Jobs

NATIONAL GALLERIES OF SCOTLAND
ART MOVEMENT TEAM

TRAINEE ART HANDLING TECHNICIAN (BAND 8)
Full-Time, Fixed Term: October – 31 March 2023

The National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) is home to one the world’s finest collections off art, which ranges from the Middle Ages to the present day. Our spectacular buildings house the world’s greatest collection of Scottish art, and a world-renowned collection of Scottish and international photography, welcoming many visitors to our three principal sites in Edinburgh: the Scottish National Gallery, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. The National Galleries of Scotland aims to preserve, display and augment the collections for the enjoyment and education of the widest possible public and to maintain NGS as a centre of excellence.

This is an exciting period of renewal for NGS, as we move forward with our engaging strategic vision that puts our audience at the heart of what we do. We’re making it our mission to broaden our impact, matching our rich collections, expertise and creativity to the needs and wants of our visitors. We’re finding new ways to connect with more people, and creating an innovative, inclusive organisation that can meet the challenges of our ever-evolving world.

‘Art for Scotland: Inspiration for the world’ is Our Vision. Inclusive, original and ambitious – we will make the national collection accessible to all and inspire curiosity across the world.

At NGS we are committed to looking at how we operate as well as how we engage with our visitors and communities. We want to play our part in tackling the Climate Emergency. We will ensure Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is embedded across our organisation, ensuring everyone feels a sense of belonging and can be themselves.

The Art Movement Team, led by the Art Movement Manager includes three Senior Technicians, three Art Handling Technicians, the Collections Storage Manager and an Assistant Collections Information Registrar. This team alongside the Registrar Teams make up the Collections Management Department which, in conjunction with the Conservation Department (and CIDAM) make up the Collections Care Division. This Division is responsible for the care of the NGS Permanent Collection and works on loan to NGS.

Art Movement Team

The Art Movement Team works to national standards supporting complex national and international programming in the handling, packing, movement, installation and location tracking of a wide variety of artworks, including NGS Collection works and those on loan to NGS.

The main purpose of the post of the Trainee Art Handling Technician is to ensure the safe movement, transportation and installation of all artworks within the NGS, including collections from and returns of artworks to lenders. The post holder also assists in maintaining the upkeep of the storage areas, exhibits, tools and equipment.

The Art Handling Technician is responsible to the Art Movement Manager through the Senior Art Handling Technicians, to whom they are answerable for the performance of their duties on a day to day basis.

Trainee Art Handling Technician Duties:

• Safe and efficient movement of art works
• Assist maintenance of location records following NGS procedure
• Pack and unpack objects
• Use of computer for internal communications and access to standard forms and procedures.
• As part of the team, be responsible for care and maintenance of team equipment, including highlighting any concerns to the appropriate forum
• Develop an awareness of and commitment to health and safety compliance and best practice
• Any other duties appropriate to the post

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Some experience in the safe handling and movement of works of art
• High standards of accuracy and attention to detail
• A high level of manual dexterity
• Calm and methodical approach to work
• Commitment to updating skills and knowledge
• Good basic communication skills, verbally and in writing
• An ability to recognise potential issues and consider when to seek advice
• Helpful manner and flexible in approach when required
• Apply sound judgement with regards to maintaining confidentiality
• Possess basic computer literacy
• Willingness to occasionally work flexible hours including evenings and weekends to meet deadlines when required.

Desirable
• Awareness of Health and Safety issues in the workplace
• Some experience of working at height
• Some experience of manual handling
• Knowledge and appreciation of Art
• Current Driving License

Applicants are asked to provide a written statement saying how their skills match the person specification and demonstrate the value and relevance of their experience to the post.

Selection Procedures: The applicants who meet the criteria based on the job description and the person specification and who demonstrate this in their written statement will be selected for interview.

SUMMARY TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Salary £ 20,828 per annum

Starting salaries will normally be at the minimum or at a rate that reflects qualifications and/or experience which are of special value for the post and which are above minimum entry requirements.

Hours 42 hours per week inclusive of lunch breaks

Annual Leave 25 days per annum & 11.5 public and privilege holidays

Pension Civil Service pension provisions enables the National Galleries of Scotland to offer a choice of occupational and stakeholder pensions, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.

The closing date for completed applications is Sunday 18th September 2022

Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to Basic Disclosure Scotland security clearance.

National Galleries of Scotland is a charity registered in Scotland (No. SC003728)

Application Deadline: Sunday 18/09/2022