entertaining your community

Introduction

It has often been said that people only come into museums to get out of the rain. But recent research shows that since charges were dropped the number of visitors has, at least, doubled. And it is not only the museum workers who are pleased. A government minister is quoted as saying, “Visiting a museum, like going to a park or taking a stroll, can once again be one of life’s free pleasures.” Museum assistants and attendants – who have a frontline contact with the public – must also be gratified. Their lives may be infinitely more rewarding.

The post is found in all local authorities except for county councils.

Work Environment

This is based in the public areas of all parts 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 is required and allowances are paid for this and weekend work. A standard working week entails 36 hours, but is quite common to have part time contracts of 12-16 hours per week. A smart uniform is provided.

Daily Activities

Museum assistants work from a reception desk welcoming visitors and helping with any queries. They also sell cards, books and other artifacts. In addition, they patrol the public areas in the building, making sure that the exhibits are safe and that people are behaving properly. But they are not policemen and they want visitors to enjoy themselves.

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. But a light diplomatic, though firm, touch is required rather than strong-arm tactics. Museums are public areas and movement within them cannot be restricted.

As well as constant liaison with other museum staff, the assistant meets a whole range or people including foreign 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:

• experience of working with the public
• a genuine interest in the museum service
• the ability to defuse awkward situations
• team working skills
• the ability to get on with people from all walks of life
• a pleasant personality.

Entry Requirements

You would be expected to have a decent general education, particularly in maths and English.

Knowledge and experience of security practices and locking up procedures in a public building would be an advantage. Some authorities ask for experience working with members of the public in a retail environment.

Estimated salary range

£11,000 – £13,000

Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

Future prospects & opportunities

With museum study qualifications, you can progress to museum officer though the usual immediate way forward is to senior assistant.

Related Occupations

Follow this link to view a list of all related occuptions in Entertaining Your Community.
Alternatively, follow this link to view all career profiles placed in the same job area.

Further Information & Services

Creative and Cultural Industries www.cciskills.org.uk

Museums Association www.museumsassociation.org

You may find further information about this area of work in your local Connexions service/careers office/school careers library - under K.

What should I do next?

Look for current local government Museums Assistant vacancies in the following places:

• LGjobs.com - the official recruitment website for local government.
• Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly jobs bulletins produced by local councils themselves, available from libraries, community centres, town halls/main civic buildings and central council personnel departments.
• Local council websites.
• Local newspapers
• National newspapers - The Guardian is particularly well known for its public sector job advertisements on a Wednesday.

Find out about the council and get some work experience if possible by:

• Making the most of work experience placements arranged through your school, college or university.
• Contacting councils close to your home to find out about the work experience opportunities they offer.
• Talking to someone who does the job you are interested in - ring your local council to see if someone can spare some time.
• Making an appointment to see a careers adviser for more specific information about jobs and training.