Collections Care Assistant

Collections Care Assistant

Do you have knowledge or practical experience of working with historic collections? Would you like the opportunity to gain 'hands on' experience and complete training and development opportunities whilst working with our Conservation and Collections Care team?

About us

This position is based at the Science and Innovation Park (SIP) in Wroughton, at the heart of the Park is the National Collections Centre (NCC), home to around 90% of the Science Museum Group (SMG) Collection. The Collection Services department underpin the care and management of our unique objects. Within this function, Collections Care are tasked with practically treating objects and providing professional expertise on minimising deterioration of our collections.

We are recruiting for Collections Care Assistants to join on a fixed-term contracts until February 2026. This is a full-time role, working 35 hours per week and is based at the Science and Innovation Park in Wroughton, Swindon.

About the role

As a Collections Care Assistant, you will assist in the condition reporting, care, cleaning and packing of collection objects in the collections storage area using best practice to meet strategic and statutory requirements. This is a great opportunity to gain 'hands on' experience of working with collections and offers continual performance development and relevant training opportunities.

As Collections Care Assistant you will work closely with the other members of the Conservation & Collections Care team, supporting the work of the Conservation team, and more widely the work of the Documentation, Registration, Photography and Curatorial teams.

You will be liaising with Registration and Documentation to ensure collections have current records available of a high standard. In addition to assisting with hazardous materials identification, management, safe handling and documentation on the collections database to ensure compliance with statutory regulations.

About you

Joining us, you will have good knowledge or practical experience of working with historic collections coupled with an understanding of collections care, particularly object handling. You will have good communication skills which will enable you to work well as part of a team.

You will be able to work well in time-sensitive situations and use prioritising skills to meet deadlines calmly and effectively. Crucially you will have the ability to work to a high standard of accuracy with good attention to detail.

Don't feel you meet all the criteria? We welcome you to apply even if your experience doesn't match directly. With your transferable skills, you could be the right candidate for this, or other opportunities that we have.

Applying

View the Vacancy Information Pack listed under 'Attachments' on the vacancy listing on our website for more details about the role and the application process or click 'Apply Online' to submit an application.

What we offer

Working with a world-leading museum group that offers access to truly unique environments and collections, you'll benefit from the perks listed below, as well as full support for life events such as parental and adoption leave, sickness, and career breaks.

* Meaningful work. We're a mission-led organisation where the work you do supports us in Inspiring Futures.

* Career growth. We offer enhanced support with personal and professional development.

* Work/life balance. We offer 27 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays, along with flexible policies which support you and your home life.

* Health & Dental Insurance. Extra peace of mind, from day one.

* Wellbeing. All our colleagues can access an employee assistance programme, access to the Unmind app, and other wellbeing support.

* Colleague networks. Our colleague-led networks are an informal forum for colleagues to come together to discuss topics of shared interest and lived experience. They create a space for people to exchange ideas, discuss best practice, socialise and build a sense of community.

* Enhanced contributory pension. To support you in saving for the future.

* Interest-free loans. When you need a little extra cash for life events or home improvements.

* Great discounts. Free entry to exhibitions, discounts in our shops, cafes, and access to other museums in the NMDC network.

Open for All is one of the Science Museum Group's five core values and sets out our important aspiration to be a place for everyone. We are working hard to understand our organisation better and to develop a culture that recognises and values different backgrounds, mindsets, skills, experience, knowledge, and expertise. By having greater diversity, we believe that we will be a stronger and better organisation, capable to continue to Inspire Futures.

Museum Website: https://www.aplitrak.com/?adid=aHJzZXJ2aWNlLjc4OTk0LjExMTkzQHNjaWVuY2VtdXNldW0uYXBsaXRyYWsuY29t