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- Tasks: Lead preventive conservation for exhibitions and international projects at a world-class museum.
- Company: Join the British Museum, a leading institution in history and culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global exhibitions and collaborate with experts in the field.
- Qualifications: Professional conservation qualification and experience in exhibition-related conservation.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with a focus on innovation and best practices.
The predicted salary is between 39105 - 45500 £ per year.
The British Museum is seeking an experienced Conservator to play a leading role in the preventive care of one of the world’s most significant collections. This is a specialist post with a strong focus on exhibitions, loans, and international touring, supporting the Museum’s ambitious exhibition programme and long-term strategic priorities. The role combines strategic oversight, technical expertise, and people leadership, and will contribute to the delivery of the Museum’s Masterplan and capital projects.
This is a rare opportunity to work at a world-leading museum during a period of significant transformation. You’ll contribute to high-profile exhibitions and international collaborations, work alongside expert colleagues across disciplines, and help shape best practice in preventive conservation for years to come.
Key areas of responsibility:- Lead in the coordination of preventive conservation activities for exhibitions, loans and touring projects, ensuring delivery to time and budget.
- Lead on the care of the collection through environment (temperature, relative humidity, light and pollutants), and support Integrated Pest Management.
- Independently assess the condition of collections and contribute to the preventative conservation of collections made of a wide range of organic and inorganic materials by proposing environmental management solutions for long-term preservation.
- Solve complex conservation challenges related to exhibition delivery, using professional judgement, innovation and adaptability.
- Collaborate with and influence colleagues and stakeholders on collection care and conservation matters.
- Support and advise partner institutions in the UK and internationally on collection care standards.
- Line manage and mentor staff, aligning individual objectives with departmental and organisational priorities.
- Review and improve processes and procedures to ensure best practice in safeguarding the collection.
- Ensure compliance with current health and safety legislation.
- Contribute to exhibition de-install processes, evaluation and lessons learned.
- Contribute to funding bids, outreach activities, public speaking and professional publishing.
- A recognised professional conservation qualification (degree level or equivalent experience) and working towards PACR accreditation.
- Excellent knowledge of contemporary preventive conservation principles and practice.
- Practical experience of exhibition and display-related conservation activities.
- Strong understanding of conservation theory, ethical decision making and health and safety requirements.
- Proven ability to manage projects, solve problems and make sound professional judgements.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to motivate and influence, collaborate with and present to a range of audiences.
- Ideally, you will have experience of working on complex projects and of exhibition design and build.
Be a part of a world-renowned institution, where history, culture, and innovation come together!
Generous Leave: 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service) plus 2.5 privilege days.
Conservator: Exhibitions in London employer: British Museum
Contact Detail:
British Museum Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Conservator: Exhibitions in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow conservators and museum professionals on LinkedIn or at industry events. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your past projects, especially those related to exhibitions and conservation. We recommend having it ready to share during interviews or networking chats.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the British Museum’s recent exhibitions and conservation efforts. We want you to impress them with your knowledge and passion for their work!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals who are eager to contribute to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Conservator: Exhibitions in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in preventive conservation and exhibitions. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant projects!
Showcase Your Expertise: Use specific examples to demonstrate your knowledge of contemporary conservation principles and practices. We love seeing how you’ve tackled complex challenges in past roles, so let us know about those tricky situations you’ve navigated successfully.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your passion for conservation shines through without overwhelming us with unnecessary details.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your materials properly. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we do at StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Museum
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on contemporary preventive conservation principles and practices. Be ready to discuss your experience with exhibition-related conservation activities, as well as any complex projects you've managed. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can apply it in real-world situations.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex conservation challenges in the past. Think about specific situations where you had to use your professional judgement and adaptability. This will demonstrate your ability to think on your feet and find innovative solutions.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You’ll need to influence and collaborate with a range of stakeholders, so being able to present your ideas effectively is crucial. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your communication skills.
✨Align with Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with the British Museum’s Masterplan and capital projects. Be prepared to discuss how your experience and goals align with their strategic priorities. Showing that you understand their vision and how you can contribute will set you apart from other candidates.
