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- Tasks: Lead preventive conservation for exhibitions and international projects at a world-renowned museum.
- Company: Join the British Museum, a leader in culture and innovation.
- Benefits: Generous leave, exceptional pension, cultural perks, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on preserving history while working with experts in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Professional conservation qualification and experience in preventive conservation and exhibition activities.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 33900 - 43900 £ per year.
The British Museum is seeking an experienced Preventive Conservator to play a leading role in the preventive care of one of the world’s most significant collections. You’ll bring strong experience in preventive conservation, 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. 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. You’ll balance project work with core function activities, apply your experience and creativity to develop new techniques and lead on major internal/museum wise projects in relation to collection care and preventive conservation. This is a rare opportunity to work at a world-leading museum during a period of significant transformation.
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 and experience 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
- Generous Leave: 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service) plus 2.5 privilege days and bank holidays.
- Exceptional Pension: Secure your future with one of the UK’s most generous defined benefit schemes – guaranteed income for life.
- Cultural Perks: Free tickets to exhibitions, plus complimentary and discounted entry to leading museums and galleries worldwide.
- Financial Support: Interest-free travel loans and rental deposit loans.
- Wellbeing: Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for mental health and wellbeing support.
- Everyday Extras: Paid 1-hour lunch break, subsidised staff canteen, and discounts in our gift shop.
Our Values
Our values drive everything we do, from how we handle our objects to how we work in our team to fostering a culture where everyone feels heard and empowered. These are: Care Deeply, Embrace the Unknown, Spark Curiosity, Value Many Voices.
If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details to us. The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.
Preventive 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 Preventive Conservator: Exhibitions in 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 expertise! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your previous work in preventive conservation and exhibitions. This will not only highlight your skills but also give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Ace that interview! Research the British Museum’s recent exhibitions and conservation projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their ambitious plans.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Preventive Conservator: Exhibitions in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in preventive conservation and exhibitions. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for conservation shine through! Share why you’re excited about working at the British Museum and how you can contribute to its mission. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about what they do.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless necessary. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at THE BRITISH MUSEUM
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of preventive conservation principles and practices. Familiarise yourself with the British Museum's collection and recent exhibitions. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've tackled complex conservation challenges. Think about how you used innovation and adaptability in past projects. This will highlight your ability to think on your feet and make sound professional judgements.
✨Engage with the Team
Since this role involves collaboration, be ready to talk about your experience working with diverse teams. Share how you've influenced colleagues and stakeholders in previous roles, and express your enthusiasm for mentoring others in the field.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the British Museum's values: Care Deeply, Embrace the Unknown, Spark Curiosity, and Value Many Voices. Think of examples from your own experience that reflect these values, and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to fostering this culture.