At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead conservation of stone, wall paintings, and mosaics during a major redevelopment.
- Company: Join the British Museum, a world-renowned institution for culture and history.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cultural heritage while working in a creative team.
- Qualifications: Professional conservation qualification with strong experience in large-scale projects.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to shape the future of museum conservation.
The predicted salary is between 39105 - 45500 £ per year.
Location: Bloomsbury (with occasional travel to Orsman Road and BM_ARC)
Full-time, On-site
Fixed-term (until December 2027)
£39,105 per annum
Application deadline: 12pm (midday) on Monday, 16 February 2026
About the role
The British Museum is embarking on a transformational Masterplan programme — an ambitious, long‑term redevelopment of our galleries and collection spaces. We are seeking an experienced Conservator: Masterplan to play a central role in safeguarding our collection during a major large‑object decant and associated critical projects. In this role, you will lead and deliver on the conservation of a range of objects, with a particular focus on stone, wall paintings and mosaic objects, ensuring the highest standards of care throughout a period of significant change. Conservation work area supervision and line management are especially integral aspects of this role. This is a brand-new conservation team who will contribute to one of the world’s most comprehensive cultural heritage redevelopment programmes. This is an exciting opportunity for a flexible, creative and innovative individual.
Key areas of responsibility
- Carry out practical conservation of stone, wall paintings and mosaic objects.
- Coordinate conservation workflow across teams to ensure timely project delivery, working closely with the Conservation Senior Management Team.
- Line manage and develop Conservators within your team, as well as motivating and developing other staff.
- Work closely with stakeholders including Senior Management, Collections Management, Curatorial teams and project stakeholders to provide expert advice.
- Maintain and improve conservation procedures and processes, as well as new preventative conservation measures as appropriate, relating to the safeguarding of the collection.
- Contribute to outreach through public speaking, publishing and advocacy for the Museum.
- Prepare funding bids, tender documents and support income‑generating initiatives.
About you
- A recognised professional conservation qualification (degree level or equivalent) with an emphasis on stone, wall paintings and mosaics conservation. Ideally, you will also have post-graduate training in conservation leading to specialism relevant to the project and have or be working towards PACR accreditation.
- Strong practical experience in conserving stone, wall paintings and mosaics.
- Experience working on complex, large‑scale projects.
- Post qualification experience of working in the heritage sector, ideally with experience of working with a large collection.
- Understanding of mechanisms involved in material deterioration.
- Demonstrable knowledge of contemporary principles, conservation theory and ethical decision‑making.
- Staff management experience and ability to lead, motivate and develop teams, including delivering training.
- Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to work under pressure.
- Strong communication skills, with experience presenting to public and professional audiences.
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: Masterplan in London employer: British Museum
Contact Detail:
British Museum Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Conservator: Masterplan in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the conservation field, attend relevant events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best conservation projects, especially those involving stone, wall paintings, and mosaics. This will give potential employers a clear idea of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience and how it aligns with the Masterplan role. Highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure, as these are key in a dynamic environment like the British Museum.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Conservator: Masterplan in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with stone, wall paintings, and mosaics. We want to see how your skills align with the specific needs of the Conservator: Masterplan role.
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t just list your qualifications; tell us about your practical experience in conservation. Share examples of past projects, especially those involving large-scale work, to demonstrate your expertise and problem-solving skills.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your ideas, and make sure to proofread for any typos or errors. We appreciate well-organised applications!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to explore more about us and the exciting work we do!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Museum
✨Know Your Conservation Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of stone, wall paintings, and mosaics. Be ready to discuss specific conservation techniques and your past experiences with similar materials. This will show that you’re not just qualified but genuinely passionate about the role.
✨Show Off Your Team Leadership Skills
Since this role involves line management, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led and motivated a team in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them while keeping your team engaged.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the British Museum's Masterplan programme and its goals. Being able to articulate how your role as a Conservator fits into this larger vision will demonstrate your commitment and strategic thinking.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
You’ll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders, so practice explaining complex conservation concepts in simple terms. Consider preparing a short presentation or discussion points to showcase your public speaking skills during the interview.