Conservator: Preventive - Storage

About the role:
To lead in the care of the collection through preventive conservation measures and to lead in the coordination of conservation related activities, with a particular focus on collection storage. This role will also support the application of preventive conservation measures for collection on display. This role delivers through representation, planning, and cross-museum collaboration in support of the museum’s operating plan, and to proactively engage with public outreach activities of the Department of Collection Care. This role requires the post holder to have specialist knowledge and experience in the area of preventive conservation.

Key areas of responsibility:

1. 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 storage and preservation.
2. 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 across collection storage as assigned.
3. To lead in the coordination of preventive conservation related activities concerning collection storage and providing a point of continuous review to streamline and improve processes and procedures relating to the preservation of collection in storage.
4. To act as lead conservation liaison and member of core project teams for collection storage projects as assigned, and act as lead conservation liaison and coordinator for preventive conservation to deliver projects, ensuring effective delivery to time and budget.

About you:

1. Recognised professional conservation qualification to degree level or equivalent experience.
2. Experience with collection storage related activities.
3. Strong understanding of mechanisms involved in material deterioration.
4. Excellent knowledge of contemporary principles and practice in preventive conservation.
5. Considerable post qualification experience of working in the heritage sector.
6. Experience of devising preventive measures.

About the British Museum:
Founded in 1753, the British Museum’s remarkable collection spans over two million years of human history and culture. The Museum is a leading visitor attraction, and its world-famous collection includes the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, the Sutton-Hoo finds, and the Lewis Chessmen. The Museum also holds an extensive collection of prints and drawings spanning 600 years, including works by the greatest graphic artists Dürer, Michelangelo and Rembrandt.

You can view a selection of our impressive collection of prints and drawings in our virtual gallery.

The Museum offers a competitive benefits package including:

1. Generous annual leave allowance of 25 days (rising to 30 days after 10 years’ service) plus 2.5 privilege days and plus bank holidays.
2. Membership of the civil service defined benefit pension scheme.
3. Free entry to a wide range of museums and exhibitions.
4. Participation in private and public Museum activities, including talks by leading curators from around the world and behind-the-scenes opportunities to learn how museums care for and manage their extraordinary collections.
5. Interest-free travel, bicycle, and rental deposit loans.
6. Professional and personal development opportunities.
7. Employee Assistance Programme.
8. Discounts on food and gift shop purchases.

Additional details:
For more information about this role, please see the job description.

If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details to bmrecruit@britishmuseum.org.

The British Museum is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from unlawful discrimination or harassment. We value the benefits that a diverse workforce brings to a museum which represents world culture.