Collections Officer – Grenada National Museum
Job Description
Job Purpose
The Collections Officer is responsible for ensuring the professional documentation, preservation, and ethical management of the museum’s collections. This position plays a pivotal role in establishing and maintaining robust systems and standards for acquisitions, cataloguing, preventive conservation, and collections storage. The officer supports the Museum’s mission by ensuring that all objects under its care are properly recorded, preserved, and made accessible for research, exhibition, and educational purposes.
Relationships and Reporting
• Reports directly to the Head, Curation and Collections.
• Works closely with curatorial, conservation, and education teams to ensure professional standards in handling, documentation, and interpretation.
• Liaises with heritage authorities, institutional partners, donors, and technical service providers to ensure compliance and best practice in collections care, conservation, and loans.
Duties and Responsibilities
• Develops and maintains accurate and comprehensive object records and catalogues in accordance with museum documentation standards and ethical guidelines.
• Establishes and maintains integrated collections management systems, including digital databases, numbering protocols, and metadata standards.
• Oversees the inventory, labelling, and secure storage of all collection items to ensure physical and intellectual control.
• Supports the digitisation of the collection and assists in maintaining digital asset management systems.
• Monitors the physical condition and environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, light, and pest activity) of storage and display areas to ensure preventive conservation.
• Prepares and updates condition reports and assists with conservation assessments and treatments under the direction of the Head.
• Implements preventive conservation measures aligned with sustainable practices and monitors for environmental or handling risks.
• Participates in disaster preparedness and response planning, including the development of collections emergency protocols.
• Coordinates the accessioning and deaccessioning processes, ensuring appropriate provenance research, legal compliance, and documentation.
• Assists in the management of incoming and outgoing loans, including preparation, packing, and courier responsibilities.
• Contributes to collections access initiatives, such as behind-the-scenes tours, outreach activities, and interpretive materials that promote stewardship and public engagement.
• Supports institutional research and exhibition projects by providing accurate and accessible collections information.
• Performs any other related duties necessary to ensure the professional care and sustainability of the collection.
Key Outputs
• A fully documented and accessible collections database and inventory system.
• Improved collections care, storage, and preventive conservation measures.
• Clear and compliant documentation supporting acquisitions, loans, and risk management.
• Strengthened institutional capacity for collections stewardship and accountability.
Performance Indicators
• Quality, consistency, and accuracy of documentation and digital records.
• Effectiveness of preventive conservation and environmental monitoring systems.
• Compliance with international museum standards, ethical guidelines, and legal frameworks.
• Responsiveness to condition assessments, risk management, and collection needs.
• Associate’s degree or diploma in Museum Studies, Conservation, Heritage Management, or a related discipline.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Museum Studies, History, Archaeology, Sociology, Archaeology, Anthropology, Cultural Studies, Liberal Arts Cultural Resource Management, or Library and Information Science will be considered an asset.
• Minimum of two (2) years’ professional experience in collections management, cataloguing, or documentation.
• Training or certification in Preventive Conservation, Collections Documentation Standards (e.g. Spectrum, AAM), Digital Asset Management, or Disaster Preparedness for Cultural Heritage is desirable.
• Experience in setting up or maintaining collections management systems or databases (such as PastPerfect, CollectiveAccess, or similar platforms) is an advantage.
Candidates may hold any of the following relevant degrees, diplomas, or certifications:
Bachelor’s degree in:
• History
• Ethnology
• Conservation Science or Conservation and Restoration
• Archival Studies or Records Management
• Library and Information Science (with heritage or special collections focus)
• Fine Arts or Art History (with relevant museum collection experience)
• Environmental Science (with focus on conservation or materials preservation)
OR
• Associate Degree or Diploma in:
• Museum and Heritage Studies
• Archival Management
• Cultural Resource Management
• Conservation Techniques or Collections Care
(Equivalent professional qualifications or extensive relevant experience in heritage or collections work may also be considered in lieu of a degree.)
Knowledge and Skills
• Strong knowledge of collections documentation standards, accessioning procedures, and provenance verification.
• Familiarity with preventive conservation principles, including environmental monitoring, integrated pest management, and storage design.
• Proficiency in database management, metadata standards (e.g. Dublin Core, Spectrum), and inventory control.
• Competence in digitisation processes, including object photography, file naming, metadata tagging, and digital preservation.
• Working knowledge of ethical, environmental, and legal frameworks governing museum collections, including ICOM and UNESCO conventions.
• Understanding of risk assessment and emergency planning for museum collections.
• Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and organisational skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare professional reports and documentation.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team and to train or supervise volunteers and junior staff.
• Computer literacy with proficiency in MS Office Suite, Google Workspace, and basic image editing or database software.
How to Apply
Submit your CV, cover letter, and relevant supporting documents (e.g., academic papers, portfolios) to HR@museum.gd by 5th December 2025. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
We welcome applications from qualified candidates across the Caribbean, including OECS nationals. Successful applicants will be responsible for their own relocation and accommodation arrangements.
Compensation: Based on qualifications and experience. As a guide, this role aligns with a senior-level Grade P2 within the national pay scale at Grade J in Grenada.
