Collection Assistant

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The Collection Assistant (Illustrations) will support the development, curation, preservation and accessibility of the illustrations collection. You will assist with collections activities, including invigilation and supervision of researchers in the Library and Archives Reading Room, visits and tours designed to publicise Library and Archive’s collection and undertaking the retrieval, return and reshelving of illustration collections. You will support the development and curation of designated area/s of the collections to ensure accessibility, security and preservation including compiling box lists, location spreadsheets, inventory records and database entries.

This is a permanent, part time role which will suit an individual with some experience (paid or voluntary) working with collections in a front-facing or curatorial role in a library, gallery or museum environment. You will also have excellent communication skills and customer service experience. You must be able to work constructively and flexibly within a team, have excellent IT skills and demonstrate attention to detail. Applicants should have a qualification in and/or broad knowledge of a relevant subject, for example, art, art history, museum studies or history.

Due to the collections-based nature of the role, the successful applicant will be expected to work on site. You must have the ability to handle large objects and boxes and to work at height.

Working hours will 18 hours/week, worked over 3 weekdays Wednesday-Friday each week. Working hours will be fixed, but there is some flexibility for these to be agreed in advance with the successful candidate(s).

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) is a leading plant science institute, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and major visitor attraction. Our mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth.

We are working to end the unprecedented extinction crisis and to help create a world where nature is protected, valued by all and managed sustainably. We will achieve these goals by drawing on our leading scientific research, unrivalled collections of plants and fungi, global network of partners, inspirational gardens at Kew and Wakehurst, and our 260 years of history.

Join us on our journey as protectors of the world’s plants and fungi.

The salary will be £24,252 - £26,947 per annum (pro rata), depending on skills and experience.

Our fantastic benefits package includes opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, an Employee Assistance Programme and other wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership. We also offer a competitive pension, an employee discount scheme and free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries, as well as access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.

If you are interested in this position, please submit your application through the online portal, by clicking “Apply for this job”.

We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.

No agencies please.