POST DETAILS
Job Title: Assistant Curator
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 4 days per week (28 hours)
Salary: £20,800 per annum
Location: On site at Lady Victoria Colliery, Newtongrange
BACKGROUND
The National Mining Museum Scotland (NMMS) is an independent, charitable trust located at the Lady Victoria Colliery in Newtongrange, Midlothian. NMMS is responsible for the preservation and interpretation of Scotland's mining history and heritage, shining a light on the past to help us look to the future of Scotland's energy transition. As well as being a 5-star visitor attraction, the Museum holds one of only fifty-one Recognised Collections of National Significance in Scotland and offers an award-winning learning programme for audiences of all ages across the country.
NMMS is currently undertaking a series of projects aimed at strengthening the care, documentation, and interpretation of its collection, improving access for researchers and the public, and supporting the continued development of the Museum site and its facilities. These developments form part of a wider programme of enhancement across the site, its collection, and the visitor experience. The assistant curator will support the curator in delivering this work, alongside volunteers engaged in collections and research activities, and contributing to the ongoing care and documentation of the collection.
JOB PURPOSE
The assistant curator will support the curator in the care, documentation, research, and interpretation of the Museum's collection. The role involves cataloguing, responding to enquiries, assisting with exhibitions and displays, and supporting access to the collection for researchers and the public. Documentation work will include the creation and improvement of records in Axiell Collections in accordance with SPECTRUM procedures and the Museum's collections management policies.
The postholder will also work closely with volunteers engaged in collections and research activities, initially in collaboration with the curator, and with increasing responsibility for allocating, supervising, and organising tasks as experience in the role develops. The role requires regular practical work in stores, exhibition areas, and other collection spaces, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a small curatorial team.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
* Support the curator and work alongside volunteers in the care, handling, documentation, and movement of the collections, including object handling, packing, and data inputting as required.
* Ensure NMMS continues to work to SPECTRUM standards and meets the standards expected of an Accredited Museum.
* Wherever possible, improve the standard of records within the Axiell Collections database to improve the accuracy, consistency, and uniformity of data.
* Respond to enquiries and assist with access to the collections for researchers and the public.
* Support and supervise volunteers engaged in cataloguing, research, and documentation work, allocating appropriate tasks in consultation with the curator and helping to ensure that work is carried out accurately and safely.
* Undertake spot checks or audits as required.
* Attend NMMS meetings as required.
* Comply with NMMS policies and procedures.
* Undertake any duties commensurate with the role as reasonably required.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
* Relevant qualification or equivalent experience, including experience of working in a museum, heritage, or similar environment.
* Experience of using computerised documentation systems (e.g., Axiell Collections) for recording or research purposes.
* Experience of working with, supporting, or supervising volunteers.
* Experience of handling a range of museum objects.
* Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
* Excellent IT skills, particularly with databases and spreadsheets.
* Ability to handle a range of objects.
* Well organised with strong planning and time-management skills.
* Excellent communication skills—interpersonal, written, and verbal.
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team, using initiative to organise and prioritise work.
* Methodical approach to cataloguing and documentation work.
DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE
* Experience or understanding of sector professional practice and standards such as SPECTRUM or accreditation.
* Have an interest in history, heritage, or mining, and in preserving and celebrating this heritage.
* Flexible, able to work evenings, weekends, and public holidays by prior agreement.
* Be approachable and have a friendly disposition.
HOW TO APPLY
Closing date: Friday, 20 March 2026, 12 noon
Applications must be made using the National Mining Museum Scotland application form, available at:
Please refer to the key responsibilities and person specification when completing your application. Please download and complete both the application form and Equality and Diversity Monitoring form (available at the same link) and return them to:
Please ensure that both forms are submitted. Monitoring forms are separated from applications and are not used in the selection process.
Please note that CVs will not be accepted in place of a completed application form.
NMMS is committed to being an Equal Opportunities employer. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds, irrespective of sex, gender identity, race, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or age.
Interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing 30 March. If you are unavailable during that week, please indicate this in your application.
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £20,800.00 per year
Work Location: In person