Introduction
Museum assistants assist in all aspects of the running of a
museum. There are many different kinds of museums helping to
document, record and conserve the rich cultural heritage of
Wales. Through museums, exhibitions and outreach work museum
services strive to celebrate our place in world history from Iron
Age Celts, the industrial revolution, the shaping of the Rugby
Union, to the invention of radar in World War II and beyond.
Museum services work closely with schools, heritage organisations,
local history groups and partner museums maintaining a proactive
learning experience for residents and visitors.
Work Environment
Museum assistants can be based in any part of the museum. It is
usually necessary to work a flexible six-day rota system that might
include three out of four Saturdays and two out of four
Sundays. Evening work may be required. A standard
working week usually entails 37 hours, but is quite common to have
part time contracts of 12-16 hours per week. Some museums
will provide uniforms.
Daily Activities
Activities will vary. Museum assistants can work at a
reception desk welcoming visitors and helping with any
queries. They can also assist in a museum shop, selling
cards, books and other artefacts. They may have duties
patrolling the public areas in the building, making sure that the
exhibits are safe, and assisting with the routine maintenance of
exhibits and displays. They will also help with special
events such as theme exhibitions like "The Iron Age" or stands
showing what people wore and what the average home looked like in
the 1950s. Assistants are also called upon to arrange and
organise meeting rooms for particular occasions such as lectures
and school visits.
Although they are responsible for security and locking up,
museum assistants are expected to have interests beyond that.
They should be involved in promoting the museum service and being
enthusiastic about it. There are times, too, when they will be
required to deal with difficult situations - an unruly and
disruptive visitor, for example. As well as constant liaison
with other museum staff, the assistant meets a whole range of
people including overseas visitors and educational groups. Many
will have many questions to ask so the assistant should have a
basic knowledge of what is on offer.
Skills & Interests
To do the job well you would need to have:
- some experience of working with the public;
- a genuine interest in the museum service;
- ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of
people;
- good administrative skills;
- ability to handle cash and credit card transactions;
- interest in history;
- team working skills;
- an ability to adapt to changing priorities.
Entry Requirements
You would be expected to have at least 4 GCSEs at grade C and
above (or equivalent) including maths and English. Knowledge
of local history or history relevant to the particular museum will
be helpful. Knowledge and experience of security practices
and locking up procedures in a public building may be
required. Some authorities ask for experience working with
members of the public in a retail environment, in a café, or
experience of reception duties, depending on the job.
Future Prospects & Opportunities
With museum study qualifications, you can progress to museum
officer though the usual immediate way forward is to senior
assistant.
Further Information & Services
Association of Art Historians www.aah.org.uk
Creative and Cultural Industries www.cciskills.org.uk
Museums Association www.museumsassociation.org
You may find further information about this area of work through
Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or
in your local library, careers office or school careers
library.