Collection Assistant

Our museum

We present exhibitions on a wide range of urban topics. Through these, we share knowledge, showcase art and heritage, and tell relevant stories—from the past, the present, and the future. In addition, we research and make accessible the more than 100,000 objects in our art and heritage collection, which we manage on behalf of the city of Amsterdam. Through our public and educational programs, we also tell meaningful stories and encourage others to share their own. We do all this at our museum locations in the city center—the Amsterdam Museum Wing on the Amstel, Huis Willet-Holthuysen, and, in a few years, the fully renovated Burgerweeshuis complex—as well as with partners at locations in neighborhoods such as Nieuw-West, Zuidoost, and Noord.

The Collection Management team is responsible for managing and preserving the City of Amsterdam’s collection at the aforementioned museum locations and works together to ensure that all objects in the Collection Center (museum storage facility) in Amsterdam-Noord are kept in top condition for the long term. The team works closely together, and a keen eye and sensitivity in dealing with both objects and people are of the utmost importance.

What will you be doing?

• As part of the team, you will be responsible for the day-to-day management of collections and objects, both in the storage area and in the exhibition spaces.
  
• You will be part of the exhibition design team.
  
• You ensure that the warehouse is easily accessible to employees and visitors, provide guidance, and supervise their activities.
  
• You will handle internal shipments, prepare external shipments, and oversee and carry out the installation of equipment.
  
• You will track the movements of the objects and ensure that the location records for all objects are complete, up-to-date, and reliable.
  
• You perform collection-related tasks in an organized and accurate manner.
  
• You will report to the Collection & Research Manager.
  

Your personality

• Enthusiastic
  
• Social
  
• Energetic
  
• Proactive
  
• Hands-on
  

Skills

• Flexible
  
• Connecting
  
• Results-oriented
  
• Communicative
  
• Creative
  

And furthermore

Given the expertise and specialized knowledge required for this position, demonstrable experience in handling museum objects is required; furthermore, due to the physical nature of the job, good physical condition is essential; a pre-employment medical examination may therefore be required.

What do we offer you?

• A dynamic and inspiring work environment with passionate colleagues
  
• A fixed-term employment contract (one year); extension is a possibility
  
• A competitive salary in pay grade 7 (min. €2,255 / max. €3,301 gross per month for a 36-hour workweek) in accordance with the City of Amsterdam’s Personnel Regulations, excluding a 17.05% Individual Choice Budget, depending on knowledge and experience,
  
• A laptop on loan from the museum
  

How can you respond?

If you are interested in this position, please respond by answering the questions below in no more than 250 words per question. There is no need to include a cover letter or resume. This allows us to evaluate all applicants in the same way and as objectively as possible. In addition to your answers, please include your name, phone number, and email address.

1. Why are you applying for this position? And why specifically at the Amsterdam Museum?
   
2. Give an example of a work situation in which you had to set priorities due to a heavy workload. Describe how you did that and what the consequences were, if any.
   
3. Describe a situation that demonstrates your experience and expertise in the field of collection management. How did you handle the situation? What was the outcome, and what might you do differently next time?
   
4. Tell us which role in a team suits you best.
   
5. Describe a project you’ve worked on that you’re most proud of. What was your role, and how did you approach it?
   

Let's get to know each other!

If you are interested, please respond by emailing your answers to po@amsterdammuseum.nl by Wednesday, August 31, withthe subject line “Collection Assistant Job Opening.” If you have any questions regarding the position, please contact Judith van Gent, Collection & Research Manager, atj.vangent@amsterdammuseum.nl

The first interviews are tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, September 13.

The Amsterdam Museum endorses the Cultural Diversity Code and is committed to being a diverse and inclusive organization. An organization that welcomes everyone and harnesses the power of employee diversity to achieve better results for the city. Talent as a foundation, diversity as a strength. We strive to ensure that our workforce reflects Amsterdam’s working population in all its diversity. Job openings are open to everyone, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Solicitation is not appreciated