Opportunity ID
698
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Location
IWM Duxford
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Career Level
C
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Salary
£27,600 per annum
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Hours
36
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Department
Movement & Storage
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Position type
Fixed Term
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Job Summary
What It's Like to Work Here
At Imperial War Museums (IWM), our collections help people understand the causes, course and consequences of conflict, and their impact on people's lives. You'll join a dedicated Collections Care team committed to preserving nationally significant objects and making them accessible for future generations. Working at IWM Duxford offers a unique opportunity to contribute to major collections projects in a collaborative environment where learning, development and high professional standards are valued.
Why This Role Matters
This is an exciting opportunity for two movement and storage assistant's to join a major collections programme that will prepare a significant proportion of IWM's large object collections for relocation to a new state-of-the-art conservation and storage facility.
Your work will play a vital role in ensuring collection information remains accurate, objects are safely managed and documented, and the museum continues to meet the highest standards of collections care. Through careful attention to detail, safe working practices and effective teamwork, you'll help safeguard nationally important collections for researchers, visitors and future generations.
What You'll Be Doing
Support a major collections project preparing museum objects for movement and long-term storage.
Accurately document, measure, weigh, photograph and record collection objects using established museum systems and procedures.
Apply barcode technology and maintain accurate location and object records within the Collections Management System.
Help prepare and pack objects for movement, storage and conservation activities, ensuring appropriate handling and care standards are followed.
Assist with condition checks, housekeeping activities and storage area improvements.
Support the identification and documentation of hazardous or licensed materials, including asbestos, radiation and PCBs, following established safety procedures.
Work closely with colleagues, contractors and project teams to deliver collections activities safely, efficiently and to agreed quality standards.
Provide operational support across the Collections Care team and contribute to collection access and preservation activities.
What We're Looking For
We'd love to hear from you if you have:
GCSE English and Mathematics (Grade C/4 or above) or equivalent qualifications.
Experience managing deadlines and working effectively in a busy environment.
Experience working with items that are recorded, tracked, stored and accurately located using established systems and processes.
A strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
Experience working successfully as part of a collaborative team.
A good understanding of workplace health and safety requirements.
Confidence following procedures and maintaining high standards of work.
Good organisational skills and the ability to manage routine tasks independently.
Desirable experience includes manual handling, working with museum collections, barcode technology, collections management systems, hazardous materials, PPE usage and Microsoft Excel.
How You'll Work
You'll work closely with colleagues across Collections Care, preservation specialists, contractors and project teams to ensure objects are safely documented, handled and prepared for storage. This is a hands-on role based predominantly in collection and storage environments, where collaboration, communication and attention to detail are essential. You'll receive training and support as you develop your knowledge of collections management, object handling and museum best practice.
What Success Looks Like (First 6-12 Months)
Build strong working relationships with colleagues and project partners.
Develop confidence using collections management systems, barcode technology and documentation standards.
Consistently produce accurate collections records, photography and object data.
Contribute to project targets for collection preparation, movement and storage.
Demonstrate a strong understanding of collections care, safe handling procedures and hazards awareness.
Support the safe and effective delivery of collections projects with increasing independence.
Additional Information
This role is based full-time at IWM Duxford and is not suitable for home working.
Occasional travel to other IWM sites may be required for meetings, training or project work.
The successful candidate will be required to undergo a DBS check before appointment.
For a full list of duties and the person specification (which your application will be marked against) please view the Job Description.
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Application closing date
August 23rd 2026, 11:55 PM
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Interview Details
Interviews for this post are planned for the week commencing 31/08/2026
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Benefits
The benefits listed below are discretionary and IWM reserves the right, with due notice, to vary or withdraw them at any time. All such benefits apply during the course of your employment only.
Annual Leave: You'll have 25 days of annual leave, with public holidays on top. After 3 years, this increases to 27 days and after 5 years, you’ll get 30 days
Company Group Pension Plan: Our commitment to your financial well-being includes competitive employer contributions to your pension starting at 7% to a maximum of 12%.
Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Benefits: Celebrate life’s milestones with confidence, knowing that our policies support growing families.
IWM4me: Tailor your benefits to your unique needs through IWM4me. Access health, protection, and lifestyle benefits at corporate rates, ensuring your holistic well-being.
Free Sanitary Products: We prioritise your comfort by providing free sanitary products across all our sites.
Retail Discounts: 25% off IWM Cafes, 20% discount in on-site shops, Benefits hub offering retail discounts to several high street shops (via our EAP provider) and MyActive discounts for health and wellbeing based retail discounts (via IWM4me)
Free Entry to IWM Air Shows: Witness the thrill of vintage aircraft at our air shows.
Free Entry to Partner Museums & Galleries: Immerse yourself in art, history, and culture through our reciprocal arrangements with other institutions.
In-House Training Programmes: Fuel your intellectual curiosity and professional growth through our comprehensive training initiatives.
Season Ticket Loan Scheme: Simplify your daily commute with our interest-free loan program.
Cycle 2 Work & Cycle Hire: Promote well-being and environmental consciousness by cycling to work.
Eye Tests: Money back up to £80 for an eye test and a new pair of glasses.
Employee Assistance Programme: Access confidential support for personal or work-related challenges.
Benenden Healthcare & Dental Insurance: Prioritise your health with access to quality healthcare services (subject to terms and conditions).
Civil Service Sports Club Membership: Opportunity to join and enjoy additional discounts and perks as part of a vibrant community.
Staff Events and Networks: Join fellow colleagues in social gatherings and events, fostering camaraderie and shared experiences.
…and more!
Ready to embark on this exciting journey with us? Apply now and become part of IWM!
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Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. This role is subject to:
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A basic check, which shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions.
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Equal Opportunities and Flexible Working
IWM is committed to a policy of Equal Opportunities.
We miss out when people feel IWM isn't for them, and are committed to removing and reducing barriers to make IWM open to everyone.
Our Access and Inclusion strategy has been developed to promote openness, equal opportunities to access, inclusivity and encourage diversity in everything that we do, from employment practices, the services we provide to our visitors to the facilities we make available to public.
At IWM we seek to address the need for greater diversity within our workforce as well as the wider museum and heritage sector. In all our practices we embrace diversity and promote equality of opportunity and we welcome applications from suitable candidates of all backgrounds.
We value and respect difference and are committed to building an inclusive culture by creating an environment where you can balance a successful career with your commitments and interests outside of work. We believe that you will do your best at work if you have a work / life balance. Some roles lend themselves to flexible options more than others, so if this is important to you please raise this with your recruitment contact, as we are open to discussing agile working opportunities during the hiring process.
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