Curatorial Officer

Kempton Steam Museum, operated by Kempton Great Engines Trust, is home to the world’s largest operational triple-expansion steam engine, which supplied water to much of London until 1980. Our project, Kempton: Clean Water for Life – reaching a wider audience, is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we aim to transform Kempton Steam Museum’s engagement with visitors and the local community, while enhancing support for volunteers and care of collections.

The part-time Curatorial Officer will be responsible for the museum’s curatorial activities, with a specific focus on achieving the required collection management standards for Museum Accreditation with the Arts Council by August 2026. This will include developing curatorial policies following Spectrum guidelines. There will also be opportunities to develop interpretive materials to enhance visitor understanding and appreciation of the triple expansion engines and our collections, to foster relationships with local communities and to provide training and support to volunteers on collections management and interpretation. A full role profile is available.

As part of this project we are also recruiting a Museum Operations & Project Manager (two days per week) and a Volunteer Coordinator (two days per week). The Curatorial Officer will report to the Museum Operations & Project Manager.

This is an exceptional opportunity to work with a passionate volunteer-led organisation and help shape the future of a remarkable industrial heritage site.

Qualifications and Skills:

Experience in museum curation and working to collections management policies and procedures normally found in an Accredited museum

Experience of using spreadsheets and/or other collections management software

Knowledge of Arts Council Accreditation requirements and standards.

Strong organisational skills

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to work independently and as part of a team, including with volunteers

Personal Attributes:

Passionate about museums and their role in society

Detail-oriented and committed to maintaining high standards

Proactive and able to manage multiple tasks

Enthusiastic about visitor engagement and learning

The role involves working with our collections and archives, which are located in areas of the Engine House accessible only via steep stairs due to the historic nature of the building. We will make reasonable adjustments to accommodate candidates wherever possible but please let us know if you have any specific access requirements.