Museum Collection Audit Assistant

The Chapter House Museum Trust; Scotland; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A historical museum in Scotland seeks an Audit Assistant to enhance collections knowledge through systematic audits and documentation. Responsibilities include checking and updating the Collections Management System, rehousing objects for conservation, and creating digital records of artifacts. Candidates should possess a keen interest in museums, relevant education, and experience in collections documentation. Strong skills in organization, communication, and teamwork are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable interest in museums or heritage sites.
• Hands-on collections documentation experience.
• Experience handling various types of museum objects.

Responsibilities

• Check and update object descriptions in the database.
• Inspect and rehouse objects for conservation.
• Create digital images of objects and documents.

Skills

Collections documentation experience

MS Office proficiency

Organizational skills

Strong communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Graduate/Post-graduate degree in Museum or Heritage Studies

Job description

Situated in Dunkeld, the Museum and Archive houses a vast collection of documents, research, photographs and memorabilia relating to the local area. For more information, visit our website at www.historicdunkeld.org.uk

About the role

This role involves providing support across the audit project, with specific responsibilities for audit activities. The Audit Assistant will receive training and establish a best practice system to conduct a comprehensive audit of the collections, assisted by the collections manager, to capture data on objects in the main store, which will include social history, archaeological and textile materials. The aim of this project is to enhance knowledge and access to the collections by developing a consistent baseline inventory in line with museum accreditation SPECTRUM standards. The audit forms a key part in The Chapter House Museum Trust’s Collections Development Policy, enhancing understanding and access for future collecting requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Systematically check each box of objects in the main museum stores to ensure they are catalogued on the current Collections Management System (CMS) to at least inventory level for SPECTRUM standards.
• Check and update object descriptions and numbering on the collections management database in consultation with museum staff.
• Receive training in the use of the CMS and basic conservation, which will then be rolled out to all other staff.
• Inspect and rehouse objects, replacing packaging as needed to meet best storage and conservation practices and identify objects which require professional conservation.
• Ensure objects are handled with care and any conservation and storage issues are raised with the Collections Curator.
• Create digital images of objects, photographs, and documents via scanning and photography.
• Undertake any other duties as may reasonably be required in the post.

Background and Experience

Qualifications

• A demonstrable interest in museums and/or heritage sites is essential.
• A graduate and/or post-graduate degree in Museum or Heritage Studies desirable, or an equivalent understanding of museum operation and practice gained through work based training, 3-6 months’ minimum experience required.

Knowledge, skills and experience

Essential

• “Hands on” collections documentation experience, gained through working or volunteering in a museum, gallery, or heritage site.
• Experience of handling museum objects of a variety of types, and an understanding of best practice relating to collections storage, security, environmental and pest control.
• Working knowledge of MS Office packages including Word, Excel and Access.
• Ability to input data with a high level of accuracy.
• Good organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage own workload, effectively, to meet targets and deadlines.
• Strong team working skills with the ability to work positively and co-operatively with colleagues and partners.
• Strong written communication skills and the ability to maintain a high level of accuracy.
• A good standard of verbal communication, with the ability to communicate with a wide range of people.