The British Museum has an exciting opportunity for a proficient and experienced Conservator: Preventive to join the Department of Collection Care and contribute towards the care and preservation a world class collection.
You will be joining a growing Preventive Conservation team, providing leadership in coordinating preventive conservation applications in support of the Museum’s next phases of core projects and Masterplan. This presents an excellent opportunity to contribute to and support the long-term care of the Museum’s collection as it embarks on its most significant cultural redevelopment project ever undertaken.
The role requires the post holder to have good general knowledge in the preventive care of a wide range of collections and materials, and significant post-graduate experience of working in the area of preventive conservation. This is a crucial role involving working closely with various cross-departmental stakeholders, and cross-museum collaboration.
Key areas of responsibility:
- To independently assess collection condition and contribute to the preventive conservation of collections made of a wide range of organic and inorganic materials by proposing environmental management solutions for long-term preservation.
- To lead on the care of the collection through environment (temperature and relative humidity), pollutants and light monitoring, reporting, data analysis, as well as supporting Integrated Pest Management.
- To set out guidance for colleagues and stakeholders on preventive conservation, collection care and risk management related matters.
- To lead in the coordination and improvement of the management and maintenance of the collection environmental monitoring system across the Museum’s estate.
- To independently solve complex problems regarding preventive conservation, applying a high degree of expertise, judgement, innovation and adaptability for the display, storage, and handling of objects.
About you:
- Recognised professional conservation qualification to degree level or equivalent, with emphasis on preventive conservation
- Considerable post qualification experience of working in the heritage sector (e.g., museum, gallery, library, archive sector)
- Proficient and demonstrable practical preventive conservation skills
- Strong understanding of mechanisms involved in material deterioration
- Demonstrable knowledge of contemporary principles and practice in preventive conservation
- Experience of devising preventive measures
- Involvement in display, loans and storage related activities
- Understanding of conservation theory and ethical decision making
- Experience of planning own work and objectives to deliver set objectives on time and to budget
- Excellent problem solving and decision-making skills
- Open and effective communicator
How to apply
Please apply through the British Museum website
The deadline for applications is 21 October 2024 at midday.