Collections Handler and Driver

Could you help move one of the UK’s most important scientific collections, from microscope slides to railway carriages?

About us

This position is based at the Science and Innovation Park (SIP) in Wroughton within the Collections Services Storage & Logistics Department. The Park is a 545-acre multi-use site in the stunning Wiltshire countryside, and a vital part of the Science Museum Group’s work. At its heart is the Hawking Building, our world-class collection storage and access facility, where more than 400,000 objects - from microscope slides to railway carriages - and 1.5 million Library and Archives items are cared for and made accessible to the public. The building also welcomes around 15,000 visitors each year.

Beyond collections, the Park plays a key role in the Science Museum Group’s commercial and sustainability ambitions. It supports cultural sector storage, provides space for research and development projects, generates renewable energy, and contributes to biodiversity through tree planting, wildflower meadows and new habitat creation - all within a unique landscape rich in wildlife.

About the role

Reporting to the Collections & Logistics Coordinator, you’ll join our Storage & Logistics team at the Science and Innovation Park (SIP) in Wroughton, where nearly 90% of the Science Museum Group’s collection is stored. You’ll be one of three Logistics Technicians who keep the collection moving. The team supports new acquisitions, exhibitions and loans, Library & Archive deliveries, storage work and Masterplan projects, and gets objects out so researchers and visitors can see them up close.

Every day you’ll be assessing, packing and moving objects of every size, shape and material, from fragile instruments to large engineering pieces. You’ll use the right equipment, follow safe working practices and keep accurate location records in Axiell Move and Mimsy XG. Driving is a big part of the role. You’ll regularly drive our transit vans, on site and across England and Wales, with some overnight stays. Offsite moves are always done in pairs, so you’ll work closely with your fellow technicians and with colleagues in Conservation, Registration and other teams.

Please note: we’re advertising this role as Collections Handler and Driver to describe what the job involves day to day, but its official title is Logistics Technician, which is what you’ll see in the Vacancy Information Pack and your contract.

About you

We’re keen to see applications from candidates who enjoy hands-on, practical work and take real care with what they handle. You don’t need to have worked in a museum before. Packing, moving or looking after goods in a warehouse, supermarket, distribution centre, the emergency services or any similar setting is just as relevant. You’ll need a full driving licence valid in the UK and be confident driving manual and automatic vans. You don’t need your own car, but driving our transit vans is a big part of the job. A C1 licence would be a real advantage, though it isn’t essential.

Health and safety will be part of everything you do, so you’ll understand safe manual handling, wear the right PPE, drive safely, and take the time to plan and assess a task before you start it. You’ll also be a natural team player who communicates clearly. You’ll work closely with your fellow technicians, especially on offsite moves, which are always done in pairs. You’ll also work with colleagues in Conservation, Registration and other teams across the Group.

Don’t feel you meet all the criteria? We welcome you to apply even if your experience doesn’t match directly. With your transferable skills, you could be the right candidate for this, or other opportunities that we have.

Applying

View the Vacancy Information Pack listed under ‘Attachments’ on the vacancy listing on our website for more details about the role and the application process or click ‘Apply Online’ to submit an application.

What we offer

Working with a world-leading museum group that offers access to truly unique environments and collections, you’ll benefit from the perks listed below, as well as full support for life events such as parental and adoption leave, sickness, and career breaks.

• Meaningful work. We’re a mission-led organisation where the work you do supports us in Inspiring Futures.
• Career growth. We offer enhanced support with personal and professional development.
• Work/life balance. We offer 27 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays, along with flexible policies which support you and your home life.
• Healthcare cash plan. Digital health tools, gym discounts and cashback towards your everyday healthcare costs.
• Wellbeing. All our colleagues can access an employee assistance programme and other wellbeing support.
• Colleague networks. Our colleague-led networks are an informal forum for colleagues to come together to discuss topics of shared interest and lived experience. They create a space for people to exchange ideas, discuss best practice, socialise and build a sense of community.
• Enhanced contributory pension. To support you in saving for the future.
• Interest-free loans. When you need a little extra cash for life events or home improvements.
• Great discounts. Free entry to exhibitions, discounts in our shops and cafes, and access to other museums in the NMDC network.

Open for All is one of the Science Museum Group’s five core values and sets out our important aspiration to be a place for everyone. We are working hard to understand our organisation better and to develop a culture that recognises and values different backgrounds, mindsets, skills, experience, knowledge, and expertise. By having greater diversity, we believe that we will be a stronger and better organisation, capable to continue to Inspire Futures.