JOB PURPOSE
The Visitor Services Supervisor – Collections Care is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of preventive conservation, collections care, documentation, access, and engagement across significant collections and historic interiors within their allocated property or cluster. Working as part of a multi disciplinary team and in liaison with regional specialist staff, the postholder leads on the planning, delivery, and monitoring of routine and deep cleaning programmes, safe handling and movement of collections, and the protection of collections during events and operational activity. They will recruit, train, and supervise staff and volunteers to support collections care, manage conservation equipment and audits, and contribute to engaging visitor experiences through educational activity and ‘Conservation in Action’ interpretation. The role helps ensure that properties remain well presented, well cared for, and relevant for the benefit and enjoyment of everyone, with some travel across the Trust as required.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
• Collections care – use existing systems and processes to lead on Integrated Pest Management, environmental monitoring, housekeeping plans, and routine condition checks to ensure the highest standards of preventive conservation for collections on display and in storage at Crathes Castle, in collaboration with the Operations Manager and Regional Conservator.
• Collections care cleaning – Plan, deliver, and oversee collections care cleaning for collections, historic interiors, and collection spaces, at Crathes Castle, ensuring work aligns with Trust standards and specialist recommendations.
• Collections monitoring & documentation – In liaison with Trust Collections Management staff, use Trust systems (e.g., AIS) to monitor and record damage, movement, and location of collections; ensure documentation, audits, and inventory checks are accurate and up to date.
• Supervision of volunteers – Recruit, train, supervise, manage, and support volunteers involved in collections care, conservation cleaning, object handling, emergency response, and engagement activities.
• Support during events & operational activity – in collaboration with the Operations Manager and Regional Conservator, lead on collections protection during functions, events, filming, and building or contractor work to ensure safe handling, appropriate storage, and uncompromised care of collections and interiors.
• Collaborative working with specialists – Work closely with Operations Manager, Regional Conservator, Curator, and Collections Services Teams to implement conservation advice, support research, interpretation, exhibitions, and access to collections.
• Emergency preparedness & response – Maintain and implement Collections Emergency Salvage Plans; ensure staff are trained, equipment and material stocks are maintained, and respond to accidental damage or salvage incidents when required.
• Procurement & resource management – Sustainably manage and maintain conservation materials, equipment, and supplies, with support from the Operations Manager.
• Collections access, engagement & interpretation – Advocate for the collections, lead ‘Conservation in Action’ activities, support educational programmes, and contribute to visitor engagement through interpretation and access initiatives.
• Publicity & communications – Promote conservation and collections care through social media, onsite engagement, and collaboration with communications teams to share updates and stories.
• Compliance & health and safety – Ensure adherence to Health & Safety policies, object handling protocols, risk assessments and contractor supervision requirements when working in historic interiors with collections.
• Operational responsibilities & duty management – Act as key holder and duty manager as required, supporting the wider property team in delivering an excellent visitor experience and maintaining high standards across all operations.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
Qualifications
Essential
• Degree in a relevant subject (e.g., Conservation, Museum Studies, Art History) or equivalent relevant experience.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Competent user of Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to problem solve and respond quickly and flexibly in challenging circumstances.
Desirable
• Awareness and membership of ICON
• Health and safety–related certification (e.g., First Aid, PASMA).
• Knowledge or understanding of the National Trust for Scotland and its properties and collections
• Ability to work across multiple sites as needed.
• Training in or working knowledge of environmental monitoring systems.
Experience
Essential
• Demonstrable experience of collections care, preventive conservation, and collections management in a historic house or museum setting.
• Experience supervising, training, coaching, and supporting staff and volunteers, including rota management.
• Proven experience handling, cleaning, and caring for a range of historic materials and decorative arts.
• Experience using collections management databases and conducting audits or condition checks.
• Experience working with the public and delivering excellent customer care.
• Experience performing physical tasks such as lifting objects, working at height, using ladders / scaffolding, and opening / closing historic properties.
Desirable
• Experience delivering training sessions, specialist talks, or public engagement activities.
• Experience using social media in a professional or heritage context.
• Experience working across multiple historic sites or in a multi property organisation.
• Experience supporting or managing events within a heritage setting.
• Experience in security awareness or emergency procedures relevant to collections.
• Experience using environmental monitoring systems.
