Museum jobs in United Kingdom

National Mining Museum Scotland (NMMS) is an independent charitable trust and the national body responsible for the preservation and interpretation of Scotland’s mining heritage. Based at the Category ‘A’ listed Lady Victoria Colliery, the museum cares for collections of national significance and provides a wide range of events, exhibitions, and education programmes. The site includes historic buildings, visitor facilities, commercial tenancies, and large outdoor areas requiring specialist conservation and estates management.

The Estates and Compliance Manager will lead on the maintenance, safety, and development of the museum’s estate and technical functions, ensuring that NMMS operates to the highest standards of safety, sustainability, presentation, and conservation. The role will manage property, facilities, security, health & safety, environmental management, and capital works, as well as support events and visitor services to ensure an excellent visitor experience.

The postholder will be responsible for delivering statutory compliance, safeguarding historic fabric, managing contractors, supporting museum staff and volunteers, and planning preventative maintenance to secure the long-term sustainability of the museum.

1. Property, Estates, and Maintenance
   • Develop and deliver a proactive estates management and maintenance plan, including preventative maintenance.
   • Oversee all site infrastructure, including buildings, utilities, grounds, green spaces, and specialist heritage assets.
   • Manage external contractors and service providers, ensuring value for money, quality, and compliance and minimal disruption to our visitor offer.
   • Undertake regular inspections of estate facilities and infrastructure, addressing issues promptly.
   • Oversee security arrangements, including CCTV, alarms, key holding, out-of-hours cover and the locking up of the site at close of play of the day/evening.
2. Health, Safety, and Compliance
   • Lead on compliance with all statutory health & safety, fire safety, and environmental obligations.
   • Conduct risk assessments, safety audits, and ensure robust record-keeping.
   • Act as lead officer for emergency response planning, including evacuation, accidents, and first aid.
   • Ensure compliance with asbestos management, safe working at height, and contractor safety.
   • Deliver training and awareness sessions for staff and volunteers in line with legislation and best practice.
3. Technical and Conservation Support
   • Work closely with the Chief Executive and Curatorial Team to ensure conservation standards are met across the historic estate and within exhibitions.
   • Provide technical support for collections movement, installations, and exhibitions.
   • Support large-scale projects (capital development, refurbishments, new installations) from planning through to completion.
   • Liaise with statutory bodies (Historic Environment Scotland, Midlothian Council) to ensure legal and heritage compliance.
4. Event and Visitor Support
   • Provide technical and estates support for public and private events, including set-up, late-night working, and safety oversight.
   • Ensure high standards of presentation across all facilities to enhance the visitor experience.
   • Work closely with the Visitor Services Team to provide a safe, welcoming environment for events, functions, and venue hire.
5. Team and Volunteer Management
   • Line-manage Technical Assistant and Cleaning Staff, setting objectives and monitoring performance.
   • Support and coordinate technical/estates volunteers and contractors, ensuring safe and effective contribution.
   • Build strong cross-team working relationships with Visitor Services, Education, Events, and Curatorial teams.

We expect candidates to already hold IOSH Managing Safely (or NEBOSH General Certificate) and Asbestos Awareness (Category A), and to be able to evidence recent Fire Warden and basic First Aid training (or a commitment to complete these within the first 3 months). For candidates without some of the desirable qualifications, NMMS will support a development plan to achieve them within 6–12 months, with priority on BOHS P405 (asbestos management), Legionella Responsible Person, and CDM Client duties training.

To apply, please download the application form from our website and follow the instructions. Please note that CVs will not be accepted.