Gemma: Site Development Officer

Can you introduce yourself?

My name is Gemma

I am the Site Development Officer here at Leeds Discovery Centre

What is your job?

I look after the day-to-day running of the Discovery Centre

I make sure that visitors have the best experience they can while visiting us

What do you do in your job?

I make sure that the building and the people are safe while working on site

I write risk assessments

I make sure that everything is legally tested

The nicest part of my job is meeting visitors, giving guided tours, and introducing them to the collections that we have on site

How did you get your job and what is your background?

I went to the University of Newcastle and studied Archaeology and Ancient History, then completed a master's in Archaeological Practice

I realised being a full-time archaeologist wasn't for me, but I loved talking to people

I then started working in museums as front of house staff and as a Visitor Assistant before getting the job I am in now

What do you like about your job?

I love meeting all the different visitors

I give guided tours around the collection store, and I love seeing everyone's faces when they walk into the collection store and hearing their stories and family histories

What is some advice on how to get a job like yours, and to work in a museum setting?

Make sure you are doing something you really love

If you do want to start working in museums, and you enjoy talking and meeting people, look for front-facing roles such as Visitor Assistant and Gallery Assistant positions

These jobs give you a good base if you want to progress your career in museums

What are the benefits from working in a museum setting?

I get to spend time with the curators talking about their collections

We have our social media and audience development teams here, so I get to learn all about what goes into marketing the Discovery Centre

It's a lovely mix of teams on site

What is your favourite site you work at?

My job is site-based, so we do not really travel to other sites

My favourite site is the Discovery Centre. Being the purpose-built store for Leeds Museums and Galleries, we have objects from all the collections