Current vacancies

Job Title:            Gallery Assistant
Line Manager:   Retail Manager
Salary:                £10,080 per Annum (paid monthly through FNM BACS in arrears)
Hours:                8 hours with a 30 minute unpaid lunch break
Hours of work:  9:30-5:30

Background information

The Florence Nightingale Museum Trust was established as an independent charity in 1983 and opened to the public in 1989.  The Museum is located in the grounds of St Thomas’ Hospital at the heart of the cultural re-generation taking place on the South Bank.

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to join a new team in a modernized and redesigned Museum, dedicated to promoting the Life and work of Florence Nightingale.

Florence Nightingale became a living legend as the 'Lady with the Lamp'. When she died in 1910, aged 90, she was famous around the world. But who was the real Florence Nightingale?

The Florence Nightingale Museum follows her story and uncovers a woman of many talents, as well as flaws. The new museum opened in May 2010 after a £1.4million refurbishment. Visitors will be able to travel through three pavilions which take them on a journey through the life and times of Florence Nightingale. From her Victorian childhood to the Crimean War and onto her years as an ardent campaigner.

The Museum’s success is measured on its ability to provide a high level of customer service so the Gallery Assistant has a vitally important role within the Museum.

Principal duties

1. 1. Serving customers in the Museum’s front of house, taking payments for admissions and shop purchases.
2. 2. Replenish stock , maintain a high standard of cleanliness and presentation in the Ticket reception.
3. 3. Cashing up and banking.
4. 4. Engage, welcome, inform and orientate the visitor, and provide information about the Museum and its services to visitors.
5. 5. To work with the curatorial and other staff to develop an up to date knowledge of the collections on display and exhibitions to meet the needs of the visitors.
6. 6. Safeguarding the public by maintaining health and safety procedures.
7. 7. Answering the phone and relying accurate information to staff

Training

Training in front of house systems is provided by the Retail Manager. You will be supported by the Weekend Supervisor.  The Front of House Procedures Manual is the reference which guides practice and contains museum policies.  Information on changes to practices is provided through memoranda and additional training where necessary.

Responsibilities

• Whilst on duty in the Museum, the Weekend Assistant is supervised by and reports to the Weekend Supervisor or senior key holder in charge of the Museum on the day of work.
• The Weekend Assistant’s line manager is the Retail Manager, who is the first point of call for all personnel and management issues concerning the work of the Weekend Assistant.
• Weekend Assistants are responsible for providing a high standard of customer service to all customers, whether in person, by telephone or through written communication.  As Museum staff they are expected to be polite and courteous to members of the public and other staff throughout their hours of work.
• Weekend Assistants are responsible for maintaining health and safety measures within the Museum at all times.  Maintain a thorough knowledge of emergency procedures and assist with the evacuation of the site in the event of an emergency.
• Weekend Assistants will be issued with a uniform.  They are expected to wear their uniform throughout their hours of work.  Assistants will be responsible for the care and appearance of these garments and will be accountable for their loss or damage.  All assistants will adhere to the dress code as stated by their Line Manager.
• Weekend Assistants are expected to maintain the level of stock in the shop to the agreed level and to maintain the smart appearance of the Museum entrance.
• Weekend Assistants are required to be present in the Museum throughout the agreed working hours.
• At the time of employment you will be required to provide a P45 or complete an Inland Revenue P46 form if you have no other employment, and if you take up other employment while working on a casual basis at the Museum you will be required to complete a P38 form.

Person Specification

The following are essential requirements:

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Cash handling and retail experience
• Experience in customer services in a relevant area of work such as a museum, library, theatre or shop.
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Experience of working with children and groups
• Flexibility
• A commitment to equal opportunities
• Basic IT knowledge

The following are desirable:

• Interest in the arts and cultural heritage
• First aid certificate

Equal Opportunities: The post holder must at all times carry out his/her duties in accordance with the standards of the Florence Nightingale Museum’s Equal Opportunities Policy.

Health and Safety: Employees must be aware of the responsibilities placed on them under the Health and Safety at Work Act, 1974.  Staff must ensure that the agreed safety procedures are carried out to maintain a safe working environment for patients, visitors and other employees.

Data Protection Act: All staff must not, without prior permission, disclose any information regarding staff. Any member of staff, who is known to have communicated information to an unauthorised person, will be liable to dismissal.  The Data Protection Act 1984 renders individuals liable to prosecution in the event of an unauthorised disclosure of information.

Smoking; The Museum is located in the grounds’ of   St Thomas’ Hospital part of the Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital Trust.  The Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital Trust policy is to promote health.  The Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital Trust actively discourages smoking which is confined to designated areas.

To download the Gallery Assistant application form click here

The Florence Nightingale Museum Trust aims to be an equal opportunities employer.

Closing date: 16th July 2010