Shipwright; Heritage Carpenter

Overview

We are seeking a Shipwright (Heritage Carpenter) to join the National Museum of the Royal Navy team at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. This is a permanent full‑time role responsible for the conservation of HMS Victory and other historic vessels.

Salary (Grade
5) – £29,933 – £33,872 per annum (dependent upon experience).
Hours – 37.5 hours per week, permanent.
Location – Portsmouth Historic Dockyard with occasional travel to Gosport, Hartlepool and Belfast.

Our vision is to be the world’s most inspiring naval museum, linking Navy to Nation. You will help achieve this by restoring and maintaining the world’s oldest commissioned ship and engaging visitors with the conservation work.

The role involves both on‑board conservation work and workshop construction of new timber structures, working closely with conservators and other museum professionals. You may also spend time on other Portsmouth ships such as HMS Warrior and HMS M33, with occasional travel to other sites.

You will be overseen by Lead Shipwrights and be responsible for ensuring the historic ships are conserved, safe and operable for visitors. Your duties include:

• Engage in conservation activities on board HMS Victory, working on historic structures and new timbers.
• Assist with the conservation and preservation of historic timber and metal components.
• Provide visitor engagement about conservation work when appropriate.
• Perform manual handling and physically demanding tasks such as removing hull planking.
• Participate in occasional weekend work and site travel as required.

• Specialist knowledge of maritime joinery, shipwright practice, and conservation of historic vessels.
• Experience in traditional boat or ship building, joinery or timber construction techniques.
• Qualified to Level 3 City & Guilds Boat building (2463‑03) or equivalent Woodworking qualification or experience.
• Practical knowledge of Health and Safety.
• A positive attitude and ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

• Friendly and diverse workplace within a unique heritage environment.
• Group pension plan (6% employer contribution, 2% employee contribution, death‑in‑service benefit).
• 25 days’ annual leave (+bank holidays); increases to 30 days after 5 years’ service; pro‑rated for part‑time employees; option to purchase additional leave.
• Enhanced maternity/adoption and paternity pay.
• Flexible working.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Free admission to national museums and attractions under reciprocal agreement.
• Discounts at museum shops and cafés.
• Free and discounted tickets for family and friends.
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
• Paid reservist leave.

If you are interested, please apply via  before midnight on 31st January 2026
. The vacancy will remain open until we have filled the role.

We encourage an informal discussion before applying. Contact Lucy Murphy, HMS Victory Lead Shipwright at for more information.

Reasonable adjustments can be requested for the application process. Contact the People team at .

This post requires a DBS check and the right to work in the UK. Work visas are not currently sponsored.