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- Tasks: Lead a team in preserving and enhancing access to valuable archival collections.
- Company: Join the National Records of Scotland, a key player in heritage conservation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for collaboration and research in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of archive conservation while mentoring the next generation of conservators.
- Qualifications: Experience in book or paper conservation and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 52000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced Book or Paper Conservator who can use your technical and leadership skills to make a difference at the National Records of Scotland (NRS)? The Archive Conservation Lead is responsible for leading the Archive Conservation team, which is part of the Collections Care Branch. This team delivers a comprehensive programme of archive conservation treatment, with the aims of prolonging the life of the collection while also maximising access to the archival records and enhancing the experience of our customers. This is achieved through a combination of special projects and ongoing programmes, working together with colleagues across the organisation as well as external stakeholders.
You will take a leading role in the ongoing development of collections care within NRS by reviewing the priorities of the Archive Conservation team and the allocation of time across them and identifying a clear strategic direction. You will actively engage in teaching and mentoring others and knowledge sharing, and you will promote the work of the Collections Care branch across NRS and to a wider professional community.
Responsibilities- Lead on designing, planning and managing the delivery of a range of archive conservation treatment workstreams, including readying items for digitisation, making items fit for consultation and preparing items for internal exhibitions and external loans.
- Lead on the assessing and rehousing or treating as required of archives at the point when they enter NRS buildings for the first time or are prepared for a temporary or permanent move out of NRS.
- Collect, interpret, and report on the data required to support decision‑making and to assess impact, for example, through collection surveys, condition assessments and technical examination.
- Lead on internal and external stakeholder engagement relating to archive conservation, for example through the provision of training and advice, and with public engagement activities.
- Work with colleagues to disseminate and undertake conservation and heritage science research, which may involve developing collaborations with external organisations such as universities.
- Lead on understanding, interpreting and applying relevant legislation, regulations and practice, keeping abreast of new developments.
- Undertake staff management and development for a team of seven Book and Paper Conservators, plus shared supervision of a team of three Preservation Assistants, whose remit includes working at technician level to support the Conservation team.
Archive Conservation Lead in Edinburgh employer: Scottish Government
Contact Detail:
Scottish Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Archive Conservation Lead in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow conservators and professionals in the field. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best conservation projects. Include before-and-after photos, detailed descriptions of your techniques, and any positive feedback from clients or colleagues. This will help us see your expertise in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching NRS and understanding their mission. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals in archive conservation. We want to see your passion for preserving history and enhancing customer experiences!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Archive Conservation Lead in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your experience as a Book or Paper Conservator. We want to see how your technical skills and leadership abilities can make a difference at NRS, so don’t hold back on sharing relevant projects or achievements!
Tailor Your Application: Take the time to tailor your application to the Archive Conservation Lead role. Use the job description as a guide and align your skills and experiences with the responsibilities listed. This shows us you’re genuinely interested in the position.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant, and make sure your passion for conservation shines through!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
As an Archive Conservation Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in book and paper conservation. Be prepared to discuss specific techniques you've used in past projects, and how they contributed to the preservation of archival materials. Bring examples of your work or case studies that highlight your problem-solving abilities.
✨Emphasise Leadership Experience
This role requires strong leadership skills, so make sure to share your experiences in managing teams. Talk about how you've mentored others, led projects, or engaged with stakeholders. Highlight any successful collaborations you've had, especially those that involved training or knowledge sharing.
✨Understand the Organisation's Goals
Familiarise yourself with the National Records of Scotland and its mission. Be ready to discuss how your vision for the Archive Conservation team aligns with their objectives. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with thoughtful questions. Ask about their current projects, challenges they face in conservation, or how they measure the impact of their work. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you.