Collections Assistant

Wyre Forest District Council; Bewdley; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Bewdley Museum, part of Wyre Forest District Council, seeks a Collections Documentation Assistant to support a project to reduce the backlog and improve access to our museum collections.

Working with the Collections and Interpretation Officer, you will undertake inventories, cataloguing, retrospective accessioning, research, photography and collections review activities to ensure accurate documentation and compliance with professional standards.

Qualifications

• Experience working with museum, archive, library, heritage or other collections-based records.
• Experience maintaining accurate records and databases.
• Ability to research and interpret information from diverse sources.
• Experience of working with volunteers or members of the public.
• An understanding of the importance of collections care and documentation.
• Knowledge of MODES and Spectrum desirable.

Responsibilities

• Undertake inventories and cataloguing of collections.
• Conduct retrospective accessioning and collections review.
• Carry out research and photography to document collections.
• Help ensure collections are accurately documented and well managed.
• Work across Bewdley Museum stores and collection locations.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Independent working

Research skills

Volunteer experience

IT literacy

Driving licence

Two-site work

Education

General education (literacy & numeracy)

Tools

MODES

Spectrum

Job description

Bewdley Museum, part of Wyre Forest District Council, is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Collections Documentation Assistant to support an exciting project to reduce our collections documentation backlog and improve access to our museum collections.

Working with the Collections and Interpretation Officer, you will undertake inventories, cataloguing, retrospective accessioning, collections research, photography and collections review activities. You will help ensure our collections are accurately documented, well managed and cared for in accordance with professional museum standards.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their experience in museum collections management, documentation and collections care while contributing to the stewardship of an important local heritage collection.

Key Requirements

• Good general education, particularly in literacy and numeracy.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organisational and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to work methodically and independently.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Competent IT skills using Microsoft Office and database systems.
• Ability to handle museum objects carefully and work within established procedures.
• Driving licence and own transport
• Ability to work across two sites.

Skills & Experience

• Experience working with museum, archive, library, heritage or other collections-based records.
• Experience maintaining accurate records and databases.
• Ability to research and interpret information from a variety of sources.
• Experience of working with volunteers or members of the public.
• An understanding of the importance of collections care and documentation.
• Knowledge of museum collections management systems, such as MODES, would be advantageous.
• Knowledge of Spectrum collections management procedures would be desirable.
• Enthusiasm for the heritage, history and culture of the Wyre Forest area.

This is a fixed term contract for 24 months, working 37 hours per week in our Bewdley Museum and collection storage locations.

The closing date for this post is the 20th November 2026 but we reserve the right to close applications early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Interviews will be held shortly after the closing date.

The role will involve working in museum stores and collection areas and requires occasional lifting, carrying and handling of museum objects using appropriate manual handling techniques.

Appointment to this post is subject to satisfactory clearance of a basic disclosure check (Disclosure & Barring Services (DBS) under the Police Act 1997.

You will be required to provide a suitable vehicle for this post

We understand you may use AI tools to help you prepare your application. While these tools can be helpful, please ensure everything you share about your experiences, skills, and qualifications is authentic and truly reflects you. Your genuine story and real achievements are what we're most interested in!

Wyre Forest District Council is an equal opportunities employer.

Attached documents
Role Profile Collections Assistant.pdf