Do you take pride in moving things safely, carefully and right first time?
About us
This position is based at the Science and Innovation Park (SIP) in Wroughton within the Collections Services Storage & Logistics Department. The Park is a 545-acre multi-use site in the stunning Wiltshire countryside, and a vital part of the Science Museum Group’s work. At its heart is the Hawking Building, our world-class collection storage and access facility, where more than 400,000 objects - from microscope slides to railway carriages - and 1.5 million Library and Archives items are cared for and made accessible to the public. The building also welcomes around 15,000 visitors each year.
Beyond collections, the Park plays a key role in the Science Museum Group’s commercial and sustainability ambitions. It supports cultural sector storage, provides space for research and development projects, generates renewable energy, and contributes to biodiversity through tree planting, wildflower meadows and new habitat creation — all within a unique landscape rich in wildlife.
About the role
Reporting to the Collections Services Team Leader (Capital Projects), we are looking for a Collections Logistics Technician to join our Storage & Logistics team, based at the Science and Innovation Park (SIP), Wroughton. With nearly 90% of the Science Museum Group’s collection being stored at SIP, the Storage & Logistics team are responsible for the storage, logistics and transport of equipment, collection objects and Library and Archive collections across the site and beyond, to help facilitate the work of other departments based at the Park and across the Group.
At SIP we have an exciting programme of capital (construction / building development) works planned which will include improvements to our collection stores, continuing our work to improve the conditions SMG objects are located in. These works include roof repairs, door repairs and replacements, upgrades to Building Management Systems, installation of wayfinding signage across stores and feasibility studies for future projects.
As a primarily site-based Collections Logistics Technician you will help protect the collections during works that take place across collections spaces or that help facilitate ongoing works across the site. This will involve supervising contractors working in collection storage spaces, assessing and moving museum objects, and installing protections to safeguard collections, always making sure object locations are accurately updated, appropriate equipment used and safe working practices adhered to.
As you will work within the wider Storage & Logistics Team, you will be required on occasionto safely deliver and collect objects that are moving to and from SIP, including travelling around the UK to the other Science Museum Group sites (including some overnight stays).
Providing storage, logistical and transport expertise, you will support teams across SIP and the wider Group, to safely move and transport equipment / objects, and represent the Science Museum Group to a variety of external stakeholders.
You will be maintaining location records with the use of Axiell Move and Mimsy XG and your attention to detail will be key in maintaining accurate records of object movements and correctly locating them to storage facilities across the storage buildings at SIP. The objects in the Science Museum Group collection are extremely diverse and can vary in many different ways such as, in size, weight, material, rarity and shape so if you like the idea of getting ‘hands on’ with different museum objects then this role is for you.
About you
We're keen to hear from people who come from a practical background. A big part of this role is protecting the collection while capital works go on around it - supervising contractors in collection storage spaces, spotting when something isn't being done safely, and having the confidence to raise it, whoever you're speaking to. You'll be someone who follows procedures consistently and does things the agreed way every time, even when there's pressure to move quickly. That same care extends to the records you keep: with nearly 90% of the Group's collection stored at SIP, accurate location data is what keeps objects findable, so we're looking for people who take pride in getting the details right.
You don't need to have worked in a museum before, and you don't need to have handled museum objects - we can teach you the finer points of working in a heritage environment. What we're really looking for is practical safety awareness and a feel for moving things carefully, wherever you've picked it up: handling fragile stock, moving deliveries, working to method statements on a site. You'll need a full driving licence and to be confident with a manual gearbox.
A C1 licence and box van experience would be a real advantage - and it's worth checking your licence, because if you passed your car test before 1 January 1997 you may already hold C1 without realising it. If you hold C1, we'll fund the Driver CPC and tachograph card you need, and support you to build confidence driving our vans. Forklift and reach truck qualifications are welcome too, and if you don't have them yet, a willingness to train counts for just as much.
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.
- Healthcare cash plan. Digital health tools, gym discounts and cashback towards your everyday healthcare costs.
- Wellbeing. All our colleagues can access an employee assistance programme 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 and 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.
