At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in preventive conservation and protect diverse museum collections.
- Company: Join the Science Museum's Conservation & Collections Care team.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, health insurance, and flexible work policies.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in preserving history and inspiring future generations.
- Qualifications: Experience in preventive conservation and team leadership is essential.
- Other info: Access to professional development and a supportive community.
The predicted salary is between 33000 - 44000 £ per year.
Location: City of London, London
Category: Collections Care
Salary: Up to £38870 per annum + 35 hours per week
Contract type: Contract Permanent
Hours: Full time
Telephone: 01904 685795
Do you have an interest in preventive conservation and protecting collections before damage occurs? Are you ready to lead a small team and oversee the environmental care of a diverse museum collection?
About us
The Conservation & Collections Care team (C&CC) support all conservation activity across the collection and are responsible for establishing and maintaining conservation and collection care standards. We are looking for a motivated and knowledgeable Senior Preventive Conservator to join the Conservation and Collections Care team at the Science Museum.
This role will have both line management and project management responsibilities. Working with Science Museum Group policies and protocols you will be instrumental in the development and delivery of a proactive preventive conservation programme providing focused and consistent preventive care for SMG collections based in London.
About the role
In this role you will be covering a diverse range of activities. You will be responsible for the collection, reporting and use of our environmental data, improving workflows, and feeding into the development and improvement of policies and procedures. You will also be responsible for training around preventive matters, including salvage procedures.
You will be joining a dedicated Conservation & Collections Care team, which includes the Conservation & Collections Care Manager, Conservators, Collection Care Assistants (CCAs), and a Senior Masterplan Conservator. In this role, you will lineāmanage the Preventive Conservator, who in turn manages the CCAs, providing leadership and support across the team to ensure the effective care, preservation, and management of the collection.
About you
We are keen to hear from candidates with a solid foundation in preventive conservation, whether through a recognised qualification or substantial practical experience. You will bring demonstrable skills in developing policies, workflows and projects that ensure continuous improvement in caring for collections, alongside confidence in using environmental monitoring systems and preventive scientific equipment.
With extensive experience advising on storage, display and transport, you will be adept at working with a wide range of stakeholders and communicating complex information with clarity. A thorough knowledge of UK Health and Safety regulations, especially regarding collection hazards and risk management, is crucial, along with the capability to make sound decisions while also collaborating effectively with a team. The ability to handle change, problemāsolving skills and a valuesādriven, inclusive approach will be key to thriving in this role.
Experience in leading teams, remedial conservation of complex objects, or the use of analytical techniques and collections databases would be an advantage.
Applying
View the Vacancy Information Pack listed under "Attachments" on the vacancy listing on our website for more details about the role and the application process or click "Apply Online" to submit an application.
What we offer
- Meaningful work: We are a missionāled organisation where the work you do supports us in Inspiring Futures.
- Career growth: We offer enhanced support with personal and professional development.
- Work/life balance: We offer 27 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays, along with flexible policies which support you and your home life.
- Health & Dental Insurance: Extra peace of mind, from day one.
- Wellbeing support: All our colleagues can access an employee assistance programme, access to the Unmind app, and other wellbeing support.
- Colleague networks: Our colleagueāled networks are an informal forum for colleagues to come together to discuss topics of shared interest and lived experience.
- Enhanced contributory pension: To support you in saving for the future.
- Interestāfree loans: When you need a little extra cash for life events or home improvements.
- Great discounts: Free entry to exhibitions, discounts in our shops, cafes, and access to other museums in the NMDC network.
Open for All is one of the Science Museum Group's five core values and sets out our important aspiration to be a place for everyone. We are working hard to understand our organisation better and to develop a culture that recognises and values different backgrounds, mindsets, skills, experience, knowledge, and expertise. By having greater diversity, we believe that we will be a stronger and better organisation, capable to continue to Inspire Futures.
Senior Preventive Conservator in London employer: Nationalmuseums
Contact Detail:
Nationalmuseums Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice š¤«
We think this is how you could land Senior Preventive Conservator in London
āØTip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the conservation field through LinkedIn or industry events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that arenāt even advertised yet.
āØTip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your previous work in preventive conservation. This visual evidence can really make you stand out during interviews.
āØTip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. The more you practice, the more natural it will feel.
āØTip Number 4
Donāt forget to apply through our website! Itās the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, youāll find all the details about the role and our amazing team there.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Preventive Conservator in London
Some tips for your application š«”
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for preventive conservation shine through. We want to see how much you care about protecting collections and why you're the right fit for our team!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We love seeing how your background aligns with our needs, so donāt hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This helps us understand your qualifications quickly!
Apply Through Our Website: Donāt forget to submit your application through our website! Itās the best way to ensure we receive your details and can process your application smoothly. Plus, it shows youāre keen to join us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nationalmuseums
āØKnow Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of preventive conservation and the specific practices related to collections care. Familiarise yourself with the Science Museum Group's policies and protocols, as well as any recent developments in the field. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but are also proactive about understanding the organisation.
āØShowcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves line management, be prepared to discuss your experience in leading teams. Think of examples where you've successfully managed projects or guided a team through challenges. Highlight your ability to communicate complex information clearly, as this is crucial for working with diverse stakeholders.
āØPrepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Prepare scenarios where you've had to handle change or manage risks related to collection hazards. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
āØAsk Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the current challenges the Conservation & Collections Care team is facing or how they measure the success of their preventive conservation programmes. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.