Historic Environment Scotland (HES) are the lead body for Scotland’s historic environment; a charity dedicated to the advancement of heritage, culture, education and environmental protection.
About the Role
We are seeking a skilled and qualified Stone Conservator to join the Collections and Applied Conservation (C&AC) department and lead a small team dedicated to responding to the conservation needs identified by the High Level Masonry (HLM) Project. In this role you will lead and deliver the Conservation Programme for high-level carved decorative stone across our estate of Properties in Care (PiCs). This is a full-time, permanent and pensionable position based at South Gyle Conservation Centre in Edinburgh.
The C&AC team is responsible for the care, conservation and management of HES collections and loans across the estate, as well as associated fabric. Our collections span over 5,000 years of human history and range from small archaeological finds to large industrial machinery. We care for some of Scotland’s most culturally significant objects, including the Honours of Scotland and the St Andrews Sarcophagus, with more than 45,000 objects distributed across more than 140 locations throughout Scotland. Our team of Stone Conservators are focused on the conservation of carved and decorative stonework at our PiCs and on our collections of artefacts.
The HLM project was established to inspect PiCs with high-level masonry at risk of falling, and to identify and address areas where conservation is needed. As some sites will have restricted access while inspections and conservation works are conducted, the project also looks at facilitating access and finding new ways to tell the stories of those PiCs. The HLM project is a key corporate priority and a proactive step in managing the sites in our care within a changing environment, as well as fulfilling our statutory duties to our people, visitors and contractors.
As HLM Senior Stone Conservator, you will lead a small team dedicated to the HLM Project and will line manage an HLM Stone Conservator. You will be the main point of contact within the C&AC department for enquiries related to HLM, and will be responsible for programme management and reporting.
About You
You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the requirements and qualifications below as part of the selection process.
- SCQF Level 9 qualification in Stone Conservation (or equivalent discipline), or demonstrable work experience in Stone Conservation
- Extensive knowledge of the conservation of stone sculptural and architectural details coupled with strong conservation ethics in line with HES’ conservation principles
- Demonstrable experience working in the conservation field, with specialist knowledge of the treatment of stone
- An understanding of stone as a material (geological type and composition), stone decay and weathering patterns, and ability to produce condition assessments based on this knowledge
- Demonstrable dexterity and tool skills, to be illustrated via a portfolio of projects at the interview stage
- Demonstrable experience in project and/or programme management
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Outlook for managing emails, Word for writing high-quality reports, and Excel
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to provide support, advice, and advocacy in a cultural heritage setting
- Self-motivated, able to work autonomously, take initiative and responsibility
- Experience in managing a large portfolio of work and ability to work with stakeholders and as part of a team to prioritise project delivery and make decisions effectively and collaboratively
- Full UK driving licence to support travel across the estate, including to remote sites where equipment transport is required, or if non-UK driving licence holder, willingness to convert within first 12 months of employment
- Good understanding of Health and Safety regulations and evidence of appropriate working practices
Benefits of joining us at Historic Environment Scotland
- Enrolment onto a Civil Service Pension scheme – 28% employer contribution
- 25 days annual leave, pro-rata (increasing to 30 days after 3 years) + 11.5 public holidays
- Reimbursement for relevant professional subscriptions
- Support for further education and personal development
- Study leave for work related courses
- Flexible working hours (where appropriate)
- Free entry to all of our properties (with up to three guests)
- Free entry to English Heritage, Manx and Cadw properties
For more information about the role and how to apply, please view the full Job Advertisement.
How to Apply
HLM Senior Stone Conservator - Find Jobs - Historic Environment Scotland Careers