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- Tasks: Assist in preserving and conserving archival materials, including medieval parchment rolls.
- Company: Join Hampshire Archives, a leading local authority with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive salary, holiday entitlement, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in conservation while making a real impact on historical archives.
- Qualifications: Recognised qualification in archive or paper conservation and good attention to detail.
- Other info: Perfect for those seeking part-time work with caring responsibilities.
The predicted salary is between 27780 - 30564 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified archive or paper conservator to join the small conservation team at Hampshire Archives and develop their skills through the preservation and conservation of a range of archive materials.
The role is based in Winchester, where the local authority record office collects, preserves and makes accessible archives in all formats, from paper and parchment to audio-visual and digital, relating to the administrative county of Hampshire. The Archives have recently secured external funding to conserve, digitise and re-package some of Winchester Cathedral’s medieval parchment rolls, many of which are in a very fragile condition.
In this role, you will help with some of the day-to-day conservation tasks, allowing the Conservator to focus on conservation of the Cathedral rolls. However, you will also have training in parchment conservation and participate in the rolls project alongside your other duties.
As a part-time role, this could suit someone with caring responsibilities, and we would be flexible around how the hours are delivered.
What you’ll do:
- Assessing the condition of damaged items
- Cleaning and packaging items
- Carrying out remedial conservation treatments
- Keeping up to date documentation on the collections management system
- Monitoring the strongroom environment and implementing the Integrated Pest Management system
- Ordering materials and equipment as necessary
What we’re looking for:
You will have a recognised qualification in archive or paper conservation with ideally some post qualification practical experience. Good attention to detail and excellent manual dexterity is also a must. We require a self-motivated person with good interpersonal skills who is comfortable working both independently and as part of a team. The work can be varied with different challenges so someone with a can-do attitude who can adapt to change is essential!
The role is based on site, and therefore this is not suitable for homeworking.
Why join us?
This 12-month contract provides an excellent chance for a recently qualified or early career conservator, or someone returning to conservation after a break, to gain hands-on experience working in a busy record office. You will develop your skills in conservation through preserving and conserving a range of archival materials. Practical training in parchment conservation is planned as part of the project.
Hampshire County Council is recognised nationally as one of the highest performing local authorities in the UK. A modern, forward-looking local authority, it offers a pleasant, supportive, and collaborative working environment. We offer a flexible, motivating and inclusive workplace.
Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.
Assistant Conservator in Winchester employer: ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA
Contact Detail:
ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Conservator in Winchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow conservators or professionals in the archives field. Attend local events or workshops to meet people who can give you insider info about job openings or even recommend you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by researching the Hampshire Record Office and its recent projects, like the Winchester Cathedral rolls. Show us that you’re genuinely interested in what we do and how you can contribute to our conservation efforts.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your hands-on skills! If you can, get some experience with conservation techniques before your interview. This will not only boost your confidence but also impress us with your proactive approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us that you’re serious about joining our team at Hampshire Archives.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Conservator in Winchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. We want to see how your background fits with the role of Assistant Conservator, so don’t hold back on showcasing your conservation expertise!
Show Your Passion: Let us know why you’re excited about this opportunity! Share your enthusiasm for archive conservation and any specific interests you have in preserving historical materials. A genuine passion can really make your application stand out.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points shine through. This will help us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
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 details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join us at Hampshire Archives!
How to prepare for a job interview at ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA
✨Know Your Conservation Basics
Brush up on your knowledge of archive and paper conservation techniques. Be ready to discuss specific methods you've used in the past, especially those related to parchment conservation, as this role will involve working with fragile materials.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
Prepare examples that highlight your attention to detail and manual dexterity. You might want to bring along a portfolio or photos of previous work to demonstrate your skills in assessing and treating damaged items.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with a small team, be prepared to talk about your experiences collaborating with others. Share instances where you adapted to changes or challenges within a team setting to show your can-do attitude.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the conservation projects at Hampshire Archives, particularly the Winchester Cathedral rolls project. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute effectively.
