Vehicle Curator

The Tank Museum; Wareham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent museum is seeking a Vehicle Curator to manage the Core Collection of vehicles and facilitate public engagement through exhibitions and inquiries. The ideal candidate will possess a degree, curatorial experience, and strong project management and communication skills. This senior role offers competitive benefits including 30 days of holiday, a pension scheme, and additional perks.

Benefits

30 days holiday

Free Parking

Pension Scheme

Generous Discount at restaurant/shop

Health Cash Plan

Life Assurance

Qualifications

• Educated to first degree level or equivalent knowledge.
• Demonstrable experience in managing a museum collection.
• Experience working in a military environment is desirable.
• Attention to detail with a proactive attitude.

Responsibilities

• Manage the accessioned Core Collection and related large objects.
• Ensure preservation of the Core Collection.
• Support exhibitions and act as a point of contact for public inquiries.
• Mentor and develop volunteers.

Skills

Curatorial expertise

Project management

Communication skills

IT skills

Ability to work under pressure

Education

First degree or equivalent

Postgraduate qualification in relevant fields

Tools

Spectrum compliant Collections Management Systems

Job description

There are currently over 350 vehicles in the Museum’s collection. Within this number there are three groups – ‘Core Collection’, which consists of the accessioned vehicles which do not run; the ‘Running Collection’, which are non-accessioned vehicles used for displays, and a small number of ‘Hybrid Collection’ vehicles which are both accessioned and run. Our collection is largely made up of tanks, but also includes reconnaissance vehicles, armoured personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles. This includes iconic vehicles like Little Willie, Tiger 131 and a combat veteran Challenger 1.

About the role:

The Vehicle Curator will manage the accessioned Core Collection of vehicles, and related large objects. They will be the lead person within the museum for all work on the Core Collection and will be responsible for the collection’s preservation and all related administration.

The Vehicle Curator will have curatorial responsibility for the ‘Hybrid Collection’ of accessioned vehicles that run, and they will work closely with the Workshop Team to ensure their continued running. This post will not be responsible for the upkeep of the running collection; however, they will be expected to provide advice and support for the management of these vehicles.

This is a varied and hands‑on role that blends curatorial expertise with practical care of the Museum’s vehicles and associated large objects. The Vehicle Curator will help to make these collections accessible to the public and researchers by supporting exhibitions, providing physical access, answering enquiries, while also playing a part in the Museum’s wider research and outreach work. This is a senior role within the museum, and the post holder will form part of the Management Team.

What you'll bring:

• Educated to first degree level or equivalent level of knowledge gained through employment. A Postgraduate qualification in modern history, museum, archive or heritage studiesis preferable.
• Demonstrable experience of managing a museum collection or working with science engineering or military collections.
• Experience of using Spectrum compliant Collections Management Systems.
• Experience of effective project management.
• Experience of managing, mentoring and developing volunteers.
• Experience in working with collections hazards such as asbestos and radiation.
• Demonstratable experience of high quality research activity is desirable, along with experience of working in a military environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent IT Skills.
• A strong, clear communicator with the ability to foster excellent working relationships with a diverse range of individuals and organisations, both within the Museum and externally, whilst maintaining high levels of discretion and diplomacy.
• Drive and ability to meet targets, both individually and as a member of a dedicated team.
• Attention to detail with an inquisitive and proactive attitude.
• High levels of initiative and ability to take responsibility.
• Ability to focus on outcomes; resilient under pressure.
• Work systematically, quickly, efficiently and accurately.

What you'll get:

30 days holiday p/a (inc. bank holidays). Rising with length of service.

Bonus days - Museum closures or shutdowns (such as Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & Boxing Day) are not deducted from your annual entitlement.

Free Parking

Pension Scheme, with increased employer contributions (after qualifying period)

Generous Discount at our restaurant and shop

Health Cash Plan (after successful completion of probation) including discounts across retailers, restaurants and gym memberships

EAP

Life Assurance

And more!