Collections Assistant

The Collections Assistant role sits within the Collections and Applied Conservation department which manages HES collections and loans across the estate, was well as associated fabric. Our collections span over 5,000 years of human history and range from small archaeological finds to large industrial machinery. We care for some of Scotland's most culturally significant objects, including the Honours of Scotland, the and the St Andrews Sarcophagus and there are more than 45,000 objects distributed across more than 140 locations throughout Scotland. You will work in a team of 4 Collections Assistants to carry out a range of collection management tasks. This will include project work, for example a major collections inventory project that is on track for completion towards the end of 2025. We are also scoping new projects to inventory and enhance the cataloguing, including recording of previously undocumented objects, and progressing archaeological assemblage archiving and reporting. In addition to this, you will assist the wider Collections & Applied Conservation team with a programme of planned collections management work at our properties in care across Scotland, and in our collection stores (mainly in Edinburgh). You will be based in Edinburgh collections stores and travel to sites across Scotland as required, and will also be able to work both independently from home and from Edinburgh (or regional offices) for desk-based work. For project work, you will be required to travel, and may need to spend significant time driving or on public transport. Some of our sites are in remote areas and may be located in challenging landscapes. Occasional evening and weekend work supporting projects and public-facing events may be required. You must be able to participate in a range of physical activities including manual handling and working at heights. Reasonable adjustments can be considered to help facilitate this. Key responsibilities, duties and objectives Delivery of collections management projects

• Working with colleagues to deliver collections management project work, including carrying out inventory and enhancing the cataloguing and recording of previously undocumented objects, and progressing archaeological assemblages through archiving and reporting.
• Complete a collections inventory project that is on track to finish towards the end of 2025.
• Working with the Collections Services Manager to ensure work is on track, and reporting on progress of project work.
• Fostering positive working relationships with colleagues internally and with external sector colleagues.
• Able to work as part of a team, leading teamwork at times, and able to work independently on projects when required
Working with collections
• Supporting the work of the wider Collections & Applied Conservation team, by completing collections management and collections information tasks in store
and on site.
• Assisting with collections care, environmental monitoring and object couriering.
• Work with site teams to maintain object displays and stores, providing advice and support.
• Working to sector collections management standards and health and safety standards.
Working to collections information
• Working with Vernon CMS, our collections management system, to record accurate, Spectrum-compliant information about collection items.
• Carrying out inventories and audits of collection items, ensuring correct information is recorded and added to our collections management system.
• Improving collections information, including data entry, condition checking, object labelling, repacking.
• Carrying out object photography and managing digital image files.
• Carrying out research into collections to improve documentation and to inform interpretation.
Providing Access to collections
• Support collections-led community engagement and education events at our properties in care.
• Provide access to collections on site and in storage for research and study.
• Support the work of the wider team to answer public enquiries.
Post Competencies You will be assessed against these competencies during our selection process. Core Competencies:
• Delivering excellent Service - Demonstrating a commitment to quality services
• Teamwork - Contributing to and supporting working together
• Planning and Organising - Putting plans and resources in place to achieve results
• Communication - Communicating appropriately and clearly
• Knowledge & Expertise - Applying and developing knowledge and expertise to achieve results - (See below for specific criteria)
  
  An awareness of museum practice and theory, with an understanding of the latest sector best practice, ethics and trends.
• Demonstrable experience in key aspects of collections care and management including collections audits, risk assessments, object handling and movement, storage and packing, collections object photography, preventative conservation (housekeeping, environmental monitoring and pest management).
• Demonstrable experience in collections information management including data entry, working with collections management systems to improve data, promoting and monitoring data accuracy and compliance with standards and procedures, developing and/or managing methodologies for project work.
• Meticulous attention to detail in written work and data entry.
• Able to work effectively in a team or individually. Excellent team and cross-organisational working skills, with experience of working on projects as part of a team.
• Willingness to travel with overnight stays as required.
• Full driving licence. Some of our properties are in remote areas not accessible by public transportation when equipment transport needs are taken into account.
Desirable requirements
• Ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written communication.
• An understanding of compliance requirements such as health & safety and hazards management.
• Knowledge of industry standards and processes for managing heritage collections, such as Collections Trust's Spectrum collections management standards, the Treasure Trove system.
• Good working knowledge of Scottish history, archaeology and built environment and demonstrable interest in a relevant aspect of Scottish material culture.
• Research and report writing skills, Desirable: Active participation in relevant professional networks, for example Museums Association, Scottish Museums Federation, Society of Antiquaries