The Heritage Trust Ltd.

Job Vacancy

Job Title: Museum Support Officer

Salary: £7,200 per annum (includes 3 month probation period)

Hours: 15 hours per week. There will be occasional weekend and evening work, with time off in lieu offered.

Reports to: The Collections Manager

Job Description:

1. Purpose of Job

The Museum Support Officer will assist with the collections management at DHT’s Museum Store, and with specific project work undertaken by DHT. The post holder will assist with the maintenance and development DHT’s existing display sites and extend DHT’s outreach work.

2. Key Areas

 To support all aspects of running the Dacorum Heritage Trust and the Museum Store.  To help manage the team of volunteers and assist The Collections Manager and Finance Manager in the recruitment of new volunteers.  Working with the Collections Manager and volunteers, to answer public enquiries and supervise researchers.  To be responsible for and maintain the standards of collection management, including storage and preventative conservation requirements.  To be responsible for and effectively delegate the documentation work of the collection using MODES Complete.  To maintain and develop DHT’s programme of temporary displays and exhibitions.  To maintain and help deliver DHT’s education programme and links with schools.  To promote the work of DHT including talks to local groups and tours of the Museum Store.  To ensure the museum meets Accreditation Standards.  To undertake relevant tasks and any other duties, as required by DHT in accordance with the purpose of the job.

3. Job Context

The Borough of Dacorum is situated in the western part of bordering Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. It covers a diverse area including the towns of , and and many of the scattered rural villages such as , , and .

The Dacorum Heritage Trust was formed in 1993, as successor to the Dacorum Museums Advisory Committee and is the museum organisation for the Borough of Dacorum. Currently the only other museum of local history open to the public in the Borough is situated in Tring. Therefore the Trust must run outreach projects that allow the public to engage with the collections.

The Trust has its own collection, but also acts as an umbrella organisation for thirteen constituent societies, most of which are local history societies. All the objects are housed, catalogued and conserved at the Museum Store in Berkhamsted, an old fire station which was specially converted in 1994. Despite not having a permanent gallery, we received full Registered Museum status in 1997 and gained Phase II Registration in 2001. Accreditation was achieved in 2008.

The Trust currently manages five display sites in public areas around the Borough including local libraries and, civic centres. It also hosts workshops at schools and libraries.

For further information on the Dacorum Heritage Trust please see our website www.dacorumheritage.org.uk

4. Knowledge, Skills and Experience

The post holder will have:

 A degree in history or related subject.  A postgraduate qualification in Museum Studies is desirable.  A minimum of six months or equivalent experience of working in museums is desirable.  A current, clean driving licence and own transport.  Good IT skills with a working knowledge of a collection management system, preferably MODES Complete. Familiarity with digital and web technology would be an advantage.  An interest in all types of collections.  Clear and precise written communication skills together with the ability to communicate orally with staff and volunteers on a number of levels.  Excellent organisation and people skills.

A DBS check may be required.