Conservator (Engineering)

Key Responsibilities:

1. Spearheading unique restoration and conservation projects.
2. Supervising a diverse team of staff and volunteers.
3. Ensuring health and safety compliance.
4. Engaging with the public to explain historical significance and enhance visitor experience.

Duties:

1. Large object restoration and conservation.
2. Preparing a general outline of work required to complete specific projects.
3. Preparing a work plan for the next three months to be updated on a monthly basis.
4. Identifying the components required to complete specific projects.
5. Placing orders through the Conservation manager for consumables and stock items required.
6. Liaising with the Conservation Manager to arrange long-term storage for components removed from the exhibits.
7. Carrying out condition surveys of objects and items as directed by the Conservation Manager.
8. Preparing a conservation work plan based on the survey in conjunction with all stakeholders in the project.

Supervision:

1. Supervising any Technicians, Volunteers, and work experience students allocated to work on projects under their control to achieve the agreed plan of work on the exhibit under restoration/conservation.
2. Ensuring that work carried out under their control is performed in accordance with the relevant Health and Safety Regulations.
3. Instructing Technicians, Volunteers, and work experience students under their control in restoration/conservation techniques when necessary.
4. Ensuring that staff, volunteers, and work experience students under their control are authorized to carry out tasks allocated to them in accordance with Engineering orders and competency and health and safety legislation.

Technical Areas:

1. Advising on general health and safety requirements or issues in areas within their responsibility.
2. Liaising with the Conservation Manager to advise on future requirements or any shortcomings.
3. Notifying unserviceabilities to the Conservation Manager.
4. Carrying out pre-use inspections on equipment they intend to use.
5. Returning equipment to correct storage after use.

Research:

1. Researching and learning about objects to ensure historical accuracy of your conservation work.
2. Maintaining logs and records of your research.

Visitor Experience:

1. Engaging with the public to explain what conservation work is being done and why, whilst maintaining a helpful demeanor.
2. Explaining the historical origins of the object, based on your knowledge and research.

Conservation Records:

1. Maintaining comprehensive written and photographic records of restoration/conservation work carried out on projects under their control.
2. Liaising with the Conservation Manager to ensure that the records and exhibit files are kept up to date.

To be considered for this role, you’ll need to be qualified to City and Guilds or NVQ 3 in a relevant engineering discipline OR have demonstrable experience of working in mechanical or marine engineering.

For a full list of duties and the person specification (which your application will be marked against) please view the Job Description.

National Museum Directors' Council, Tate Britain, Millbank, London SW1P 4RG.