Finds Liaison Officer for Cornwall

4th August 202330th August 2023
by Museum of Cornish Life

We are offering an exciting opportunity to join our friendly and dedicated team as the Finds Liaison Officer in Cornwall. Based at the Museum of Cornish Life you will work with a small staff team (Director, Community Engagement Curator, Research Curator and two Museum Assistants) who are supported each week by over 60 volunteers.

The purpose of this role is to record archaeological objects found by the public, including metal detector users, to advance archaeological knowledge and to increase opportunities for active public involvement in archaeology through the work at the Museum of Cornish Life. This role is funded by the British Museum in partnership with Cornwall Council.

Summary

Job Title: Finds Liaison Officer

Based at: Museum of Cornish Life, Market Place, Helston, Cornwall TR13 8TH

Salary: £25,750 +4% pension and essential travel allowance

Hours: 5 days per week (the post holder must be able to work occassional)

Leave: 28 days leave (inclusive of statutory bank holidays)

Term: Fixed term until 31 March 2025

Application

Closing Date: 1 September (5pm) 2023

Interview: 19 September 2023 (In person or Zoom)

Apply: Email jobs@museumofcornishlife.co.uk with your CV and a cover letter explaining how you meet the Knowledge, Skills and Experiences as out lined below and why you want the role of Finds Liaison Officer in Cornwall.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

To promote, co-ordinate and seek to improve the recording of archaeological finds made by members of the public in Cornwall. Recording finds onto the PAS database.
To hold regular finds’ identification surgeries such as “finds days” at the Museum of Cornish Life and other museums in Cornwall and attend detectorists’ meetings
To assist in the identification of finds made by detectorists and others.
To co-ordinate and facilitate the operation of the Treasure Act (1996) within Cornwall
To encourage and facilitate co-operation between metal detectorists (and other finders of portable antiquities) and archaeologists and heritage institutions in Cornwall.
To contribute to the Portable Antiquities and Treasure Annual Reports.
To publicise and promote the work and aims of the Portable Antiquities Scheme, archaeology and the Museum of Cornish Life through displays, talks, events, etc.
To manage volunteers and placements to assist with the recording of archaeological finds and other work relating to the Scheme.
To work with schools, further and higher education institutions and archaeological groups to improve understanding about the importance of finds to our understanding of the past through workshops, talks and exhibitions.
To comply with all decisions, policies and standing orders of the museum and any relevant statutory requirements, including the Equality Act, the Health and Safety at Work Act and Data Protection Act.
To assist generally with the operations of the museum, including opening and closing the museum and in cases of staff emergencies covering the responsibilities of other members of the team.
To participate in training and development as may be required from time to time commensurate with the level of the post.

Competencies and other requirements

Behaviours	Recruitment and selection
Working together You understand and focus on the needs of people utilising the Portable Antiquities Scheme and work well with colleagues and partners You understand and are attentive to the needs of finders/detectorists/landowners You listen to the views of others and seek them out You support and show consideration for others You work well with colleagues and partners and acknowledge the different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds of others You are committed to the protection and safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults You share information and expertise with others You are honest, you respect, and you build relationships of trust You share your achievements and acknowledge the achievements of others	Interview
Personal responsibility You take responsibility for your work, your environment and your development You are trustworthy and reliableYou pay attention to your own health, safety and wellbeing and that of othersYou acknowledge errors, report them as appropriate and play your part in addressing themYou appropriately challenge unhelpful behaviourYou seek feedback and review your own contributionYou are open to change and improvementYou take responsibility for your developmentYou are enthusiastic about and take pride in your workYou act as an ambassador for the Museum of Cornish Life and the Portable Antiquities Scheme	Interview
Resourceful You apply expertise, solve problems and make improvements to deliver good customer outcomes You plan and organise your work and manage your time effectively You gather relevant information, analyse it and make timely informed decisions in the course of your work You are flexible and adaptable You respond constructively to change You demonstrate financial awareness relevant to the job you do You use your initiative and are creative in problem solving You deliver results and manage customer expectations	Interview

Knowledge, skills & experience	Recruitment and selection
Degree in Archaeology or a relevant subject, or equivalent experience and/or qualifications	Application Form
Awareness of the Portable Antiquities Scheme and issues relating to metal-detecting and archaeology	Application Form
Competence in artefact description and identification or previous relevant experience of working within an archaeological organisation with an emphasis on finds recording and processing.	Application Form, interview
Interest in the history/archaeology of Cornwall and the Museum of Cornish Life	Application Form, interview
Proficiency in the use of Microsoft IT packages and experience of social media/web content creation	Application Form
Proficiency in photography and using adobe photoshop	Application Form
Ability to work on own initiative and effectively as a member of a team	Interview
Ability to prepare and present evidence and information clearly, confidently and persuasively.	Interview
Experience of delivering customer service and a proven ability to engaging with people in a confident and professional manner, whether face-to-face, by telephone, email or via a digital platform.	Application Form, Interview
Experience of working with and managing volunteers	Application Form, Interview

Other requirements	Recruitment and selection
This position is subject to a criminal records disclosure check	On offer of the role
Ability to travel self-sufficiently around Cornwall with the necessary equipment to deliver Finds Days and attend detectorist clubs which will result in occasional weekend and evening work	Application Form, interview