Project Conservator

Project Conservator (Science and Technology) | Full time | 35 hours

Full Time Salary: £39,754 to £43,188

Hours:

35 per week | Monday - Friday

Location:

National Museum of Flight, East Lothian, Scotland | Fully On‑Site

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 an enthusiastic, individual to join our Collections Service Team.

• Annually alongside your salary, National Museums Scotland contributes 28.97% of this towards you being a member of the Civil Service Pension Scheme
• A generous annual leave of 28.5 days – rising to 33.5 after 5 years, plus an additional 8 paid days public holidays.
• Free access to national and international museums and exhibitions
• A range of wellbeing benefits including Employee Assistance Programme 24/7
• Access to all the above and more from day one of employment.

The position will focus on the care and maintenance of outdoor aircraft, planning conservation work and managing resources to improve their overall condition. The role will involve working at height and working outside during the Spring/Summer months. It requires strong technical skills and manual dexterity to treat a range of different objects, as well as a good understanding of the health & safety requirements of conservation work.

As the successful candidate, you will have experience of working with science and technology collections or similar materials. A background in metals, industrial objects or horology would be suitable. You will have experience managing conservation projects to meet objectives within a set timeline. You will have an excellent understanding of material issues and treatments. You will be aware of professional conservation standards and best practice and have a conservation qualification or be able to demonstrate similar experience.

• Implement and supervise conservation projects to develop knowledge and best practice.
• Propose and apply solutions drawn from personal expertise to conserve science and technology collections, developing solutions with minimal guidance.
• Be committed to good health and safety and access practice and ensure familiarity with National Museums Scotland health and safety and access policies, procedures and guidelines.

• Excellent practical conservator with a high level of practical ability, good mechanical aptitude and hand skills.
• Previous experience in the management of projects.
• Understand potential hazardous materials that can be found in science and technology collections.
• Good documentation and reporting skills.

The closing date for this role is 15th March 2026.

The Selection Event is likely to take place 26th March 2026.