Collections Officer at Dundee Museum of Transport

Dundee Museum of Transport is entering an exciting new chapter as it prepares to relocate to the restored Maryfield Tram Depot. To support this major transition, the museum will recruit a Collections Officer on a 12-month fixed-term contract to help ready the collection for the move.

This collections management role will involve the preparation of the museum collection for relocation, cataloguing and collections documentation, research on museum objects, loan management and work on deaccessioning.

Key Responsibilities

The Collections Officer will work closely with the Curator and wider team to:

• Identify, assess and prepare objects for relocation to Maryfield in line with the new displays and storage plans.
• Improve collections documentation, cataloguing and records on the collections management system.
• Support the administration and documentation of loans in and out.
• Assist with object review and de-accessioning activity as part of a strategic effort to improve the health, focus and manageability of the collection, following recognised professional and ethical guidance.
• Assist with research to continue to build knowledge about the museum collection.

This role will suit an early- to mid-career museum professional with experience of collections documentation and handling, who enjoys methodical work, problem-solving around legacy collections, and working as part of a small, busy team.

Person Specification

Essential

• Degree or equivalent experience in museums, heritage, history, archaeology or a related discipline.
• Demonstrable experience of working with museum collections, including object handling and documentation.
• Experience of museum documentation and cataloguing processes, including object entry, accessioning and location control, preferably using a collections management system.
• Understanding of collections care principles, storage, environmental factors and basic preventive conservation.
• Familiarity with UK museum standards and good practice around documentation, loans and disposal (e.g. Accreditation, Collections Trust guidance).
• Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to data entry and record-keeping.
• Good organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to work to agreed priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a small team and to support volunteers.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable

• Experience of working on a museum relocation, decant or major collections move project.
• Accomplished research skills.
• Experience of working with transport, industrial or large object collections.
• Experience of implementing or supporting de-accessioning and disposal projects.
• Experience of working or volunteering in a Scottish museum context.

This job description outlines the main duties and responsibilities for the Collections Officer role. It does not cover every task that may be undertaken; duties may be varied in line with the evolving needs of the museum’s move to Maryfield Tram Depot.

Please visit the Dundee Museum of Transport website for more detailed information on the job role.

Please send a CV and covering letter (max 2 pages) explaining how you meet the person specification to Aidan Targett-Ness, Dundee Museum of Transport Curator, Atargett-ness@dmoft.co.uk by Friday 11th September, 23:59.

Interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing 21st September.