Curator of Natural History

We are looking for an engaged and knowledgeable Curator of Natural History to join our team. Reporting to the Collections Manager, you will take responsibility for the care, development and promotion of Portsmouth Museums' important natural history collections, which include around 119,000 specimens spanning entomology, taxidermy, herbarium collections, fossils and geological material.

You will play a leading role in ensuring these collections are preserved, researched and interpreted to the highest standards while making them accessible and engaging for diverse audiences. As Curator, you will have curatorial responsibility for Portsmouth Natural History Museum and its collections, including overseeing Zoo Licence conditions for the Butterfly House. Acting as an advocate for the collections and museums, you will support initiatives that improve access, increase public engagement and deepen understanding of Portsmouth's natural heritage.

You will shape and deliver exhibitions, displays, events and public programmes that align with the museum service's strategic priorities. Through research, cataloguing, interpretation, talks, tours and digital engagement, you will help bring collections to life for visitors, communities and researchers. You will also lead on the development of the natural history collections through conservation, acquisitions and rationalisation projects, ensuring all activity meets Museum Accreditation standards.

You will contribute to maintaining excellent standards of collections care, documentation, governance and presentation. You will oversee loans relating to your specialist collection area, provide expert professional advice and support access to collections for both researchers and the wider public.

You will contribute to outreach programmes, co-creation projects, volunteer development and placement opportunities, helping to build meaningful relationships across the city. Depending on service requirements, you may supervise volunteers and manage staff, while also supporting wider organisational objectives through fundraising, income generation and funding applications.

You will have a specialist knowledge of natural history or a related discipline, supported by a relevant degree or equivalent professional experience. You will have a strong understanding of collections management, documentation, acquisitions, disposals and loans, together with experience of conducting and sharing research with a range of audiences.

Organised and confident you will have experience of delivering exhibitions, events or heritage projects on time and within budget. Comfortable managing multiple priorities, you will be able to work independently while also contributing effectively as part of a team, remaining calm and focused under pressure. A good understanding of health and safety requirements when working with collections is essential.

You will bring experience of using museum collections to engage people through exhibitions, learning programmes, outreach work and public engagement initiatives. In addition, you will need experience of working with volunteers and staff, contributing to successful funding applications and responding to public and research enquiries. You will be able to communicate complex information clearly and confidently, influence and negotiate with a wide range of stakeholders.

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated curator to shape the future of Portsmouth's natural history collections. The role requires flexibility, including occasional evening and weekend working, and the ability to travel between sites across Portsmouth.