Aircraft Conservator

Job Description

Aircraft Conservator (Science and Technology) Full time 35 hours

Full Time Salary: £39,754 to £43,188

Hours: 35 hours per week Monday – Friday

Location: National Museum of Flight, East Lothian, Scotland Fully On-Site

We are looking for enthusiastic, individual to join our Collections Service Team.

Benefits

• Annually alongside your salary, National Museums Scotland contributes 28.97% 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.

About the role

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

Responsibilities

• Implement and supervise conservation projects to develop knowledge and best practice.
• To propose and apply solutions drawn from personal expertise to conserve science and technology collections, developing solutions with minimal guidance.
• To 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.

Skills and Experience

• 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.

Additional information

The closing date for this role is 17th July 2026. (17/07/2026)

The Selection Event is likely to take place 31st July 2026 (31/07/2026)