Art Handling Technician

About the role

We have an opportunity for two experienced Art Handling Technicians to be part of our talented team installing exciting exhibitions. You must have proven skills and experience in the safe handling and movement of works of art within a museum or gallery environment.

You’ll work across all three of our stunning Galleries based in the heart of Edinburgh as well as our arts store at Granton Art Centre handling our incredible art.

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 those from our collection and those on loan to us.

In this role you will ensure the safe movement, transportation, and installation of all artworks within the NGS, including collections from and returns of artworks to lenders. You will also assist in maintaining the upkeep of the storage areas, exhibits, tools, and equipment.

In order to support our exhibition programme, you must be available and able to commit to working during the peak periods from 19 May 2025 to 25 July 2025 and from 03 November 2025 to 14 November 2025.

The difference you’ll make

In all that you do you will be part of a small, dedicated team of Art Handling Technicians who are supported by the Senior Art Handling Technicians. Reporting to the Art Movement Manager your responsibilities will include:

1. Providing safe and efficient movement of artworks and other objects within NGS and to other institutions, including risk assessments and method statements as required.
2. Contributing to resource and planning discussions as required in line with skills and experience.
3. Leading on individual project elements as requested.
4. Maintaining location records and relevant paperwork following NGS procedures.
5. Packing and unpacking objects and checking conservation condition reports.
6. Undertaking courier duties.
7. Sharing responsibility for the care and maintenance of equipment, including highlighting any concerns as appropriate.

Who we are looking for

To succeed in this role, you’ll need the following range of knowledge, skills, and experience:

1. Whilst a knowledge and appreciation of art would be beneficial it’s not essential. However, you must have proven skills and experience in the safe handling and movement of works of art within a museum or gallery environment.
2. Awareness of and commitment to health and safety compliance and best practice.
3. High standards of accuracy and attention to detail as well as excellent manual dexterity.
4. With the ability to work calmly and carefully under pressure, you will actively anticipate and plan for potential problems.
5. Can demonstrate sound, timely and appropriate decision-making skills taking responsibility and using initiative.
6. You will have a helpful manner and flexible approach, great communication skills, and enjoy working flexibly as part of a team with the ability to work alone and committed to getting the job done.
7. Apply sound judgement with regards to maintaining confidentiality.
8. Good IT skills with proficiency in Microsoft Word and Outlook.
9. Demonstrable commitment to updating skills and knowledge.
10. Current driving licence.

It would also be great if you have:

1. Willingness if required to train towards a category C (formerly known as HGV) driving licence if not already held.
2. Experience in completing risk assessments and method statements, working at heights and heavy lifting operations.
3. Experience with modern or complex installations.
4. Familiarity with a collections management database.

Please apply directly via our careers portal. Applications via email will not be accepted.
The closing date for completed applications is 12 noon on Monday, 24 February 2025.