how you've improved data quality or made information more accessible.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a job opening that excites you, don’t wait for the perfect moment. Apply through our website and tailor your application to showcase how your skills align with the role's responsibilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in the interviewer's mind as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Curator in Huddersfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Assistant Curator. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission of improving collections documentation and accessibility.
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for museums and collections management shine through in your written application. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about making collections more inclusive and accessible for everyone.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your qualifications and experiences are easy to understand and directly relevant to the job.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Kirklees Museums & Galleries.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Council
✨Know Your Collections
Before the interview, dive deep into the collections of Kirklees Museums & Galleries. Familiarise yourself with their current projects and how they aim to improve accessibility and inclusivity. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect your experience with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Detail Orientation
Since the role requires a keen eye for detail, prepare examples from your past experiences where you improved documentation or data quality. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, especially in relation to collections management.
✨Familiarity with MODES
If you have experience with collection management databases, particularly MODES, make sure to highlight this. If not, do some research on it and be prepared to discuss how you would approach learning new systems quickly. This shows your commitment to adapting and improving processes.
✨Team Player Mindset
This role emphasises collaboration, so think of examples that demonstrate your ability to work well in a team. Prepare to discuss how you've communicated effectively with colleagues in the past and how you can contribute to shared goals within the museum's framework.
