Suffolk County Council are looking to recruit a Conservator to join their team at Suffolk Archives.
You will be based at our fantastic purpose-built archives building,The Hold, which is located very near the historic waterfront in Ipswich. Suffolk is a lovely county in which to live and work and we are only an hour from London by train and have miles of beautiful coastline to explore. To find out some more about the area please take a look at the Visit Suffolk Website.
- Do you have experience in conserving and preserving archives and local studies materials?
- Would you like to work in an incredibly varied, challenging, and rewarding role?
- Are you keen to engage a diverse audience with a varied programme of activities that raise the profile of the conservation and preservation of Suffolk’s rich heritage?
About the Role
The main purpose of your role will be to carry out conservation and preservation work on the rich collections of archives and local studies material held at Suffolk Archives.
This is a great opportunity to join a successful accredited archive service. You will work on hands-on projects, share your passion for history and culture, and engage with diverse audiences. You will also have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues to develop and deliver exhibitions and volunteer programs in our amazing building, The Hold.
You will work closely with our small team of archivists as part of Suffolk Archives’ collections team. You will be supported in your work by the archive assistants, and you will collaborate closely with the engagement team, particularly the Exhibition and Interpretation Officer and the Volunteer Engagement Coordinator.
We are looking for a motivated and collaborative team player with excellent communication skills who can work effectively with a variety of colleagues, stakeholders, and volunteers. Please take a look at our website to see what we do at The Hold Welcome to Suffolk Archives.
About You
- Hands-on/practical experience in the conservation of archival materials (e.g. books, paper, parchment, and photographic materials)
- Knowledge of physical types of formats of archives held in county archives
- To be highly organised, able to plan and prioritise your work and the work of apprentices, interns, and volunteers on a daily and medium-term basis adhering to agreed deadlines and responding flexibly to urgent requests
- To be able to build and maintain positive relationships with colleagues, volunteers, depositors, local community groups, and regular users
- To be practical, flexible, creative, and adaptable in making informed decisions and solving problems.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile. If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
About the Team
- The Suffolk Archives team is passionate about making our archives more accessible to wide and diverse audiences.
- You would contribute to this by conserving and preserving archives, ensuring optimal conditions are maintained in our buildings, and participating in wider programmes of outreach and audience engagement.
- We are hard-working, committed, and passionate about the collections in our care.
- We will offer the opportunity to gain experience in a wide range of activities and skills across the profession. You will be encouraged to develop your knowledge and skills and will be supported with your Continuous Professional Development.
How to Apply
For more details and to apply for this role, please visit the Suffolk Jobs Direct Website before the role deadline on Sunday 17 August 2025, at 11:30PM.
The interview date for this role will fall on 11 September 2025.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.