At a Glance
- Tasks: Conserve and care for significant historical objects, ensuring they are displayed and preserved for future generations.
- Company: Join the Imperial War Museum, a leader in conflict history and conservation.
- Benefits: Collaborative work environment, professional development opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Supportive team culture with opportunities for continuous learning and growth.
- Why this job: Shape how millions experience history through your expertise in object conservation.
- Qualifications: Relevant conservation qualification or experience, strong knowledge of best practices, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
At IWM, we are united by a shared purpose: telling stories that help people understand conflict and its impact on all of us. We care about how we work, and you will be joining a team where collaboration, curiosity, and professional pride shape everything we do.
As part of Collections Care, you will work closely with passionate experts across Conservation, Curatorial, Collections Access & Research, and our wider museum teams. Your skills will directly support how millions of visitors experience our collections.
IWM holds one of the world's most significant collections relating to conflict from 1900 to today. The conservation team plays a central role in ensuring these objects can be safely displayed, studied, and preserved for future generations.
As the Objects Conservator based at IWM London, you will be the lead Objects specialist on site, working alongside Paintings and Frames conservators, and collaborating closely with colleagues at IWM Duxford. Your work will shape how objects are cared for, understood, and presented—ranging from small, intricate items like compasses to large composite objects like diving suits.
Your expertise will directly protect and enhance our ability to share these stories with the public, researchers, and partners.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Assessing, treating, and documenting objects across the London collection.
- Preparing items for short and long term display, storage, or loan.
- Carrying out condition reporting for Loans In and Loans Out.
- Producing risk assessments and method statements for conservation activities.
- Ensuring COSHH and Health & Safety requirements are met at all times.
- Maintaining high quality digital conservation records and documentation.
- Working with subject specialists, curators, conservation colleagues, and external experts.
- Training and supervising technicians, students, interns, volunteers, or contractors.
- Supporting public access to the collection and contributing to conservation related programming when needed.
- Keeping your professional knowledge and skills up to date.
- Helping shape best practice across the museums and collections.
- Engaging with professional networks where appropriate.
This role will involve occasional work at any of IWM's five sites.
What We’re Looking For
- A relevant conservation qualification or demonstrable experience in object conservation.
- Strong knowledge of conservation best practice.
- Experience handling museum collections.
- Understanding of COSHH regulations and relevant Health & Safety legislation.
- Confidence using IT systems and creating accurate conservation data.
- Experience working in accountable environments where documentation and quality matter.
- A methodical, thorough, and systematic approach to your work.
- Strong communication skills and confidence working with a range of stakeholders.
- A collaborative mindset and commitment to excellent customer service.
Desirable
- Experience using analytical techniques (e.g., FTIR, XRF, MFT, Oddy testing).
- Experience working in a museum, heritage, or visitor facing organisation.
- Experience supervising volunteers, students, or contractors.
- Interest in 20th century history and IWM's collections.
- Ability to work at height (training provided).
- Clean driving licence.
- ICON Accreditation or working towards it.
- Proficiency with MS Office and databases.
How You’ll Work
You will be part of a supportive, skilled, and collegial Conservation team. You will collaborate with colleagues across Collections Care, Curatorial, Collections Access & Research, Learning & Engagement, and Digital teams. You will also have opportunities to develop your professional practice through internal learning and sector networks.
We will support you to contribute ideas, grow your expertise, and help shape the future of conservation at IWM.
What Success Looks Like
In your first 6–12 months, you will be:
- Delivering high quality conservation treatments and documentation.
- Providing clear, professional advice to colleagues across IWM.
- Ensuring object preparation for displays and loans is delivered smoothly and on time.
- Contributing to a positive, collaborative working environment within the conservation team.
- Demonstrating confident, safe, and best practice-led conservation work.
Conservator (Objects) in London employer: IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUMS
At IWM London, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and supportive work culture where your expertise in conservation directly impacts how millions experience our significant collections. With a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside passionate experts while contributing to meaningful projects that preserve history for future generations. Join us in a role that not only values your skills but also encourages you to shape best practices in the field of conservation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Conservator (Objects) 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 work. Include before-and-after photos, detailed documentation, and any analytical techniques you've used. This will help you stand out when chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Before interviews, rehearse common questions related to conservation practices and your experience. Get a friend to do a mock interview with you, so you feel confident and ready to impress.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are passionate about conservation. It shows initiative and gives us a chance to see your enthusiasm for the role right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Conservator (Objects) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for conservation and the IWM's mission shine through. We want to see how your passion aligns with our purpose of telling impactful stories about conflict.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant conservation qualifications and experiences. We love details, so mention specific techniques you've used or projects you've worked on that relate to object conservation.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Show us why you’re the perfect fit for the Objects Conservator role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUMS
✨Know Your Objects
Familiarise yourself with the types of objects you'll be working with at IWM. Understand their historical significance and conservation needs. This will not only show your passion but also your readiness to contribute to the team.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss specific conservation techniques you’ve used, especially any analytical methods like FTIR or XRF. Be ready to share examples of how you've documented your work and ensured quality standards in previous roles.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Highlight your experience working with diverse teams. Discuss how you’ve collaborated with curators, technicians, or volunteers in the past. IWM values teamwork, so demonstrating your collaborative mindset will resonate well.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about IWM's collections and conservation practices. Inquire about their approach to risk assessments or how they engage with public access. This shows your genuine interest and eagerness to learn.
