The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL Royal Charter Number: RC000797

Manchester Museum The University of Manchester

Oxford Road Manchester

M13 9PL

+44(0)161 275 2648 manchester.ac.uk

Casual Visitor Services Assistant Flexible working hours Are you enthusiastic with a passion for learning new skills? Would you enjoy providing visitors to The Manchester Museum with the best possible experience? We are looking for creative, ambitious people with strong social skills, customer/visitor service experience and good organisational skills to join The Manchester Museum Visitor Services Team. We have several positions available to work on a casual basis (flexible dates and times). You will be thoroughly trained in all areas of the Museum, so don’t think you have to know everything right away. If you would like to know more about the role, we have a drop in session on Monday 20th January, 1pm - 4pm. This session not part of the selection process, just an opportunity to meet some of our current team member’s as well as find out more about the role and the museum. Simply pop in and introduce yourself at The Manchester Museum main entrance. Additional Information Flexible working hours Pay: £7.98 p/h Application Deadline: Tuesday 21st January, 12pm Shortlisting: By Wednesday 22nd January 5pm Interviews: Wednesday 29th January We actively encourage people from all backgrounds, abilities and disabilities to apply. If you have any questions about the role or your application, please contact Rowena McGrath via email or telephone. Email: Rowena.McGrath@manchester.ac.uk Telephone: 07824 624504 How to Apply Send your CV and a cover letter (no more than 600 words) detailing why you would like to work for The Manchester Museum and what your relevant skills/experience. Applications submitted to:

Rowena McGrath Manchester Museum Oxford Road M13 9PL

Rowena.McGrath@manchester.ac.uk Email, post, or hand your application in at the Front Desk

The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL Royal Charter Number: RC000797

The University of Manchester The Manchester Museum / Whitworth Art Gallery

Job Description Job Title: Casual Visitor Services Assistant Reports to: Deputy Head of Visitor Services Date: 2014 Overall Purpose of the Job: A Casual Visitor Services Assistant plays a vital role in helping people get the very best out of their visit. This means welcoming visitors, advising people on what to see and giving helpful information to encourage people to take part in our events and activities. Casual Visitor Services Assistants work flexible hours to ensure adequate cover of staff annual leave, sickness and absence from work, as well as short-term staff cover as required during larger exhibitions and events. The job includes supporting guided tours of the collections and exhibitions providing day-to-day care to ensure all public spaces look smart and is safe to enjoy. The Visitor Services Team consists of sociable and friendly people who are organised to provide an excellent level of service across the galleries and at the information desk. Each Casual Visitor Services Assistant must enjoy being part of a Visitor Services Team that brings an enthusiasm to all forms of art and does this by proactively engaging with people, collections and the building. Definitions: Casual Employee

The term “casual” refers to circumstances where there is a clear understanding that the individual has no obligation to be available for work,

and the University has no obligation to provide work. Individuals will only be paid for the hours they work and for accrued statutory annual

leave. They will have no service conditions or continuity of employment. Casuals should be paid at the appropriate University rate for the work

in line with the principles of equal pay and the University pay and grading structure, although they are not paid on a grade or incremental

scale.

Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities or Duties: Casual Visitor Services Assistant will: Have a smart, tidy and a professional appearance while on the galleries. Provide a warm welcome and support to everyone who comes to the Museum for all purposes including education, business or pleasure Be knowledgeable about the collections, exhibitions and public programmes (including workshops, talks, conferences and one-off social events). Support the use of the front desk computer, telephone and all other resources to help find information as required. Enthusiastically engage with visitors and support their enjoyment of the Museum, including navigation throughout our spaces and any further information they may need. Take care, tidy up and/or improve the appearance of the information displays, resource packs or the interactive units. Thoughtfully ensure Museum codes of conduct are observed and actions are taken where appropriate. (e.g. Evacuation, Health & Safety, food policies etc) Monitor stock levels of marketing, education and any other public information displayed. Assisting, as required, with the preparation of the Museum spaces and set-ups. Be developed in in-house training, to ensure your duties may be carried out to a high standard.

The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL Royal Charter Number: RC000797

Attend and contribute to meetings relevant to the post, particularly Director’s Briefings, staff meetings, team briefings, curatorial talks and exhibition briefings as required. Physically assist disabled visitors on occasion (the extent of this will depend on the individual's ability and competence; training will be given). Work with colleagues in the wider Public Engagement team e.g. marketing, as well as helping with mail outs, workshops and events as required. Other

Follow oral and written instructions closely.

Be an avid team player

Be able to handle and/or get the appropriate person to deal with people in difficult situations

Issue passes and permits to visitors and contractors.

Guide visitors to various areas throughout the building if appropriate.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience: Educational

Evidence of literacy and numeracy to GCSE level Work and other experience

Some experience of working with the public, in which engagement was a primary role. Personal

Ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of people

Capable of maintaining a monitoring position in the Museum and moving between different areas swiftly.

Observant, aware, punctual and reliable.

Good oral and written communication skills with sociable, communicative manner.

Ability to maintain an appropriate standard of appearance. Other

Willingness to learn about the history of the Museum, the building and its collection.

Some interest in the arts and of the art represented in the collections (training given). Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience: Educational

NVQ Heritage care and visitor services Work and Other Experience

Basic ability to operate a computer, cash tills, telephone exchanges

Experience in delivering first aid and ensuring public safety, customer care. Personal

Physically capable of handling reasonable loads