At a Glance
- Tasks: Help make natural science collections accessible and organised for digitisation.
- Company: Join the Natural History Museum's innovative DiSSCo UK programme.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27.5 days holiday, pension scheme, and discounts at museums.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent training and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on scientific research and biodiversity.
- Qualifications: Detail-oriented with strong communication skills and a passion for collections.
The predicted salary is between 20700 - 25300 £ per year.
The Collection Assistant plays a vital role in ensuring collections are accessible, well-organised, and prepared in advance of digitisation activities. Working closely with digitisation teams, curators, and collection managers, you will help scale up operations for the accessibility and transparency of important scientific collections. This position is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a nationally significant programme of work during a key phase of DiSSCo UK's rollout.
We encourage applications from candidates (both internal and external) who fulfil most of the key competencies and are willing to support training and personal development opportunities to fill any knowledge gaps. This role is based within the Museum's Digital, Data and Informatics (DDI) Department and reports to the relevant Unit Lead (Entomology or Botany).
Are you passionate about making natural science collections accessible to researchers, policymakers, and the public worldwide? DiSSCo UK is seeking an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Collection Assistant to help transform the Natural History Museum's physical collections into high-quality digital records. We are looking for a proactive and organised Collection Assistant to support the preparation, care, and movement of natural science collections for digitisation.
We are looking for strong communicators with excellent attention to detail, who can team up with both DiSSCo UK and NHM curatorial teams. You will have a pragmatic approach to problem solving and escalating issues in a timely manner. Above all, you thrive in a team environment, are enthusiastic about collections data and their organisation and place collaboration at the heart of your work.
This role is specifically working as part of the Distributed System of Scientific Collections UK programme. UK natural science collections hold more than 140 million items. These are an unrivalled source of data about how the Earth and its natural systems formed over 4.56 billion years, with the potential to support research that addresses some of the critical issues facing the world, including biodiversity and climate change.
Diversity and inclusion matter to us. Our vision is of a future where both people and the planet thrive. Diversity is one of our core values and we strive to build a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging. All new staff who join us learn about the importance of diversity and inclusion to the Museum and how to contribute to creating an inclusive environment.
Hybrid working: We operate a hybrid working model that requires regular, weekly attendance for this role, with the precise pattern of days on site and worked from home to be agreed with your manager. Due to the nature of this role the work pattern will be 100% on site.
Benefits include:
- 27.5 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays (full time equivalent)
- Generous defined contribution Natural History Museum Pension Scheme (employer contribution 4 - 10%)
- Season ticket, bicycle and rental loan
- Life insurance
- Free admission to our exhibitions and many other paid exhibitions at museums, galleries and institutions across London and the UK
- Staff discount at our Museum shops and cafes
- A wide variety of training initiatives and opportunities to build skills
- Affordable membership to the Civil Service Sports Council
- Membership to our Sports and Social Association
Collections Assistant (DiSSCo UK) employer: Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum in London is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of biodiversity research while contributing to meaningful projects that impact global conservation efforts. With a collaborative work culture that fosters innovation and professional growth, employees benefit from access to world-class resources and the chance to engage with leading scientists and international partners. The museum's commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures a supportive environment where every team member can thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Collections Assistant (DiSSCo UK)
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Natural History Museum. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like Natural History Museum before they even post them.
✨Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events
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✨Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions
In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!
We think you need these skills to ace Collections Assistant (DiSSCo UK)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Natural History Museum:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Natural History Museum specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!
Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at Natural History Museum!
How to prepare for a job interview at Natural History Museum
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Show Genuine Enthusiasm
As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!
✨Practice Common Scenarios
Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.
