Preventive Conservator in Oxford

This post could be considered as a secondment opportunity.

About the role

You will support the preventive conservation work of the Bodleian Libraries, based at the Weston Library and working across other Bodleian sites as required. Working closely with the Head of Preventive Conservation and colleagues, you will help coordinate equipment maintenance, environmental monitoring and day-to-day collection care activities that support the long-term preservation of library collections. You will arrange maintenance and calibration of equipment, support integrated pest management activities, contribute to collection surveys and housekeeping, and assist with supervision of interns, placements and occasional volunteers. This is a fixed-term post until 31 January 2027, working part time for 21.9 hours per week. The anticipated working pattern is Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Due to the nature of this post, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a satisfactory Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check due to working with special collections materials.

About You

You will have a recognised qualification in conservation with a focus on preventive conservation, or equivalent experience in collections care within a library or similar environment. You will have a good understanding of the preservation of library materials and experience using environmental monitoring equipment and systems, ideally including Hanwell Synergy. You will be organised and able to plan and prioritise your work effectively, working both independently and as part of a team. You will communicate clearly and professionally with a range of colleagues, be confident using standard IT systems, and be able to safely carry and move moderate weights in line with health and safety requirements.

What We Offer

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days of annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

More information is available at Diversity

Our staff and students come from all over the world, and we proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through diverse groups and champions, as well as a number of family-friendly policies, such as the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example, shared parental leave. We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment processes are inclusive and accessible. If you require the job description or any other materials in an alternative format, or if you would like to request any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please contact the recruitment team.

How to apply

You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting evidence form using the attached template as part of your online application. Your supporting evidence form should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one. CVs alone will not be considered. We aim to provide a supportive working environment and are happy to discuss training and professional development opportunities. The Chair of this recruitment panel will be Nicole Gilroy, Head of Book Conservation, who can be contacted with enquiries relating to the role. General queries about the recruitment and application process should be directed to the GLAM Recruitment team.

FOR SECONDMENTS: Please discuss secondments with your line manager in the first instance, as you must have their agreement that you can be released for a secondment before you submit an application.