Senior Art Handling Technician

About the role

We have a rare and exciting opportunity for an experienced art handling professional to join our team. You’ll work across all four of our stunning Galleries based in the heart of Edinburgh as well as our arts store at Granton Art Centre handling our incredible art and being part of the team installing exciting exhibitions.

The Art Movement Team (AMT) works to national standards supporting complex national and international programming in the handling, packing, movement, installation, and location tracking of a wide variety of artworks, including NGS Collection works and those on loan to us.

In this role you will ensure the safe movement, transportation, and installation of all artworks within the Galleries, including collections from and return of artwork to lenders. You will assist in maintaining the upkeep of the exhibits, storage areas, tools and equipment. You will also assist in planning and monitoring the work of the team, assessing resource needs and undertaking necessary risk assessments.

You must have proven knowledge and experience of art handling processes with a high level of accuracy and the ability to deal with confidential tasks. You will be highly organised, proactive in approach and a clear communicator.


The difference you’ll make

Reporting to the Art Movement Manager, your responsibilities will include:

- Safe handling, packing and movement of art works and other objects within NGS and to other institutions, including risk assessments and method statements as required.
- Contribute to resource and planning discussions as and when required in line with skills and experience.
- Lead on individual project elements as delegated by the Art Movement Manager including exhibition installations and processing work requests
- Supervise day to day activities of Art Handling Technicians
- Work closely with the Art Movement Manger, Senior Technician-Coordinator and Storage Manager to plan and manage the work of the team
- Maintain location records and relevant paperwork following NGS procedures.
- Pack and unpack objects and check conservation condition reports.
- Undertake courier duties.
- Share responsibility for the care and maintenance of equipment, including highlighting any concerns as appropriate.
- Awareness of and commitment to health and safety compliance and best practice.
- Ensure completion of team timesheets.


Who we are looking for

To succeed in this role, you’ll need the following range of knowledge, skills, and experience:

- Proven skills and experience in the safe handling and movement of works of art within a museum/gallery environment.
- Foresight and recognition of health and safety issues.
- Experience in completing effective risk assessments.
- High standards of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Demonstrable commitment to updating skills and knowledge.
- Ability to provide clear, concise and timely information both verbally and in writing.
- With the ability to work calmly and carefully under pressure you will actively anticipate and plan for potential problems.
- Can demonstrate sound, timely and appropriate decision-making skills taking responsibility and using initiative.
- You will have a helpful manner and flexible approach, great communication skills and enjoy working flexibly as part of a team with the ability to work alone and committed to getting the job done.
- Apply sound judgement with regards to maintaining confidentiality.
-Proficient IT skills including MS Office.


It would also be great if you have:

- Current driving licence.
- HGV qualification – category C driver licence or willingness to train for this
- Familiarity with a collections management database.
- Knowledge and appreciation of art.
- Experience of creating installations guides, method statements and Risk Assessments
- Experience of working at heights and heavy lifting operations.
- Experience of working with modern or complex installations.
- Experience of working with Audio Visual equipment


Please apply directly via our careers portal. Applications via email will not be accepted.

Closing date is 12 noon on Monday, 02 December 2024.

Museum Website: https://www.nationalgalleries.org/careers