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- Tasks: Lead a team in preventive conservation and disaster preparedness at the British Library.
- Company: Join the UK's national library, home to over 170 million items.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, flexible hours, and 25 days holiday.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on preserving cultural heritage for future generations.
- Qualifications: Degree or experience in Preventive Conservation and strong communication skills.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 48000 £ per year.
Location: St Pancras
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time (36 hours)
Grade: A
Salary: £42,179 per annum
Overview
The British Library is seeking a Lead Preventive Conservator to provide leadership and advocacy in preventive conservation and disaster preparedness across the St Pancras site, London. Embedded within the conservation department, the role manages a small Preventive Conservation team, delivering a work programme using risk mitigation for collection storage, transit, display and use in all St Pancras spaces. By promoting the adoption of a preventive conservation culture within the library, the role is an important liaison and advisor for a wide range of stakeholders to enable access to collection material. The role works closely with the Sustainability Manager, continually developing collection care practices that support the BL Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy. The Preventive Team also provides an effective interface between the aligned Conservation departments in St Pancras and Boston Spa, Yorkshire.
Responsibilities
- Lead and advocate preventive conservation and disaster preparedness across the St Pancras site.
- Manage a preventive conservation team, delivering a work programme using risk mitigation for collection storage, transit, display and use.
- Serve as liaison and advisor for stakeholders to promote preventive conservation culture.
- Collaborate with the Sustainability Manager to develop collection care practices supporting sustainability.
- Interface between Conservation departments in St Pancras and Boston Spa.
Qualifications
The post holder will have a degree or equivalent experience in Preventive Conservation or a similar discipline. Experience of working in a relevant heritage context using risk management and knowledge of designing and implementing policy, processes, and procedures is required. Good communication skills are essential.
Benefits
- A competitive salary.
- A fantastic pension scheme with minimum employer contributions of 28.97% (may be higher depending on grade).
- Flexible working hours, with the ability to take up to 5 days flexi leave in a 3-month period.
- 25 days holiday.
Things you need to know
We are unable to provide sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker visa for this role. Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check (DBS check). Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application; however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified, applications may be withdrawn. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian, Mixed Race and other ethnically diverse candidates and disabled candidates. Creating an inclusive workplace is the core of our business and a way to engage the diversity of thought that is essential to achieve our aims.
Closing date: 11 January 2026
If you have any questions, please contact BL-recruitment@bl.uk
Lead Preventive Conservator employer: BRITISH LIBRARY
Contact Detail:
BRITISH LIBRARY Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Preventive Conservator
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the conservation field, especially those connected to the British Library. Attend events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and learn more about the culture and values of the organisation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the British Library's current projects and initiatives. Show us that you're not just interested in the role but also passionate about preventive conservation and sustainability. Tailor your responses to reflect how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Lead Preventive Conservator, you'll need to liaise with various stakeholders. Role-play common interview scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence and ensure you can articulate your ideas clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us that you're genuinely interested in being part of our team at the British Library.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Preventive Conservator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Conservation: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for preventive conservation shine through. Share specific examples of your experience and how it aligns with our mission at the British Library. We want to see your commitment to preserving our collections!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences match the job description. Use keywords from the role, like 'risk mitigation' and 'disaster preparedness', to show that you understand what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant, and make sure your application flows well. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and gets straight to the heart of your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there.
How to prepare for a job interview at BRITISH LIBRARY
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of preventive conservation and disaster preparedness. Familiarise yourself with the British Library's current practices and how they align with sustainability efforts. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but also invested in the library's mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Preventive Conservator, you'll be managing a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in a heritage context. Think about challenges you've faced and how you overcame them to foster a culture of preventive conservation.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
The role involves liaising with various stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you've effectively communicated and collaborated with different parties in previous roles. Highlight any experience you have in promoting a culture of preventive conservation among diverse groups.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the library's future plans for sustainability or how the preventive conservation team collaborates with other departments. It shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
