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- Tasks: Join our team to conserve historic ships, focusing on HMS Victory and engaging with visitors.
- Company: Be part of the National Museum of the Royal Navy, celebrating maritime heritage and history.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, staff discounts, and a supportive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in preserving naval history while working in a diverse and inspiring environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in shipbuilding or joinery, with relevant qualifications and a positive team attitude required.
- Other info: This role involves physical work and may require occasional weekend shifts.
The predicted salary is between 29993 - 33872 £ per year.
Location: Portsmouth
Benefits: Occupational pension, Sick pay, Annual leave, Flexible working, Family friendly policies, Staff discounts, EAP
Salary (Grade 5) - £29,993 - £33,872 per annum (dependent upon experience)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week - permanent
Location: National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Our epic story is of the Royal Navy, and its impact on Britain and the world. Here you can come aboard the most famous ships, planes, and submarines of the Royal Navy and experience them through those who served on them. As well as being truly captivated by the thousands of unique, emotional, and sometimes quirky stories that have shaped the Royal Navy into what it proudly stands for today.
Our vision is to be the world’s most inspiring Naval Museum, linking Navy to Nation. 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.
This is a great opportunity to join the team. We are recruiting an experienced Shipwright to join our expanding Conservation & Collections team based in Portsmouth. The successful candidates will be part of a friendly, multidisciplinary team of museum professionals, conservators and maritime industry specialists committed to high quality professional work maintaining and conserving historic ships, with a focus on HMS Victory.
This is an exciting time to join the NMRN, as we move into the next phase of a major Conservation Programme on HMS Victory, and this will occupy much of your time. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to be part of conserving the world’s oldest commissioned ship.
You will also spend time based on our other Portsmouth ships - HMS Warrior and HMS M.33 - with occasional travel to the Museum’s other locations in the UK, including Gosport, Hartlepool and Belfast. Occasional weekend working may be required.
Overseen by the Lead Shipwrights, your work will ensure that the NMRN’s Historic Ships are conserved and able to operate effectively and safely. The ships are open all year round as public attractions, so you will also be able to engage with our visitors about the important conservation work that you are undertaking.
What you can bring:
- Specialist knowledge of construction of maritime joinery/shipwright practice, conservation and maintenance of historic ships, vessels or historic buildings.
- Experience in traditional boat or Ship building, Joinery or timber construction techniques.
- Qualified to Level 3 City & Guilds Boatbuilding (2463-03) or equivalent Woodworking qualification or experience.
- Practical working knowledge of Health and Safety.
- A positive attitude and ability to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary team.
What we offer:
- The 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).
- Free onsite parking - (dependent on site- not necessarily Portsmouth as need a base pass).
- 25 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays), pro rata for part time employees, increasing to 30 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays) after 5 years’ service, pro-rated for part time employees, with the option to purchase additional annual leave.
- Enhanced maternity/adoption and paternity pay.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Free admission to other national museums and attractions within the reciprocal agreement.
- Discounts at our shops and cafes.
- Free and discounted tickets for family and friends.
- A range of other benefits including cycle to work.
- Paid reservist leave.
If you would like to have an informal discussion regarding the role, or ask any questions, please contact Clementine Mollier, HMS Victory Lead Shipwright, at Clementine.mollier@NMRN.org.uk
If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to the application process because of a disability, please contact the People team on 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. Please note we cannot currently sponsor work visas.
Shipwright (Heritage Carpenter) employer: The National Museum of the Royal Navy
Contact Detail:
The National Museum of the Royal Navy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Shipwright (Heritage Carpenter)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the history and significance of HMS Victory and other historic ships in the Royal Navy. This knowledge will not only impress during your interview but also show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the maritime conservation field. Attend relevant workshops or events where you can meet people who work in similar roles. This could lead to valuable insights and potentially a recommendation for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience with traditional boat building and joinery techniques. Be ready to share specific examples of past projects that demonstrate your skills and how they relate to the conservation of historic vessels.
✨Tip Number 4
Reach out to Clementine Mollier, the Lead Shipwright, for an informal chat about the role. This shows initiative and gives you a chance to ask questions that can help you tailor your approach for the interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Shipwright (Heritage Carpenter)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Shipwright (Heritage Carpenter) position. Familiarise yourself with the conservation work on HMS Victory and the skills needed for maritime joinery.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in traditional boat building, joinery, and any qualifications like Level 3 City & Guilds Boatbuilding. Make sure to emphasise your practical knowledge of health and safety, as well as your ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your passion for heritage conservation and your specific interest in working with historic ships. Mention any previous experiences that align with the role and how you can contribute to the National Museum of the Royal Navy's vision.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a role focused on conservation and craftsmanship.
How to prepare for a job interview at The National Museum of the Royal Navy
✨Showcase Your Maritime Knowledge
Make sure to highlight your specialist knowledge of maritime joinery and shipwright practices. Be prepared to discuss specific techniques you've used in the conservation and maintenance of historic ships, as this will demonstrate your expertise and passion for the role.
✨Emphasise Teamwork Skills
Since you'll be working within a multidisciplinary team, it's crucial to showcase your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples from your past experiences where you successfully worked with others to achieve a common goal, especially in a conservation or heritage context.
✨Prepare for Physical Demands
Given the physically demanding nature of the role, be ready to discuss your experience with manual handling and any relevant health and safety practices. This will reassure the interviewers that you are aware of the physical requirements and can handle them competently.
✨Engage with Visitor Interaction
As part of the role involves engaging with visitors about conservation work, think of ways to convey your passion for maritime history and conservation. Prepare anecdotes or insights that you can share during the interview to illustrate how you would communicate effectively with the public.
