Skills for the FutureMuseumTraineeships

Tomorrow’s Heritage Trainees - supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund

The Museum is pleased to be recruiting three more ‘Skills for the Future’ Heritage Lottery Funded trainees for 2014 - 15. The scheme offers high quality, paid Museum/Heritage work placements. Trainees will leave the scheme with a range of achievements and work experience, a professional qualification in cultural heritage operation and a strong platform for developing a future career in heritage. The post is ideal for people at the beginning of their Museum/Heritage careers, who are seeking to take the step from volunteering or casual work to their first full-time position.

Salary: £15 400

Contract: 12month contract, starting w/c 10 February 2014

There are three placements on offer, Please indicate which placement you are applying for in your application.

  • VolunteerManagement and Sustainability Trainee
  • Learning Trainee
  • Interpretation and Events Trainee

As a trainee you will be offered a supportive learning environment, with a close working relationship with a supervisor, and an individually-tailored training programme. Every trainee will also have the opportunity to gain a relevant vocational qualification during their placement –NVQ Level 3 in Cultural Heritage Operations with the V & A.

All trainees will have access to funding for an individual work-based project, which will give them the opportunity gain project management and budgeting skills. All trainees will also have a small training budget to fund transport to occasional conferences and courses during the year.

During your placement, you will receive support in developing employability skills including preparing your CV, interview training, tailored support in short-listing potential employers and guidance on accessing heritage opportunities.

JOBDESCRIPTIONS

Volunteer Management & Sustainability Trainee

  • Reporting to the Visitor Experience Manager.
  • To assist with the management of the Volunteer Programme, includingliaising with volunteers, creating rotas for front of house requirements, organising volunteer training opportunities, assisting with recruitment of volunteers, leading volunteer inductions, updating the Volunteer Handbook and leaflet andpublicising volunteering opportunities.
  • To organise corporate volunteering opportunities.
  • To organise and deliver the monthly Young Volunteers Club meetings.
  • To assist in the communication and implementation of the Museum’s sustainable development policy.
  • To deliver a project in volunteer management/sustainable development with an agreed budget.
  • To assist in the evaluation of the volunteer programme.
  • To assist with the day-to-day operation of the Museum site, including taking responsibility as Duty Manager (after training).

LearningTrainee

  • Reporting to the Learning Officer.
  • To assist with the administration, delivery and development of formal and informal learning provision.
  • To assist with the co-ordination of volunteers, freelancers, living history re-enactors and contractors within the learning service.
  • To assist with the evaluation of the formal and informal learning provision.
  • To deliver a learning project with an agreed budget
  • To assist with the day-to-day operation of the Museum site, including taking responsibility as Duty Manager (after training).

Interpretation and Events Trainee

  • Reporting to the Learning Officer
  • To assist with the administration, delivery and development of the special events programme
  • To assist with the development of the museum interpretation strategy and the communication of stories about the museum collection to visitors
  • To assist with the co-ordination of volunteers, freelancers, living history re-enactors and contractors within the learning service
  • To assist with the development and delivery of formal and informal learning provision
  • To assist with the evaluation of the events programme
  • To deliver an interpretation project with an agreed budget
  • To assist with the day-to-day operation of the Museum site, including taking responsibility as Duty Manager (after training).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Degree, or further education qualification,in a relevant subject, e.g.

History / Heritage Management / Cultural Studies/Museum Studies / Architecture/ Education/ Teaching / Sustainability / Customer Service

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE

Minimum of the equivalent of one month demonstrable commitment to the Museums / Heritage sector through voluntary or paid work or awards/personal commitments such as Duke of Edinburgh etc.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal
  • Excellent organisational and time management skills
  • Good IT skills esp. in Microsoft Office
  • Good numeric skills
  • Ability to work both independently and in a team
  • Demonstrable interest in heritage education and/or heritage interpretation and/orvolunteer management and sustainability, depending on role applying for
  • Some knowledge and understanding of volunteering
  • Good research and report writing skills coupled with the ability to present findings to a high standard
  • Committed to a high level of customer service
  • The ability to think creatively and to use initiative to solve problems
  • Willing to help out with practical, outdoor tasks in all weathers
  • Available to work flexibly outside normal office hours, including some weekends and evenings
  • Available transport to and from the Museum

Termsand Conditions

Hours: Due to the nature of the Museum’s seasonal opening hours, the trainees will need to have a flexible attitude to working hours. Regular weekend working may be required and some evenings and Bank Holiday work will also be required for which time off in lieu will be given.

Annual Holiday entitlement: 28 days including bank holidays

The Museum is not accessible by public transport; so all candidates will be required to have their own transport. Additionally prior to application candidates should familiarise themselves with the area, as within the Chilterns affordable accommodation can be challenging and due consideration should be given to practical requirements including travel and personal accommodation.

ChilternOpenAirMuseum is an equal opportunities employer. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The post holder will be subject to an enhanced CRB disclosure and references.

APPLICATIONS

Application is by completing the designated application form, which should be supported by a current CV.

Preference is for completed applications to be e-mailed to .

Deadline for Receipt of Applications : Monday 2 December 2013

Interviews: 9 / 10 January 2014