Iris Walker-Reid

Museum Assistant @Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museums

Aberdeen City, GB

As a MA, I play a proactive role in supporting the daily operations of Aberdeen’s key cultural venues, with a continued focus on visitor experience, collections care, and building safety. The position requires adaptability, vigilance, and teamwork to ensure smooth operations during periods of high demand, staff shortages, and special events such as Tall Ships and civic ceremonies.For the building and objects: Conduct routine security checks, invigilation, and environmental monitoring to safeguard collections. Identify, record, and report risks, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. Undertake light preventive conservation tasks such as dusting, spot-cleaning glass, and maintaining interactives. Support the Exhibitions with installation and deinstallation, providing technical assistance, safe object handling, mount placement, and operation of AV/lighting equipment, also while working at heights. Assist with inter-venue logistics and transport, including van runs, loading/unloading, and equipment to ensure secure transfers. Monitor and support the upkeep of the building and facilities, including environmental systems, minor maintenance tasks, and reporting faults to ensure a safe, clean, and operational environment. Carry out keyholder responsibilities, including opening and closing.For visitors: Act as a reliable point of contact, greeting visitors, answering enquiries, and delivering discovery tours. Support school groups, workshops, and public programmes in collaboration with the Learning team, ensuring accessibility and smooth group management. Assist with civic events, including set-up, registration, and accessibility arrangements. Front-of-house duties, managing queues, and escalating medical or security incidents as necessary. Provide cover for the retail team, ensuring continuity of service and enhancing visitor experience. Contribute to team communication, training, and planning to deliver a consistent and welcoming experience for all.