Collections Assistant

Job Title: Collections Assistant
Location: Dudley
Salary: £27,435 per annum
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Contract: Full-time, permanent

Black Country Living Museum is seeking a Collections Assistant to join our dedicated Collections Team. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a diverse collection, helping to preserve, document and share the stories of the Black Country with current and future generations.

What will you be doing?

• Assisting with responding to enquiries from the public, researchers and other organisations, as well as offers of objects and materials to the Museum.
• Supporting the documentation of collections through cataloguing, auditing, location tracking and movement control.
• Assisting with acquisitions, disposals, returns and the collection or delivery of museum objects.
• Helping to maintain high standards of collections care, storage and conservation.
• Conducting research to support collections development, exhibitions, projects and visitor engagement activities.
• Supporting research visits and facilitating access to collections for specialist and non-specialist groups.
• Undertaking manual handling activities, including the safe handling of museum objects.
• Working with and supporting volunteer teams involved in collections-related activities.
• Collaborating with colleagues across the Museum and external partners to enhance understanding and access to the collections.

What are we looking for?

• Experience of working with museum collections and applying current museum standards, guidance and best practice.
• An understanding of collections management, documentation, conservation and heritage issues.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to work methodically and pay close attention to detail.
• The ability to prioritise workloads, work independently and use initiative effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with colleagues, volunteers and external stakeholders.
• A commitment to improving access to museum collections and engaging diverse audiences.
• Enthusiasm for the Museum’s aims and an interest in heritage, research, learning and visitor engagement.
• A commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

What can you expect?
• Unique Working environment.
• Opportunity to learn new skills.
• Competitive rewards & benefits.
• Supportive & inclusive work culture.
• Positive attitude to work-life balance.

Who are we?
We are an award-winning 29-acre open-air museum, celebrating our 50th anniversary in 2028. We champion the Black Country, celebrate its people and communities and share our distinctive heritage, creating pride today and possibility for the future.

Black Country Living Museum tells the story of one of Britain’s most influential regions through immersive experiences, historic buildings and a vibrant programme of events.

As VisitEngland’s Large Visitor Attraction of the Year, the Museum continues to grow its reach and ambition — championing the Black Country, celebrating its people and communities, and sharing the region’s distinctive heritage with new audiences.

What are you waiting for? Begin your Black Country Journey now and apply using your most up-to-date CV.

BCLM is an equal opportunities employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment that celebrates the richness of the human experience. We are dedicated to eliminating bias and discrimination at every stage and encourage applicants to get in touch should they require reasonable adjustments during the interview process. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups and believe in providing equal opportunities for all qualified candidates.

Our commitment to safeguarding includes implementing robust safer recruitment procedures to assess the suitability of individuals applying for roles that involve work with children and adults who may be at risk of harm.

Closing date: 15 July 2025

Interviews are expected to take place within 7 days of the closing date, adjustments will be made should successful candidates be unable to attend.

As we say in the Black Country, tara-a-bit!

Museum Website: https://bclm.livevacancies.co.uk/#/job/details/281