Lead Rigger - National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth

Role: Lead Rigger, NMRN 
Salary (Grade 6): £33,507 - £36,816 per annum (dependent upon experience) 
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (permanent) Standard hours Monday to Thursday 8.00am to 4.30pm and 8.00am to 1.30pm on Friday, however flexibility to suit work requirements and locations, can be discussed. 
Location: Based at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, with periods of work in Hartlepool and Belfast 

The National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN) wishes to recruit a Lead Rigger, who will lead the work to maintain the masts, yards and rigging on HMS Warrior, HMS Trincomalee, HMS Caroline and HMS M33, undertaking both routine and project work under the direction of the NMRN Master Rigger. This role is a great opportunity for an experienced traditional rigger or tall ship bosun / officer who has knowledge and experience in leading the maintenance of rigging on traditional vessels. 

Key Opportunities 

This is an exciting opportunity to be a key part of the continued care and maintenance of the wide range of rigs within NMRN’s collection, to ensure they are maintained to a high standard and retain historical accuracy. There are several projects planned in the coming years to renew and replace rigging across the collection and this role will be fundamental in delivering this work. The Lead Rigger and Master Rigger will plan and coordinate the work across all the vessels. 

Knowledge/Experience 

This role requires management of rigging team members, purchasing and coordinating supply of materials and equipment, maintaining records, completing health and safety paperwork, coordinating works with other teams and contractors. 

• Knowledge of square rig standing and running rigging. 
• Knowledge of traditional rigging techniques, and experience in completing. 
• Experience in completing rigging maintenance on traditional vessels. 
• Experience in the planning and completing of rigging maintenance with teams of staff. 
• Experienced in leading the completion of complex rigging work aloft. 
• Experience maintaining records and ordering materials and equipment. 
• Knowledge of Health and Safety associated with working aloft, lifting and workshop operations. 
• Experience of engaging and inspiring our visitors. 
• Experience working with subcontractors. 
• Good planning and coordination skills.   

We provide: 

• The opportunity to be part of a friendly and diverse workplace within a unique heritage environment. 
• IRATA level 1 qualification course costs. 
• Training courses as required for the work, eg MEWP. 
• Group pension plan with Royal London (6% employer contributions, 2% employee contributions and death in service benefit). 
• Free onsite parking, on receipt of a base pass. 
• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), increasing to 30 days (plus bank holidays), after 5 years’ service. 
• Occupational sick pay. 
• Enhanced maternity/adoption and paternity pay. 
• Flexible working. 
• Employee Assistance Programme. 
• Free admission to other museums and attractions within the reciprocal agreement. 
• Discounts at our shops and cafes. 
• Free and discounted tickets for family and friends. 

This post requires a DBS check as a requirement of working on the naval base, as well as the right to work in the UK. Please note we cannot currently sponsor work visas. 

For further details, or to arrange an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Andy Hodder Smith, Master Rigger at Andy.HodderSmith@NMRN.org.uk. 

Applicants are asked to apply via no later than midnight, Thursday 31st October 2024. We aim to conduct interviews at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard week commencing 11th November 2024, but have some flexibility to work around ship schedules. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to the application process because of a disability, please contact the People team on recruitment@nmrn.org.uk for support.