At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to conserve and care for Glasgow's rich paper collections.
- Company: Glasgow Life, a charity dedicated to improving lives through culture and sport.
- Benefits: 30 days holiday, pension scheme, discounts, and support for wellbeing.
- Other info: Flexible work policies and excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on the community while working with historical treasures.
- Qualifications: Recognised qualification in Conservation and experience with various paper objects.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 € per year.
This range is provided by Glasgow Life. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
We believe everyone deserves a great Glasgow life and that starts with the people who work here. Glasgow Life is a charity like no other. Our vision is to improve the lives of everyone in our city. To help us achieve that, we are looking for a Paper Conservator to join our Museums and Collections Conservation team. Our teams focus on making a real difference through culture and sport in Glasgow. If you’re excited by the idea of being part of that, this could be the job for you.
What you need to know
- Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday
- Contract type: Full time, Permanent
- Location: You’ll work city‑wide in our museum venues although your main place of work will be Glasgow Museums Resource Centre which has great links to public transport (Nitshill Railway station is a ten‑minute walk) and free parking.
What you’ll do
As an experienced paper conservator, you’ll be joining our in‑demand Museums, Archives and Collections Conservation team, and you’ll play an essential role in contributing to the conservation and collection care of the city’s extensive collections. You’ll be an integral part of a well‑established conservation team, reporting to a Senior Conservator and working alongside a team of conservators skilled in a variety of material specialisms who support the safe access, care, display and lending of Glasgow Museums & Archives collections. You will have experience of working with a broad range of works on paper ideally including: Pastels, Watercolours, Photographs and Books. Your work will make a visible and lasting difference. This could be:
- Supporting our communities
- Creating cultural experiences
- Or working behind the scenes to make it all happen
Who you are
We’re looking for someone with the right skills who brings energy to the role. If the following sounds like you, apply today!
Essential skills
- A recognised qualification in Conservation
- Experience and understanding of a broad range of conservation procedures to formulate appropriate treatments which require innovative solutions
- Proven experience of treating paper objects to a high standard, with full consideration of practical, access, Health and Safety and ethical issues
- Experience of carrying out condition assessments, treatment estimates and documentation
- Demonstrable analytical and problem‑solving skills where novel or complex conservation problems arise
- Demonstrable ability to plan and organise time to achieve deadlines and use resources efficiently
Download the Person Specification in the Job Attachments section on MyJobScotland. Use this to shape your application and show how your experience aligns with the job. When selecting candidates for interviews, managers will look for candidates who can demonstrate they meet all the ‘essential’ criteria listed in the Person Specification. If there are many candidates, they may also consider desirable skills. So, include those if they apply to you.
What we offer
At Glasgow Life, our work changes lives. As a charity, we bring communities together and support wellbeing through sport, culture, heritage, and learning. We support you to live a great life. Inside and outside of work. Some of our benefits include:
- Holiday: When you join, you’ll get 30 days’ holiday. Plus 6.5 public holidays if you’re full‑time. This increases to 35 days after 5 years of service. Fancy a bit more time off? You can buy extra holiday too!
- Pension: Join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) – a Defined Benefit scheme that provides you with a secure pension for later life.
- Support: Sometimes we all need support and a listening ear. Our free and confidential Employee Assistance Programme can support your mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing.
- Discounts: As a colleague, you can enjoy discounts on the things you love, from Glasgow Club memberships to our museum shops and our online store. We are also part of the cycle‑to‑work scheme, helping you stay active.
- Flexibility and development: We are proud of our flexible and inclusive work policies, which help you balance work and life. We also offer support for learning, development and career progression.
Please note that Glasgow Life is an Arm’s Length External Organisation to Glasgow City Council. We are currently completing a Job Evaluation exercise and introducing a new pay and grading structure. This may impact current salaries quoted in job adverts.
What’s next
To get started, complete our short application form. In this, you’ll fill out:
- Work history
- Qualifications/training
- Key questions such as “Why are you a good fit for this role?”
Use the Person Specification in the Job Attachments section to guide your answers. The closing date for this job is 11:59pm on 1st February 2026 with Interviews provisionally booked for week beginning 23rd February 2026.
Who We Are
Our Museums service, managed by Glasgow Life on behalf of the community, cares for thousands of years of history. We take care of the city’s museum and library special collections, its archives, and operate award‑winning museums, keeping them safe for future generations. We run talks, tours, workshops, and events, so people can explore and enjoy the collections. By connecting people with the city’s stories, our museums continue to enrich the lives of local people and visitors.
Diversity and Fair Work at Glasgow Life
We’re working to build a team that reflects the rich diversity of Glasgow’s communities — where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to be their full, authentic selves at work. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident and Carer Positive employer, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We’re also committed to Fair Work First principles, including effective voice, opportunity, security, fulfilment and respect for all our staff.
We’re working hard to address underrepresentation in our workforce. We especially welcome applications from people with disabilities and from ethnic minority communities.
Ready to apply?
Once you apply, add noreply@myjobscotland.gov.uk to your safe sender list so you don’t miss important emails. We’re excited to hear from you. Let’s shape a great Glasgow life — together.
Paper Conservator in Glasgow employer: Glasgow Life
Glasgow Life is an exceptional employer dedicated to improving the lives of everyone in Glasgow through culture and sport. As a Paper Conservator, you will join a passionate team committed to conservation and community engagement, with access to generous benefits such as 30 days of holiday, a secure pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development. The inclusive work culture fosters flexibility and support, ensuring that every employee can thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in the city.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Paper Conservator in Glasgow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow conservators, attend industry 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 work. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your passion and expertise shine through.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Before interviews, rehearse common questions and answers with a friend or in front of a mirror. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing your experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of Glasgow Life and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Paper Conservator in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for conservation shine through! We want to see how excited you are about making a difference in Glasgow's cultural scene.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to align your skills and experiences with the essential criteria listed in the Person Specification. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in treating paper objects and problem-solving.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see why you’re the perfect fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can get back to you without any hiccups.
How to prepare for a job interview at Glasgow Life
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of paper conservation techniques and the specific materials mentioned in the job description, like pastels and watercolours. Being able to discuss your experience with these will show that you're not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about the role.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of complex conservation problems you've tackled in the past. Be ready to explain your thought process and the innovative solutions you implemented. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to think on your feet, which are crucial for a Paper Conservator.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Glasgow Life
Take some time to learn about Glasgow Life's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to community and culture will help you align your answers with their goals during the interview. Plus, it shows that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the conservation team's current projects or how they measure success in their work. Asking questions not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if this is the right fit for you.
