At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to ensure artworks are displayed and transported safely for touring exhibitions.
- Company: National Galleries of Scotland, committed to art accessibility and diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and generous benefits package.
- Other info: Hands-on role with excellent career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in preserving and sharing important art collections globally.
- Qualifications: Experience with woodworking and handling artworks preferred; training provided.
The predicted salary is between 30900 - 32250 £ per year.
Location: Edinburgh. Salary: £30,900 - £32,250 per annum plus generous benefits. Application Deadline: Monday, April 6, 2026.
Job Summary: Full Time and Fixed Term to 31 March 2030. On site with flexible working.
About the role
We are excited to have a new opportunity for a Conservation Technician to join our Conservation team. You may already be working as a Conservation Technician looking for a new opportunity or have relevant experience handling artworks and fitting works into frames. If so, we’d love to hear from you. In this specialist role you will work closely with Conservators and Senior Conservation Technicians to deliver high-quality technical solutions. You will provide bespoke framing and glass cutting, mounting, packing and transit solutions for a wide variety of objects. You’ll work with both paintings and works on paper, in line with recognised industry standards.
Your main focus will be ensuring that objects from our collection are displayed, stored, and transported safely and appropriately, particularly those travelling as part of our touring exhibitions. You will also contribute to the ongoing care and maintenance of collections on display and in storage.
We are looking for someone with woodworking / machine shop skills, ideally gained in a museum, gallery or with clearly transferrable experience from a commercial setting. This is a practical, hands‑on role, requiring confidence in working with tools and machinery, excellent manual dexterity, and a careful, methodical approach. Initially, the role will focus primarily on paintings, with some time spent supporting paper-based projects. With training and support, your responsibilities will develop to include a broader involvement in both paintings and paper conservation preparation and mounting. While training will be provided, some prior experience of working with either paintings or paper is preferred.
This role offers an excellent opportunity for a skilled technician who enjoys problem‑solving, working with their hands, and contributing directly to the care, movement and sharing of nationally important collections.
About the Touring Programme
National Galleries of Scotland is launching an ambitious international touring programme contributing to our aim to make art work for everyone. This new initiative builds on past touring success and increases opportunities for the collection to be shared with audiences across the world. The touring programme is also part of our strategy to grow our income to ensure our future financial sustainability. Work has already begun and we are now recruiting a number of posts from May 2026 to support taking the touring programme forward. The programme will run initially to 31 March 2030. The success of the initiative will determine next steps for both the programme and the team supporting it. You will help to deliver this ambitious new initiative. This is an excellent opportunity for a results-driven individual to demonstrate their impact and contribute to shaping the success of the programme.
The closing date for completed applications is 12 noon on Monday, 06 April 2026.
At the National Galleries of Scotland we’re committed to embedding Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in the way we work. We want everyone to feel a sense of belonging and freedom to be themselves at work or at play with us. Take a look at our Equality, Inclusion and Diversity priorities and commitments for more information.
Conservation Technician Touring Exhibitions employer: National Galleries of Scotland
At the National Galleries of Scotland, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Edinburgh. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our comprehensive training programmes and the opportunity to contribute to an ambitious international touring programme, ensuring that your skills as a Conservation Technician will be both valued and developed. With a strong focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion, we foster a supportive culture where every team member can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the preservation and sharing of our national art collection.
Contact Details:
National Galleries of Scotland Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Conservation Technician Touring Exhibitions
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the conservation field, attend exhibitions, and join relevant groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got experience with woodworking or handling artworks, bring it up in conversations. Consider creating a portfolio showcasing your best work to impress potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to galleries or museums you admire. Express your interest in their work and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love hearing from passionate individuals ready to contribute to our touring programme.
We think you need these skills to ace Conservation Technician Touring Exhibitions
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Conservation Technician role. Highlight any relevant experience you have with artworks, framing, and conservation techniques. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about conservation and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your woodworking and machine shop skills in your application. If you've got hands-on experience, let us know! We’re looking for someone who’s confident with tools and has a methodical approach to their work.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Galleries of Scotland
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of conservation techniques, especially those related to paintings and works on paper. Familiarise yourself with industry standards and be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to the care and transport of artworks.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Since this role is hands-on, be prepared to demonstrate your woodworking and machine shop skills. Bring examples of your previous work or be ready to talk about specific projects where you’ve successfully handled artworks or created bespoke framing solutions.
✨Be a Team Player
This position involves working closely with Conservators and Senior Conservation Technicians. Highlight your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively. Share examples of how you've worked in a team to solve problems or improve processes in past roles.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the touring programme and the role itself. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you understand how you can make a meaningful impact within the team and the organisation.
