Assistant Curator at National Mining Museum Scotland

Working Hours: Part Time
Contract: Permanent  
Salary: £20,800
Location: Midlothian
Closing date: 27/03/2026

About the Role

National Mining Museum Scotland (NMMS) is an independent, charitable trust located at the Lady Victoria Colliery in Newtongrange, Midlothian. NMMS is responsible for the preservation and interpretation of Scotland’s mining history and heritage, shining a light on the past to help us look to the future of Scotland’s energy transition.

As well as being a 5-star visitor attraction, the Museum holds one of only fifty-one Recognised Collections of National Significance in Scotland and offers an award-winning learning programme for audiences of all ages across the country. NMMS is currently undertaking a series of projects aimed at strengthening the care, documentation, and interpretation of its collection, improving access for researchers and the public, and supporting the continued development of the Museum site and facilities.

These developments form part of a wider programme of enhancement across the site, its collection, and the visitor experience. The assistant curator will support the curator in delivering this work, alongside volunteers engaged in collections and research activities, and contributing to the ongoing care and documentation of the collection

Key Responsibilities

• Support the curator and work alongside volunteers in the care, handling, documentation, and movement of the collections, including object handling, packing, and data inputting as required.
• Ensure NMMS continues to work to SPECTRUM standards and meets the standards expected of an Accredited Museum.
• Wherever possible, improve the standard of records within the Axiell Collections database to improve the accuracy, consistency, and uniformity of data.
• Respond to enquiries and assist with access to the collections for researchers and the public.
• Support and supervise volunteers engaged in cataloguing, research, and documentation work, allocating appropriate tasks in consultation with the curator and helping to ensure that work is carried out accurately and safely.
• Undertake spot checks or audits as required.
• Attend NMMS meetings as required.
• Comply with NMMS policies and procedures.
• Undertake any duties commensurate with the role as reasonably required.

How to Apply

Applications must be made using the National Mining Museum Scotland application form, which can be downloaded from the National Mining Museum website.