Curator of Natural Sciences

We Manage Jobs(WMJobs); Warwick; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local cultural organization in Warwick is seeking a Curator of Natural Sciences to manage and develop collections of natural history and geology. The role involves creating engaging exhibitions and supporting community outreach. Suitable candidates should hold a postgraduate qualification in Museum/Heritage Studies and have extensive experience in managing museum collections. This job-share position offers opportunities for professional development in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Opportunities for professional development

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Detailed knowledge of geological and natural history collections.
• Extensive experience of managing and interpreting museum collections.
• Demonstrable knowledge of natural sciences.

Responsibilities

• Manage, document, and care for natural history and geology collections.
• Develop exhibitions and activities that inspire and engage.
• Support research and respond to enquiries.

Skills

Knowledge of geological and natural history collections

Strong IT skills

Excellent communication skills

Organizational skills

Collaborative approach

Education

Postgraduate qualification in Museum/Heritage Studies

Tools

Collections management systems

Job description

About Heritage and Culture Warwickshire

Heritage and Culture Warwickshire (HCW) provide a wide range of services that help local communities and visitors to connect and engage with their local heritage. We safeguard Warwickshire’s archives, history and natural sciences, protect its historic and natural environment and provide high quality arts and cultural opportunities and lifelong learning for everyone in the County and beyond.

Heritage and Culture Warwickshire has several sites based in and around Warwick; Market Hall Museum, St Johns House, Warwickshire County Record Office and the Warwickshire Museum Collections Centre. We are a countywide service and working with partners from within and outside Warwickshire County Council offer outreach services to local communities.

About the Role

We’re looking for a natural science collections specialist with in-depth knowledge to manage and develop collections of animal remains, plant specimens, fossils, rocks and minerals, spanning over half a billion years of Earth history – and share them with audiences across Warwickshire and beyond.

This is a job‑share position as our Curator of Natural Sciences is commencing flexi‑retirement from January 2026, until December 2028. You’ll share responsibilities – leading on caring for and interpreting our Natural History and Geology collections, working collaboratively – across our collecting disciplines – with colleagues and partners to deliver exhibitions, events, and learning activities. This is a hands‑on role where you’ll combine professional collections care with creative interpretation and community engagement.

You will join our team, Heritage and Culture Warwickshire – working closely with the Curator of Human History and Collections Assistants and with colleagues across the services, including learning and community engagement staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage, document, and care for naturalhistory and geology collections.
• Develop exhibitions, other media and activities that inspire and engage.
• Support research, respond to enquiries, and manage loans.
• Supervise staff and volunteers.
• Build partnerships and secure funding to enhance our service and its collections.
• Represent the Museum Service at local, regional, and national levels.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Heritage Culture and Warwickshire.
• Be familiar with and adhere to the Museums Association Code of Ethics.

About You

• Detailed knowledge of geological and natural history collections and demonstrable knowledge of the natural sciences in general.
• Postgraduate qualification in Museum/Heritage Studies or equivalent experience.
• Extensive experience of managing and interpreting museum collections.
• Strong IT skills and experience with collections management systems.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Collaborative, creative, pragmatic and forward‑thinking approach.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to shape how Warwickshire’s natural science collections are preserved and shared. You’ll work in a supportive team, with opportunities for professional development and involvement in, and initiation of, innovative projects.

Location

Market Hall Museum and Warwickshire Museum Collections Centre, Warwick

For further information please see the Job Description and Person Specification below;

Curator of Natural Sciences

Working for Warwickshire – This is the difference you make

Warwickshire County Council is a place where everyone feels valued, included, safe, supported, and welcome. Our people are at the heart of this vision, could you be one of them!

Additional Information

The Fluency Duty is outlined in the Code of Practice on the English language requirements for public sector workers. The Fluency Duty for this role is Required. You must be able to speak and provide advice in accurate spoken English to the public.

If you are applying for this role on a secondment basis please ensure you have permission from your line manager.

For more information or for an informal conversation about your application, please email: Jon Radley, Curator of Natural Sciences: [e-mail]

Closing date: 5th January 2026

Interviews

Interviews will take place in mid‑January at Market Hall Museum Market Place, Warwick, CV34 4SA

Should you require application forms in an alternative format / language or any adjustments to be made throughout the application process or upon appointment, please contact [e-mail] and we will make every effort to meet your specific requirements.

Warwickshire County Council is committed to equality of opportunity for all employees and is keen to address areas of under representation in its workforce. See more