At a Glance
- 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: Competitive salary, generous leave, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global exhibitions and collaborate with experts in the field.
- Qualifications: Professional conservation qualification and experience in exhibition-related conservation.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with a focus on innovation and best practices.
The predicted salary is between 33900 - 43900 £ 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.
- 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.
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.
Museum Conservator: Exhibitions in London employer: THE BRITISH MUSEUM
Contact Detail:
THE BRITISH MUSEUM Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Museum Conservator: Exhibitions in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the museum sector, attend exhibitions, and join relevant online forums. Building connections can lead to insider info about job openings and even recommendations.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for conservation and exhibitions. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to their projects and goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the museum's current exhibitions and conservation practices. Bring thoughtful questions to the table that show you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can fit into their vision.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Museum Conservator: Exhibitions in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Museum Conservator 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 sharing your knowledge of contemporary conservation principles and practices. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so include specific examples of past projects or challenges you've tackled.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can consider you for this exciting opportunity at the British Museum!
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 Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of complex conservation challenges you've faced in the past. Be ready to discuss how you approached these issues, the solutions you implemented, and the outcomes. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and adaptively.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Since the role involves collaboration and influencing others, being able to communicate your ideas effectively is crucial. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your delivery.
✨Align with Their Vision
Research the British Museum’s Masterplan and strategic priorities. Think about how your skills and experiences align with their goals. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for contributing to their ambitious exhibition programme and long-term projects.