Collection Care & Exhibitions Placement

Key Duties

Job purpose: 

Reporting to the Head of Collections and Exhibitions, the intern will assist in preventative conservation and safeguarding the collection, environmental monitoring and will become familiar with archival practices. They will gain experience in the planning and coordination of the exhibition programme.

Key Duties and Responsibilities: Care of Collections 

Those on placement may be asked to work in some or all of the areas listed below:

1. Support the Head of Collections and Exhibitions in the maintenance of the galleries’ environment, by monitoring light intensity, temperature and humidity. Weekly gallery checks for fallen labels, blown light bulbs etc.
2. Interns may be given responsibilities relating to the execution of Housekeeping. They may be expected to:
a) Become trained in the procedures of Museum Preventative Conservation, i.e. Handling, assessing & cleaning objects.
b) Organise docents to be part of the Housekeeping Team.
c) Set up tables and equipment in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Collection Care Policy.
d) Handle and clean museum objects and cases, in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Collection Care Policy.
e) Examine and record the condition of museum objects.
3. The post holder will be given administrative responsibilities, including tabulating and collating paperwork relating to the collection and updating the collection database.
4. Any other duties as required by the Head of Collections and Exhibitions

Key Duties and Responsibilities: Exhibitions 

Those on placement may be asked to work in some or all of the areas listed below:

1. Support the Head of Exhibitions and Collections in the planning and coordination of all temporary exhibitions.
2. He/she will be given responsibilities relating to the organisation of an exhibition. They may be expected to:
a) Liaise with curators and exhibiting artists.
b) Compose text for exhibition invitations and labels.
c) Work with designers, when necessary, to produce posters, flyers, catalogues, text and graphic panels, external and internal signage.
d) Oversee the preparation of gallery – painting, lighting etc.
e) Arrange for safe transport of exhibits to and from the museum.
f) Liaise with National and local media.
g) Organise opening events/receptions and photographer

Additional Information

Work Environment

• Planning involves setting priorities, setting long and short term goals in agreement with the Head of Collections and Exhibitions.
• Work in a variety of environments includes working in an office, in the galleries, education wing, multi-function room and on off-site programmes.
• Physical demands of the post include standing, walking and carrying objects.
• The successful candidate will be expected to work between 9.30am and 5pm; days to be arranged with the successful candidate.

Type:
Placement (unpaid)

Placements usually run for 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on applicant. 

Requirements

Skills, Knowledge, Expertise & Qualifications

Qualifications Desirable:
• Minimum second class honours qualification (or equivalent) from a third-level institution in a relevant subject.

Experience and Knowledge:

Essential
• Highly motivated and organised.
• Flexible, punctual, be a team player, computer literate and proficient in social media.

Desirable
• Previous work experience in a gallery or museum.
• Enthusiastic with an interest in museums and galleries.

Personal Qualities and Skills

Essential:
• Highly organised and efficient worker.
• Ability to work to deadlines.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills.
• Willingness to work flexible hours to meet operational needs.
• Punctual and dependable.
• Desire to pursue a career in museums, culture, heritage or art institutions.

Desirable:
• Entrepreneurial/ enterprising spirit.