Documentation and Collections Assistant

Job Introduction

Help care for the past and make it accessible for the future

Are you passionate about heritage collections and the stories they tell?

This is an exciting opportunity to join the collections team at The Amelia Scott and play an important role in caring for, documenting and improving access to its collections.

As our Documentation and Collections Assistant, you'll help ensure that collection records are accurate, objects are carefully tracked and information is preserved for the future. You'll work across a varied range of activities, from processing acquisitions, loans and object movements to digitisation, environmental monitoring and exhibition changeovers.

This is a practical and varied role where no two days are quite the same. You could be updating collection records, photographing objects, supporting volunteers, answering a research enquiry or helping with a display changeover. You'll also have opportunities to contribute to projects involving colleagues, external partners and the wider community.

What you'll be doing

You will

• maintain accurate collections documentation, records and object locations
• process acquisitions, disposals, loans and object movements in line with SPECTRUM 5.1 and museum procedures
• support collections care, including environmental monitoring and recording data
• contribute to digitisation through data entry, photography, image management and metadata
• provide practical support for exhibitions and display changeovers
• respond to enquiries from visitors, researchers and other collections users
• guide and support volunteers and student placements
• work with colleagues and external partners on collections projects and engagement activities.

About you

You'll have experience of working or volunteering in the heritage sector, such as within a museum or archive, together with a heritage-related degree or qualification.

You'll bring a good working knowledge of collections documentation and record-management standards, including SPECTRUM and ISAD(G), and an understanding of collections management systems and digitisation. Experience of using a collections management system, particularly MODES, would be an advantage but is not essential.

Accuracy and attention to detail will be central to your work, but you'll also need to be organised, approachable and confident communicating with different people. You'll enjoy being part of a team, be willing to learn and have a genuine interest in culture, collections and heritage.

Why join us?

You'll join a small, collaborative and creative team working across a variety of projects and directly with heritage collections. You'll receive practical training in areas such as object handling and packing, alongside support to develop your knowledge of museum procedures and collections standards.

The role is based at The Amelia Scott, with some potential to work from home where the responsibilities of the role allow. You'll need to be available for occasional evening work and some weekends, generally around once a month.

If you're methodical, curious and passionate about helping people discover and engage with collections, we'd love to hear from you.

What we offer

1. Financial: An attractive basic salary within a clear pay structure.
2. Holiday Entitlement: 22 days annual leave (increasing to 27 days after 5 years continuous Local Government service) plus three additional days in December and bank holidays.
3. Pension: Membership of the Local Government (CARE - Career Average (Revalued Earnings) Pension Scheme - Employer contribution of 16.8%.
4. Free staff parking.
5. Hybrid Working: Following successful completion of your probation, you will be able to work on a hybrid basis, with a minimum of two days each week in the office, subject to service requirements.
6. Access to HAPI an all-in-one benefits hub, giving you easy access to a wide range of employee perks, wellbeing support, discounts, and everyday savings.
7. Personal Development: Invaluable training opportunities for continuing professional development.
8. Employee Assistance Programme: The Council has partnered with Health Assured to provide staff with access to EAP (Employee Assistance Programme) to assist in balancing everyday life with the requirement of work and home.

1. Learn more about working at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council: explore the kind of place we are, work that matters with people who care, and our pay, benefits, and hybrid working.

Apply by 25 November 2026.

Interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing 30 November 2026 and will include a practical object-packing exercise.

A detailed list of responsibilities and person criteria for the role can be viewed in the Job Description and Person Specification below.

For an informal discussion about this post, please contact Heather Stracey, Collections Manager Heather.Stracey@tunbridgewells.gov.uk

Equal Opportunities

Tunbridge Wells - Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Safeguarding

The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employee and volunteers to share this commitment.

Attached documents:

• 2026 Person Specification Documentation and Collections Assistant.docx -
• 2026 Job Description Documentation and Collections Assistant.doc -

Salary

£26,060

Working conditions

Contract: Full Time - Permanent

Working hours: 37