Dec 15, 2015 - The Museum holds collections of over 65,000 artefacts, 74% of ... management system, preservation through
Job Description – Project Officer Located at:
Scottish Fisheries Museum St Ayles, Harbourhead Anstruther KY10 3AB
Responsible to: Responsible for:
Curator Volunteers
Background: The Scottish Fisheries Museum was founded in the old fishing port of Anstruther, at a property known as St Ayles, as a trust and charity in 1969, to collect, record and interpret the history of the fishing industry in Scotland. During the early 1900s, the Museum’s buildings accommodated a chandlering business and the Courtyard area was leased to fishermen for storage. The Museum has expanded to occupy a number of adjacent 18th & 19th century domestic properties, some associated with fisher families and, most recently, the Museum has developed the former Smith and Hutton Boatyard and ‘Zulu Gallery’ to house most of its collection of full size fishing vessels. The Museum holds collections of over 65,000 artefacts, 74% of which are considered to be of international, UK or Scotland - wide importance and so formally received ‘Recognition of National Significance’ status in 2007. The Museum has a small team of paid staff plus significant volunteer support, especially through three clubs, the Boats Club, Model Boat Club and St Ayles Rowing Club. The Museum has full Accreditation status and is graded a four - star visitor attraction by VisitScotland.
Job Specification: This is a Museum Galleries Scotland Recognition funded post. The Digitisation Project Officer will be responsible for cataloguing, documenting and digitising the museums photographic collection of 14,500 negatives leading to a searchable photographic management system, preservation through digitisation and collections online. The Project Officer will also be responsible for working with volunteers and community contacts to maximise the potential use of the photographic collection via exhibitions and an outreach programme.
Main Activities and Responsibilities: • •
Digitise the Museum’s photographic collection using a flatbed scanner and Lightroom. Catalogue the Museum’s photographic collection, including standardisation of documentation, development of thesaurus, and ensuring consistency of data capture. Investigate and comply with copyright legislation for use of photographs. Manage a team of volunteers to complete research into the photographic collection. Provide training for volunteers to assist with digitising and documenting the photographic collection. Use the Museum’s resources and contacts to gather further information about the photographs. Input information gathered about the photographic collection populating the Museum’s computerised photographic management database. Develop a detailed knowledge of the photographic collection, implementing succession planning from the knowledge gained. Curate an exhibition of museum photographs. Identify ways to improve revenue from the collection. Work with the Assistant Curators to develop and deliver an outreach resource and outreach programme. Develop and deliver an educational resource and schools programme. Work with the Education Officer to run an intergenerational programme with the local school. Publish images online and via a single-use digital terminal.
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Characteristics: The Project Officer needs to be organised and have excellent knowledge of documentation with due regard to the standards required by SPECTRUM and Accreditation as a National Museum. Educated to undergraduate degree level with a recognised and relevant post graduate qualification or work experience within an accepted museum/heritage field is important. A high degree of consistency and accuracy are essential because of the nature of the work. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work in a range of teams are essential. An interest in maritime heritage would be a distinct advantage, along with the ability to manage and inspire a small team of volunteer support. Training will be available in specialist areas. Education:
Good undergraduate degree in relevant subject Postgraduate museum qualification or relevant museum/archive experience
Essential Skills and Competencies:
Experience of cataloguing and documentation systems Experience of databases and data input Experience of digitisation Attention to detail Accuracy and consistency Organised and methodical with ability to meet targets Able to use own initiative work as part of a team Experience of managing and working with volunteers from a range of ages and backgrounds Experience of developing and delivering educational and outreach resources
Desirable Skills and Competencies:
Experience of working with historical photographic collection
Experience of working in a heritage organisation Experience of collections care issues including handling and conservation issues Ability to compile a standardised thesaurus of terms Knowledge of copyright issues Knowledge of Lightroom Knowledge of maritime heritage. Driving Licence
Conditions of Service Full information on the policies and practices in place to support staff are contained in our staff handbook that will be made available to the successful candidate. The key benefits aligned to the post are however detailed as follows. Hours: 37.5 hours week with some weekend and evening working may be required. Lieu time will be given in respect of additional hours. Salary:
£ 19,750 p.a.
Annual Leave: 33 days per annum including 10 public holidays. Pension:
The Museum offers a contributory stakeholder pension scheme.
Expenses:
All reasonable out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed.
Travel: The majority of travel associated with this post, to develop contacts and partnerships, is likely to be within the Kingdom of Fife. On occasion the Digitisation Project Officer may be required to travel to meetings in other areas of Scotland and beyond. Interviews will be held in the week of the 25th January 2016 Before an appointment can be confirmed, you may be subject to a PVG check The Scottish Fisheries Museum is committed to equality of opportunity The Scottish Fisheries Museum is a charity registered in Scotland (No. SCO06185) Applications: CV plus covering letter addressed to Simon Hayhow, Director, outlining reasons for applying and which skills you will bring to the post (by post to the Museum or by e-mail to
[email protected]). Closing Date:
10 pm, Sunday 10th January 2016
Written: 15th December, 2015
