About Company
North Yorkshire Council is a leading local authority committed to serving the diverse communities of North Yorkshire. Our remit extends beyond essential public services to include the stewardship of the region’s rich cultural and historical assets. In Harrogate, we are proud to manage and operate key cultural institutions such as the Harrogate Museum and Art Gallery, home to an extensive collection of fine art, local history, and decorative arts, and the Royal Pump Room Museum, which preserves the spa town’s fascinating health and wellness heritage. We believe in the power of culture to educate, inspire, and unite, and our museums are vital hubs for community engagement, learning, and tourism. Joining North Yorkshire Council means becoming part of an organisation that values its employees, fosters professional development, and champions public service excellence. We are dedicated to creating inclusive environments for both our staff and visitors, ensuring that everyone can access and enjoy the cultural treasures under our care.
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Job Description
Are you passionate about history, art, and connecting people with the rich cultural heritage of Harrogate? North Yorkshire Council is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Museum Attendant to join our dynamic team, working across our prestigious Harrogate Museum and Art Gallery and the historic Royal Pump Room Museum. This vital role is at the heart of our visitor experience, ensuring every guest enjoys a welcoming, informative, and safe visit to our cherished cultural sites.
As a Museum Attendant, you will be the friendly and knowledgeable face of our museums, directly interacting with the public, providing a warm welcome, selling admission tickets, and sharing captivating insights into our diverse collections and the unique stories they tell. You will play a crucial role in enhancing visitor engagement by answering questions, guiding visitors, and offering assistance, all while maintaining the highest standards of presentation and security within our unique and historically significant spaces. This is more than just a job; it’s a profound opportunity to contribute to the vibrant cultural life of Harrogate, helping to preserve and celebrate our local and national heritage for future generations. Your work will directly impact how visitors perceive and connect with our past, fostering a love for history and art among guests of all ages and backgrounds. You will also support the smooth operational flow of our busy museums, assist with event setups, and ensure that all public areas are kept clean, tidy, and welcoming. If you thrive in a dynamic, public-facing role, possess excellent communication skills, and have a genuine interest in Harrogate’s rich historical narrative and cultural offerings, we strongly encourage you to apply and become a guardian of our local treasures. This role offers a unique chance to be immersed in history daily, learn continuously, and make a tangible difference in our community.
Key Responsibilities
- Warmly greet and welcome all visitors to the museum, providing initial information and direction.
- Process admissions, ticket sales, and gift shop purchases accurately using the till system.
- Act as a first point of contact for visitor enquiries, offering information about exhibits, facilities, and local attractions.
- Monitor gallery spaces, ensuring the safety and security of visitors and exhibits.
- Proactively engage with visitors, answering questions and sharing knowledge about the museum's collections and history.
- Maintain the cleanliness and tidiness of public areas, including galleries, reception, and restrooms.
- Assist with the setup and dismantling of educational activities, events, and private hires.
- Uphold health and safety standards, including emergency evacuation procedures when required.
- Handle visitor feedback and complaints professionally, escalating issues to management as necessary.
- Support the general operational needs of the museum team as directed by supervisors.
Required Skills
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- A genuine passion for history, art, and cultural heritage.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Reliable, punctual, and highly organised.
- Proficient in basic cash handling and operating a till system.
- A friendly, approachable, and professional demeanor.
- Flexibility to work weekends and public holidays as per museum opening hours.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in a customer service, retail, or visitor-facing role.
- Basic knowledge of Harrogate's local history and cultural significance.
- Proficiency in additional languages (desirable but not essential).
- Current First Aid certification.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive hourly wage with opportunities for career development within North Yorkshire Council.
- Generous annual leave allowance.
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Access to a comprehensive employee assistance program.
- Discount schemes and exclusive offers.
- Opportunity to work in a culturally rich and inspiring environment.
- Ongoing training and development opportunities.
How to Apply
If you are ready to embark on a rewarding career as a Museum Attendant and contribute to Harrogate’s vibrant cultural scene, we invite you to apply. Please click on the application link below to visit the North Yorkshire Council careers portal and submit your application. We look forward to reviewing your details.
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