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- Tasks: Lead a team in maintaining historic ship rigs and oversee conservation projects.
- Company: Join a unique heritage environment with the Royal Navy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on preserving history while working with passionate people.
- Qualifications: Experience in rigging and leadership; IRATA level 3 preferred.
- Other info: Friendly workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 54000 £ per year.
Location: Portsmouth
Category: Conservation
Salary: Grade 7 – £48,185 – £54,185 per annum (dependent upon experience)
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Linking Navy to Nation with inspiring stories and experiences. Here you can come aboard the most famous ships, planes, and submarines of the Royal Navy and experience them through the stories of the people who served on them. You are pivotal in us achieving our vision, and to support this we embrace diversity and want everyone to feel valued and have a sense of belonging.
Responsibilities- Lead a team of Lead Riggers and Riggers in the maintenance and upkeep of historic ship rigs on HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, HMS M33, HMS Trincomalee and HMS Caroline.
- Oversee the planning and execution of programmes of work on these vessels.
- Collaborate with colleagues across the Conservation Team, the HMS Victory: The Big Repair project team, and the Collections and Visitor Experience teams.
- Design, reinstall and care for rigging in accordance with the current conservation programme, including commissioning, procuring and managing specialist contractors as required.
- Provide rigging advice, guidance and practical assistance to support the care of the ship and the visitor experience.
- Experience managing safe work procedures and programmes; an experienced leader in traditional rigging and rope‑access.
- Professional qualification, IRATA level 3 preferred; knowledge of LOLER and H&S legislation.
- Demonstrable leadership of rigging works aloft and at height.
- Specialist knowledge of maintaining masts, yards and rigging of historic ships.
- Understanding of best practice approaches to conservation of historic ships within static contexts.
- Positive attitude and passion for communicating conservation principles to diverse audiences.
- Opportunity to be part of a friendly and diverse workplace within a unique heritage environment.
- Group pension plan with Royal London (6% employer contributions, 2% employee contributions and death in service benefit).
- Annual leave: 25 days (plus bank holidays) pro‑rata for part‑time employees, increasing to 30 days after five years’ service; option to purchase additional leave.
- Enhanced maternity/adoption and paternity pay.
- Flexible working.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Free admission to other national museums and attractions within the reciprocal agreement.
- Discounts at our shops and cafés.
- Free and discounted tickets for family and friends.
- Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
- Paid reservist leave.
We want you to succeed and showcase your skills and experiences, so if you are invited to interview, we will share our interview questions with you ahead of time. For an informal discussion or any questions, contact Stuart Sheldon, Lead Rigger, at Stuart.Sheldon@nmrn.org.uk.
All applicants are asked to apply via https://jobs.nmrn.org.uk/ by midnight on 25 February 2026. The selection processes will be held on site in Portsmouth on 11 March 2026. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to the application process because of a disability, please contact the People team at recruitment@nmrn.org.uk for support.
This post requires a DBS check as a requirement of working on the naval base, as well as the right to work in the UK. We cannot sponsor work visas.
Principal Rigger in Portsmouth employer: National Museum of the Royal Navy
Contact Detail:
National Museum of the Royal Navy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Rigger in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company and its values! Before your interview, dive into their mission and recent projects. This will help you connect your skills to what they’re all about, showing that you’re not just another candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a mate or in front of the mirror. The more comfortable you are with your answers, the more confident you'll feel when it’s showtime.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the role or the team. It shows you’re genuinely interested and helps you figure out if it’s the right fit for you too.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Rigger in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in traditional rigging and leadership. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Principal Rigger, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Your Passion for Conservation: We love candidates who are passionate about preserving history! In your written application, share your enthusiasm for conservation principles and any experiences you have that demonstrate this passion. It’ll help us see how you fit into our vision.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly understand your qualifications and experience.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re following our process, which we really appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Museum of the Royal Navy
✨Know Your Rigging Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of traditional rigging and rope-access techniques. Be prepared to discuss your experience managing safe work procedures and how you've led teams in similar roles. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical, hands-on experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Rigger, you'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Think of specific examples where you've successfully managed a team or project, especially in high-pressure situations. Highlight your approach to collaboration with other teams, as this is key in the conservation environment.
✨Understand Conservation Principles
Familiarise yourself with best practices in the conservation of historic ships. Be ready to discuss how you would apply these principles in your role, particularly regarding the maintenance and care of masts, yards, and rigging. Showing a passion for conservation will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Since the interviewers will share questions ahead of time, take advantage of this! Prepare thoughtful responses that reflect your expertise and experience. Consider how you can incorporate your knowledge of LOLER and H&S legislation into your answers, as this will demonstrate your commitment to safety and compliance.
