Trainee Conservation Technician (Engineering) 2025

To assist in the vital work of restoring and conserving our historic collection.

This role will include an in house training programme to build and develop your skills to start your career in Conservation. Training will include learning how to safely use equipment, how to carry out conservation treatments and techniques, as well as learning to research historic objects to conserve them appropriately and in a historically accurate manner.

What you will do

You will be expected to work independently as well as across different teams in order to contribute to and deliver the priorities of IWM - using your knowledge, skills, talent and potential to the best of your ability.

You will focus at all times on delivering excellent customer service, ensure value for money at all times while being professional, courteous and demonstrating the behaviours and attributes expected of all IWM employees. You will also adhere to all corporate standards, and use corporate systems as directed to ensure consistency of service, brand and operational standards.

You will undertake day to day activities to the best of your ability and to the required standards; and strive to learn and develop your skills and knowledge. You will be expected to comply with corporate standards, and use corporate systems, processes and procedures– and undertake any necessary training as directed. Your duties will include the below.

Conservation

• Carrying out conservation and restoration work on exhibits as directed
• Assisting the Conservator with the planning and day to day running of projects as required
• Accurately recording all work carried out on projects
• Advising the Conservator of any anticipated problems which might prevent the completion of tasks
• You will undertake day to day activities to the best of your ability and to the required standards; and strive to learn and develop your skills and knowledge.

Training

• Attending any training organised by IWM and undertake all training to the best of your abilities.
• To identify and implement learning and development needs for yourself

Safe working

• Work in such a manner as to ensure your own safety and the safety of others including members of the public and report to your manager any hazards, dangerous occurrences, or dangerous equipment you see, and any accident you are involved in or are witness to.
• Ensuring that Health and Safety requirements of any task carried out are complied with
• The pre-use inspection of any ground equipment, and its return to the appropriate storage area immediately after use
• Carrying out other duties as required ensuring the overall smooth running of the museum.
• You will be expected to comply with corporate standards, and use corporate systems, processes and procedures– and undertake any necessary training as directed.
• Work in such a manner as to ensure your own safety and the safety of others including members of the public and report to your manager any hazards, dangerous occurrences or dangerous equipment you see, and any accident you are involved in or are witness to.

Interviews for this post are to be confirmed.

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.

• Full-Time Equivalent Annual Leave: from the start we will give you 25 days of annual leave, with public holidays on top. After 3 years, this allowance increases to 27 days and after 5 years, you’ll get 30 days —an opportunity for rest, rejuvenation, and personal pursuits.
• 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!

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:

A basic check, which shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions.

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.