Powell-Cotton Museum: Collections Project Officer vacancy

The Powell-Cotton Museum has bid successfully for ACE funding to undertake a two year project, “Securing the Future of our Past”, with the aims of improving our visitor experience, improving our education offering and delivering strong leadership in education and research. With an eye to future aspirations of improved storage and research facilities the project also aims to ensure that our world class collection is made more accessible through cataloguing and by using web based media. Integral to this project will be the appointment of a Collections Project Officer and an Education Project Officer, each on a two-year contract, working under the direction of our Collections Manager.

Job Title: Collections Project Officer

Responsible to: The Collections Manager

Base: The Powell-Cotton Museum

Full time two year fixed-term contract

25,000 pa

Main Job Purpose

To improve the protection, digitisation, interpretation and promotion of the Powell-Cotton Collections, within the context of the funded project.

Accountabilities

1) Support the management and care of the Museum’s collections, on display and in storage and undertake regular condition checks in accordance with the Collections Care Plan.

2) Take responsibility for the recording and cataloguing of the Collections.

3) Participate in the design and interpretation of Museum displays.

4) Take the lead in the investigation of improved storage and research space, including costing’s for current and future needs.

5) Undertake conservation cleaning as required.

6) Carry out pre-emptive conservation practices and maintenance procedures as

directed, making the Collections Manager aware of any concerns regarding the

collections.

7) Ensure that handling, movement and storage of collections items is carried out in

accordance with best practice.

8) Under the guidance of the Collections Manager, explore creative solutions to the

maintenance of objects within the collections.

9) Contribute to the positive appearance of the Museum.

10) Ensure that the high care standards are maintained.

11) Undertake any appropriate task as requested by the Collections Manager.

12) Participate as reasonably required to deliver the project.

13) Participate in the specification and delivery of a newly refurbished dedicated

education and research facility.

14) Networking and building partnership links with Kent’s organisations, institutions,

service providers and communities.

Health & Safety

1) Observe all health and safety at work regulations as set out in the Museum’s H&S Manual.

2) Be responsible for your own health and safety and that of other staff and any member of the public who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work.

Security

1) Give priority to the security of the collections at all times.

2) Ensure that all aspects of security and emergency are carried out in accordance with the Museum’s procedures.

Person Specification

Knowledge

Essential

Knowledge of relevant specialist area (ethnography or natural history)

A post graduate qualification in a Museum/Heritage related subject.

Competence in Integrated Pest Management policies and procedures.

Knowledge of museums’ collections and disposal policies and procedures.

IT literacy.

A sound knowledge in volunteering and community engagement principles and practice (and the ability to demonstrate appropriate knowledge)

Experience and knowledge of collection care documentation and cataloguing systems (ADLIB would be advantageous).

Desirable

Understanding of learning and access policies in the heritage sector.

Some understanding of the Leisure & Tourism sector.

Experience

Essential

Ability to deliver and to work to deadlines.

Proven experience with similar projects including budgetary control and dealing

with third party contracts.

Experience of working in collections care.

Experience of an Integrated Pest Management regime.

Experience in modern conservation techniques.

Desirable

Experience of exhibiting and promoting museum collections.

Experience in dealing with a range of stakeholders.

Experience of new media.

Working with originating communities.

Skills/Attributes

Practical hands-on attitude to collections care requirements.

Exhibition, interpretation and presentation skills.

Excellent team player, with ability to think corporately and work collaboratively. Written communication skills that demonstrate attention to detail.

Analytical and research skills.

Planning skills.

Personal Qualities

Commitment to the Powell-Cotton Museum’s objectives.

The ability to make a positive contribution to the organisation.

Innovation, creativity and problem solving ability – able to rise to a challenge by

providing innovative and practical solutions.

Commitment to personal and professional continuous development.

Commitment to equality and diversity.

The post holder will be subject to a CRB check. This post will include working at height and use of ladders. Some weekend, evening and Bank Holiday working will also be required.

Application Procedure

Applicants should complete the Powell-Cotton Museum Application Form which is available electronically from the Powell-Cotton Museum website vacancy page 

Applications should be marked as SFP Collections Project Officer Application – Private and Confidential’ and emailed or sent as a hard copy with a covering letter to arrive by 5pm on Friday 3rd May 2013.

Karen Botha Director Powell-Cotton Museum Quex Park Birchington-on-Sea Kent

CT7 0BH

karen.botha@quexmuseum.org

Interviews will be held on Monday 13th May 2013.