Collection Assistant - Hawke’s Bay Museums Trust

Role Overview

This role offers a hands-on opportunity to care for and manage the Hawke’s Bay Museums Trust collection, ensuring preservation, documentation, and accessibility of the collection for future generations. As a Collection Assistant, you will collaborate with the Collections team on various collection care and management tasks including cataloguing, caring for objects, and supporting exhibitions, loans, research, and community access.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with acquisitions, cataloguing, and ongoing documentation of the collection.
• Handle, pack, and safely store collection objects to ensure their preservation.
• Prepare and install objects for exhibitions and manage incoming and outgoing loans.
• Provide access to the collection for researchers, visitors, and community groups.
• Respond to collection-related inquiries and maintain accurate records.
• Support environmental monitoring, pest control, and disaster preparedness efforts.
• Work collaboratively with museum staff and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will have a strong passion for collection care and museum practices with excellent attention to detail. Being organized, self-managing, and capable of prioritising workload independently is essential. You should also be comfortable working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders including colleagues, researchers, visitors, and community groups.

• Experience in collection management, registration, or a related museum environment.
• Postgraduate qualification in Museum Studies or related disciplines.
• Excellent organizational skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with collection management databases and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to self-manage workload and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build positive relationships.
• Understanding of bicultural practices in the museum sector.
• Valid New Zealand driver’s license and physical capability to safely handle and move collection items.

Additional advantages include experience with the Vernon Collection Management System and possession of a forklift license.

Compensation and Work Conditions

This is a permanent, full-time role (40 hours per week, Monday to Friday) based primarily at Amokura in Hastings CBD, with occasional work at Kahukura, Napier CBD. The salary range is $70,961 to $79,309 annually (including KiwiSaver), depending on skills and experience.

Benefits

• Five weeks’ annual leave after two years of service.
• Discounted health insurance and eye test subsidies.
• Retail discounts and study assistance opportunities.
• Employee assistance programs including Employee Assistance Program (OCP).
• Quarterly values awards, birthday vouchers, and a social club.
• Free annual flu immunizations.
• Access to cultural programs such as Ka Awatea Cultural Wānanga, NCC Kapa Haka, and Te Reo Māori language classes.

Additional Information

Napier City Council values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer welcoming applicants from all backgrounds. Support or reasonable adjustments during the application and interview process are available upon request. Pre-employment checks including criminal background screening are required, with some roles needing health checks and drug and alcohol testing. Employees may be called upon to assist with Civil Defence emergencies.