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- Tasks: Join us as a Conservator, preserving Suffolk's rich heritage and engaging diverse audiences.
- Company: Suffolk County Council offers a modern work environment in a beautiful coastal area.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, up to 29 days leave, and a competitive pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by conserving archives and collaborating on exciting exhibitions.
- Qualifications: Hands-on experience in archival conservation and excellent communication skills are essential.
- Other info: We welcome applications from all backgrounds, especially underrepresented groups.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 40000 £ per year.
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- Suffolk County Council – The Hold, Ipswich IP4 1LR – On site
- £33,366 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- 37 hours per week – Flexible working options available
- Permanent
Job Description
- Suffolk County Council – The Hold, Ipswich IP4 1LR – On site
- £33,366 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- 37 hours per week – Flexible working options available
- Permanent
We have a rare and exciting opportunity for a Conservator to join our team at Suffolk Archives.
You will be based at our fantastic purpose-built archives building, The Hold, which is located very near the historic waterfront in Ipswich. Suffolk is a lovely county in which to live and work and we are only an hour from London by train and have miles of beautiful coastline to explore. To find out some more about the area please take a look at the Welcome to Suffolk (visitsuffolk.com) .
- Do you have experience in conserving and preserving archives and local studies materials?
- Would you like to work in an incredibly varied, challenging, and rewarding role?
- Are you keen to engage a diverse audience with a varied programme of activities that raise the profile of the conservation and preservation of Suffolk’s rich heritage?
Your Role And Responsibilities
The main purpose of your role will be to carry out conservation and preservation work on the rich collections of archives and local studies material held at Suffolk Archives.
This is a great opportunity to join a successful accredited archive service. You will work on hands-on projects, share your passion for history and culture, and engage with diverse audiences. You will also have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues to develop and deliver exhibitions and volunteer programs in our amazing building, The Hold.
You will work closely with our small team of archivists as part of Suffolk Archives’ collections team. You will be supported in your work by the archive assistants, and you will collaborate closely with the engagement team, particularly the Exhibition and Interpretation Officer and the Volunteer Engagement Coordinator.
We are looking for a motivated and collaborative team player with excellent communication skills who can work effectively with a variety of colleagues, stakeholders, and volunteers.
Please take a look at our website to see what we do at The Hold Welcome to Suffolk Archives
You will need
- hands-on/practical experience in the conservation of archival materials (e.g. books, paper, parchment, and photographic materials)
- knowledge of physical types of formats of archives held in county archives
- to be highly organised, able to plan and prioritise your work and the work of apprentices, interns, and volunteers on a daily and medium-term basis adhering to agreed deadlines and responding flexibly to urgent requests
- to be able to build and maintain positive relationships with colleagues, volunteers, depositors, local community groups, and regular users
- to be practical, flexible, creative, and adaptable in making informed decisions and solving problems.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (word) .If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don\’t meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
- The Suffolk Archives team is passionate about making our archives more accessible to wide and diverse audiences
- You would contribute to this by conserving and preserving archives, ensuring optimal conditions are maintained in our buildings, and participating in wider programmes of outreach and audience engagement
- We are hard-working, committed, and passionate about the collections in our care
- We will offer the opportunity to gain experience in a wide range of activities and skills across the profession. You will be encouraged to develop your knowledge and skills and will be supported with your Continuous Professional Development.
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report (suffolk.gov.uk) .
For more information
Please contact Hannah Glasse for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 01473 260778 or emailing hannah.glasse@suffolk.gov.uk
How To Apply
Step 1 – Read the Job and Person Profile (word) .
Step 2 – Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 – Upload asupporting statementanswering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template .
1 . Describe a time when you had to assess and treat a damaged archival item. What approach did you take and what was the outcome?
- Tell us about a situation where you had to prepare archival materials for digitisation or exhibition. How did you ensure their preservation and accessibility?
- Describe a situation where you had to prioritise multiple conservation tasks with tight deadlines. How did you manage your time and resources?
- How do your personal values align with Suffolk County Council’s WE ASPIRE values, and how have you demonstrated these in your work?
Step 4 – Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling03456 014412.If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.
Closing date:11.30pm, 17 August 2025.
Interview date: 11 September 2025.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
About Us
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
- up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
- membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
- performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
- training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
- a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
- diverse and active staff networks
- flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk) .
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Conservator employer: Suffolk Jobs Direct Careers
Contact Detail:
Suffolk Jobs Direct Careers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Conservator
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Suffolk Archives and their collections. Understanding the specific types of materials they conserve will help you tailor your approach during interviews and discussions, showcasing your genuine interest in their work.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of conservation and preservation. Attend relevant workshops or events where you can meet current conservators or archivists, as they may provide insights or even referrals that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of past projects where you successfully conserved archival materials, as this will demonstrate your practical skills and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with the local community and volunteer for related projects. This not only enhances your CV but also shows your commitment to preserving local heritage, which aligns with the values of Suffolk Archives.
We think you need these skills to ace Conservator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description and person profile. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills for the Conservator position at Suffolk Archives.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is crucial. Address each of the four questions provided in the application process. Use specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your skills in conservation, prioritisation, and alignment with the council's values.
Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills related to conservation and preservation. Remember to remove your name and personal details as specified in the application instructions.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your supporting statement and CV. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. Authenticity is key, so make sure your application reflects your genuine voice.
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk Jobs Direct Careers
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience in conserving archival materials. Share specific examples of items you've worked on, the techniques you used, and the outcomes. This will demonstrate your expertise and passion for the role.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with Suffolk County Council’s WE ASPIRE values. Think about how your personal values align with theirs and be ready to provide examples from your past work that reflect these principles. This shows that you are a good cultural fit for the team.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate questions related to prioritising multiple conservation tasks under tight deadlines. Prepare a structured response that outlines your approach to time management and resource allocation, highlighting any relevant experiences.
✨Engage with Their Community Focus
Since the role involves engaging diverse audiences, think of ways you've successfully interacted with different community groups in the past. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to outreach programmes and enhance public engagement with the archives.
