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- Tasks: Join the British Museum as a Conservator, focusing on archaeological treasures and public engagement.
- Company: The British Museum showcases over two million years of history and culture, including iconic artefacts.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension scheme, discounts, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a world-renowned institution, contributing to conservation and engaging with the public.
- Qualifications: Degree-level conservation qualification and knowledge of archaeological materials required.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; interviews on 17 June 2025.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 36000 £ per year.
Full-time, 41 hours per week (including one hour paid lunch break)
Fixed term (until 31 March 2026) £32,228 per annum
Application deadline: 12pm (midday) on 9 June 2025
About the role: The British Museum is seeking a Conservator: Treasure to join the department of Collection Care and Moves. The postholder will focus on assisting in the Museum’s role in the Treasure process, safeguarding the finds placed in the Museum’s care and preparing them for identification and the necessary documentation. When time allows, the postholder will also contribute to the care of the collection through a combination of interventive and preventive measures in support of the museum's operating plan and will proactively engage with the Public Programme activities of the Department of Collection Care and Moves. Based in the Ceramic, Glass and Metals team the role requires the post holder to possess a recognised professional conservation qualification to degree level and demonstrate good general knowledge in the care and conservation of inorganic objects, with an emphasis on freshly excavated archaeological material.
Key areas of responsibility:
- To contribute to the conservation of archaeological material, mainly metals.
- To work collaboratively with colleagues within the department and across the Museum, notably the Portable Antiquities Scheme, and the antiquities departments of Money & Medals and British, Europe & Prehistory.
- To record and document recently excavated material.
- To contribute to the Museum’s outreach activities through public speaking, writing for social media, publishing, etc.
- To act as an advocate for the Museum.
- To work flexibly in line with museum priorities.
- To contribute to the conservation of materials/object types outside of own specialism as necessary.
- To contribute to the preparation of objects for loan, exhibition, and storage.
- To assist with the care of the collection through documentation, surveys, data collection, analysis, and support at public events.
- To contribute to the development of new preventive or interventive measures.
About you:
- Recognised professional conservation qualification to degree level or equivalent with emphasis on the conservation of Ceramic, Glass and Metal conservation.
- Specialist knowledge of freshly excavated archaeological material and some experience in field excavation.
- Excellent skills in the conservation of historical and archaeological metals.
- Understanding of mechanisms involved in material deterioration.
- Strong knowledge of contemporary principles and practice in preventive conservation.
- Understanding of conservation theory and ethical decision making.
- Relevant knowledge of health and safety.
- Good computing skills and proficiency with a range of IT systems, including documentation including digital imaging/scanning, etc.
- Practical museum or heritage sector employment (public or private sector) during training placements or courses.
- Open and effective communicator with good spoken and written English.
- Able to demonstrate collaborative team working and communication skills.
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 such as Dürer, Michelangelo and Rembrandt.
The Museum offers a competitive benefits package including:
- Generous annual leave allowance of 25 days (rising to 30 days after 10 years’ service) plus 2.5 privilege days and plus bank holidays.
- Membership of the civil service defined benefit pension scheme.
- Free entry to a wide range of museums and exhibitions.
- 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.
- Interest-free travel, bicycle, and rental deposit loans.
- Professional and personal development opportunities.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Discounts on food and gift shop purchases.
Additional details: For more information about this role, please see the job description. The interviews are expected to take place on 17 June 2025.
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.
The Museum is committed to ensuring that no job applicant suffers unlawful discrimination because of any protected characteristics. Our recruitment procedures aim to ensure that individuals are treated because of their relevant knowledge, skills, and experience. We specifically encourage applications from candidates from ethnic minority groups who are underrepresented within our senior roles.
We offer a flexible way of working scheme that allows our employees to work remotely in a way that suits them and the organisation. We would typically see this role as working on site about 5 days a week.
Conservator: Treasure - London employer: THE BRITISH MUSEUM
Contact Detail:
THE BRITISH MUSEUM Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Conservator: Treasure - London
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the British Museum's collection, especially the Treasure process and the types of archaeological materials they handle. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your passion and understanding during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the conservation field, particularly those who have experience with metals and archaeological materials. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to make connections and gain insights that could be beneficial for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with the Museum's outreach activities on social media. By actively participating in discussions or sharing relevant content, you can showcase your communication skills and genuine interest in the role and the institution.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your collaborative experiences in team settings. The role requires working closely with various departments, so having examples ready that highlight your teamwork and communication skills will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Conservator: Treasure - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant conservation qualifications and experience, particularly in the care of archaeological materials. Emphasise any specific skills related to metals, ceramics, and glass.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for conservation and the role at the British Museum. Mention how your background aligns with their needs, especially your knowledge of freshly excavated archaeological material and your collaborative skills.
Showcase Relevant Experience: Detail any practical museum or heritage sector experience you have, particularly during training placements. Highlight your involvement in public outreach activities, as this is a key aspect of the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in conservation work.
How to prepare for a job interview at THE BRITISH MUSEUM
✨Showcase Your Conservation Knowledge
Make sure to highlight your professional conservation qualification and any relevant experience you have with archaeological materials, especially metals. Be prepared to discuss specific techniques you've used in conservation and how they relate to the role.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with various departments, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in past roles. This could include projects where teamwork was essential to achieving a goal.
✨Prepare for Ethical Discussions
Understanding conservation theory and ethical decision-making is crucial. Be prepared to discuss scenarios where you had to make tough decisions regarding conservation practices and how you approached them ethically.
✨Engage with Public Outreach
The role includes contributing to public programmes, so think about your experiences with public speaking or writing for social media. Share any relevant examples that demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
