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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to care for a diverse collection of science and technology objects.
- Company: National Museums Scotland is a leading museum group with a rich collection.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28.5 days annual leave, flexible working, and discounts at retailers.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative and inclusive environment while making an impact on exhibitions.
- Qualifications: Practical conservation experience is essential; documentation skills are a plus.
- Other info: This is a 6-month maternity cover role based at the National Museum of Flight.
The predicted salary is between 31929 - 34549 £ per year.
Job Description
Assistant Conservator, Science and Technology | Full time | 35 hours | Fixed term Maternity Cover for 6 months
Salary: £31,929 to £34,549 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract Length: 6 months
Location: National Museum of Flight, East Fortune
National Museums Scotland is one of the leading museum groups in Europe with one of the largest and most diverse collections in the world.
As an organisation our values are Creative, Inclusive, Collaborative and Forward-thinking.
We are looking for enthusiastic, passionate, honest, service-driven individuals to join our Engineering and Furniture Conservation team.
Benefits of joining us as our Assistant Conservator will include:
* Annually alongside your salary of £31,929 – £34,549 National Museums Scotland contributes 28.97% of this towards you being a member of the Civil Service Pension Scheme (pro rata)
* A generous annual leave of 28.5 days – rising to 33.5 after 5 years, plus an additional 8 paid days public holidays (pro rata)
* Cycle to Work scheme
* Free access to national (and international) museums and exhibitions
* Exclusive discounts on both local and national High Street and online retailers
* A range of wellbeing benefits including Employee Assistance Programme 24/7
* Flexible working options such as part time working, paid special leave, career breaks and unpaid leave
* Access to all the above and more from day one of employment.
To see more of our benefits please visit out dedicated benefits page on our careers portal.
About the Assistant Conservator role:
An exciting opportunity has risen for an Assistant Conservator to join our busy and dynamic Engineering and Furniture Conservation team on a full-time fixed term contract for 6 months. You’ll be helping care for an internationally significant collection covering a wide range of science and technology objects from Clocks to Concorde. You’ll bring your conservation knowledge to support our programme of exhibitions, displays and loans. Based at the National Museum of Flight but with collections across all five NMS sites, this role will support the Aircraft Conservator working out at the National Museum of Flight caring for a range of collections but with a focus on the ongoing care and maintenance of the outdoor aircraft.
As an Assistant Conservator at National Museums Scotland you will:
* Apply expert specialist conservation knowledge to National Museums Scotland’s conservation programmes
* Work closely with exhibition, curatorial and other key sectors in the museum, normally under guidance, to provide the conservation necessary to ensure that deadlines for exhibition and display are met
* Propose and develop technical solutions to conserve complex artefacts.
Skills and experience we’re looking for in our Assistant Conservator:
* Able, practical conservator
* Good documentation and reporting skills
* Proven relevant practical experience in a museum or similar environment (additional demonstrable experience is essential in the absence of formal qualifications).
Hiring the right person for the right job is everything to us. We want to encourage you to apply if you think this is the role for you.
Please be sure to view our recruitment pack for this role (available on our careers website: careers.nms.ac.uk) for full details of the position that may help with your application.
Should you progress to the next stage you are required to submit a current portfolio of work which will demonstrate your experience and capabilities relevant to this role. Whilst this is not required at this stage, if you already have this available and wish to include, please provide a URL link to this in your application.
The closing date for this role is 24/03/2025. The Selection Event is likely to take place 29/04/2025.
Assistant Conservator, Science and Technology employer: National Museums Scotland
Contact Detail:
National Museums Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Conservator, Science and Technology
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific collections at the National Museum of Flight. Understanding the unique aspects of the science and technology objects, especially outdoor aircraft, will help you demonstrate your passion and knowledge during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the conservation field. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to connect with others who work in museums or conservation, as they may provide insights or even referrals that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your practical experience in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of past projects or challenges you've faced in conservation, as this will showcase your hands-on skills and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider creating a digital portfolio that highlights your conservation work. Even though it's not required at the application stage, having a well-organized portfolio ready can set you apart if you progress to the next stage of the hiring process.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Conservator, Science and Technology
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and skills required for the Assistant Conservator position. Make sure you can demonstrate how your experience aligns with their needs.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasize any practical conservation experience you have, especially in a museum or similar environment. Use specific examples to showcase your skills and knowledge in conservation.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Although not required at this stage, if you have a portfolio of your work, prepare it now. Include a URL link in your application to demonstrate your relevant experience and capabilities.
Follow Application Instructions: Make sure to follow all application instructions provided in the recruitment pack. This includes submitting any required documents and ensuring that your application is complete before the closing date.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Museums Scotland
✨Show Your Passion for Conservation
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for conservation and the specific collections you'll be working with. Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your dedication to preserving science and technology artifacts.
✨Demonstrate Your Technical Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your conservation techniques and how they apply to the diverse range of objects in the museum's collection. Highlight any relevant experience you have with similar artifacts, especially outdoor aircraft.
✨Prepare a Portfolio
Since a portfolio is required later in the process, consider bringing a preliminary version to the interview. Showcase your best work and be ready to explain your thought process and the techniques used in each piece.
✨Emphasize Collaboration Skills
The role involves working closely with various teams. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated in past roles, particularly in a museum or similar environment, to meet project deadlines.
