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- Tasks: Lead preventive conservation for exhibitions and international projects at a world-class museum.
- Company: Join the British Museum, a leader in culture and history.
- Benefits: Generous leave, competitive salary, and a chance to shape future exhibitions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global exhibitions while working with experts in the field.
- Qualifications: Professional conservation qualification and experience in exhibition-related conservation.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 39105 - 45500 £ per year.
The British Museum is seeking an experienced Conservator to play a leading role in the preventive care of one of the world’s most significant collections. This is a specialist post with a strong focus on exhibitions, loans and international touring, supporting the Museum’s ambitious exhibition programme and long-term strategic priorities. The role combines strategic oversight, technical expertise and people leadership, and will contribute to the delivery of the Museum’s Masterplan and capital projects. This is a rare opportunity to work at a world-leading museum during a period of significant transformation. You’ll contribute to high-profile exhibitions and international collaborations, work alongside expert colleagues across disciplines, and help shape best practice in preventive conservation for years to come.
Key areas of responsibility:
- Lead in the coordination of preventive conservation activities for exhibitions, loans and touring projects, ensuring delivery to time and budget.
- Lead on the care of the collection through environment (temperature, relative humidity, light and pollutants), and support Integrated Pest Management.
- Independently assess the condition of collections and contribute to the preventative conservation of collections made of a wide range of organic and inorganic materials by proposing environmental management solutions for long-term preservation.
- Solve complex conservation challenges related to exhibition delivery, using professional judgement, innovation and adaptability.
- Collaborate with and influence colleagues and stakeholders on collection care and conservation matters.
- Support and advise partner institutions in the UK and internationally on collection care standards.
- Line manage and mentor staff, aligning individual objectives with departmental and organisational priorities.
- Review and improve processes and procedures to ensure best practice in safeguarding the collection.
- Ensure compliance with current health and safety legislation.
- Contribute to exhibition de-install processes, evaluation and lessons learned.
- Contribute to funding bids, outreach activities, public speaking and professional publishing.
About you:
- A recognised professional conservation qualification (degree level or equivalent experience) and working towards PACR accreditation.
- Excellent knowledge of contemporary preventive conservation principles and practice.
- Practical experience of exhibition and display-related conservation activities.
- Strong understanding of conservation theory, ethical decision making and health and safety requirements.
- Proven ability to manage projects, solve problems and make sound professional judgements.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to motivate and influence, collaborate with and present to a range of audiences.
- Ideally, you will have experience of working on complex projects and of exhibition design and build.
Benefits:
Be a part of a world-renowned institution, where history, culture, and innovation come together! Generous Leave: 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service) plus 2.5 privilege days.
Conservator: Exhibitions - London employer: THE BRITISH MUSEUM
Contact Detail:
THE BRITISH MUSEUM Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Conservator: Exhibitions - London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the conservation field, attend exhibitions, and join relevant groups. 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! Create a portfolio showcasing your previous conservation projects and exhibition work. This will give potential employers a clear idea of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the British Museum's recent exhibitions and conservation practices. Being knowledgeable about their work will impress them and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Conservator: Exhibitions - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Conservator: Exhibitions role. Highlight your relevant experience in preventive conservation and exhibition management, showing us why you're the perfect fit for this position.
Showcase Your Expertise: Don’t hold back on demonstrating your knowledge of contemporary conservation principles. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so include specific examples of past projects or challenges you've tackled in your application.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us easily understand your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need there!
How to prepare for a job interview at THE BRITISH MUSEUM
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on contemporary preventive conservation principles and practices. Familiarise yourself with the British Museum's collection and recent exhibitions. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your project management skills and problem-solving abilities. Think about complex conservation challenges you've faced and how you tackled them, as this role requires innovative thinking.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You’ll need to demonstrate your ability to influence and collaborate with various stakeholders, so be ready to discuss how you've successfully communicated in previous roles.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the museum's Masterplan and upcoming exhibitions. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also your understanding of the strategic priorities of the institution.
