Collections Assistant

Collections Assistant

The Bowes Museum Closing date: Fri, 22 May 2026

Role: Creative
Contract: Permanent
North East

Mon, 11 May 2026 "> published -

Job Summary

Job title: Collections Assistant Responsible to: Collections Manager Salary: £26,522.50 Hours of work: 37 hours per week Contract: Permanent Place of work: The Bowes Museum

Job Description

You will support the day-to-day management of the collection, with a focus on digital records, documentation and administration, alongside preventive conservation through environmental monitoring and pest management. Your work will help ensure the collection is well cared for, accessible and ready to be used in exhibitions, research and public programmes.
Working collaboratively with staff, volunteers, partners and communities, you will contribute to developing and delivering engaging programmes. You will also help maintain and improve collections records, systems and loan processes, supporting research and strengthening relationships with sector colleagues, academics and local communities.
Alongside this, you will contribute to key projects that enhance how we manage, understand and care for the collection, including developing our collections database, supporting object rationalisation and improving how loans are managed.

Job Requirements

You will be enthusiastic, highly organised, methodical, and accurate. You will communicate well with colleagues and stakeholders. You will be proactive in problem-solving in a dynamic museum environment. As a confident person, you will enjoy building effective working relationships with a broad range of people and advocating for the museum's values and behaviours. As someone used to juggling multiple elements, you will be flexible and adaptable in your approach.

Job Responsibilities

Create, maintain and provide access to accurate records of The Bowes Museum's collections and archive through cataloguing, digitisation and collections management. Support migration from the Adlib database to a new system. Manage incoming and outgoing loans, agreements, transport and returns, and contribute to loan policy development. Support ethical deaccessioning, disposal and storage reorganisation. Lead preventative and specialist collections care, including environmental monitoring, pest management and liaison with conservators. Contribute to collections security and disaster planning. Supervise Conservation Volunteers. Work with curators, marketing and partners on collection-led programming and digital platforms. Plan and deliver activities for visitors and communities. Build partnerships, evaluate impact, manage budgets and ensure professional delivery.

Job Overview

  • Job Title: Collections Assistant
  • Salary: £25k-£30k
  • Hours: Full time
  • Role: Creative
  • Contract: Permanent
  • Closing date: Fri, 22 May 2026
  • Location:
    North East
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Job: Collections Assistant

Job: Collections Assistant

Organisation: The Bowes Museum

Postcode: DL12 8NP

How to Apply