At a Glance
- Tasks: Conserve and assess metal objects, ensuring they meet display standards.
- Company: Join the Royal Collection Trust, dedicated to preserving cultural heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25-30 days leave, a generous pension plan, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cultural heritage while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Background in metalsmithing and recognised conservation qualification required.
- Other info: Gain exclusive discounts and complimentary admission across all locations.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About the role
It’s conserving a world class collection of works of art.
It’s knowing your expertise will help preserve cultural heritage for generations. And it’s joining a team committed to the highest standards of care. This is what makes a career with Royal Collection Trust so special.
In choosing a career with Royal Collection Trust, you will be joining a team dedicated to sharing the treasures of the Royal Collection with wide audiences and preserving important cultural heritage for future generations.
Spanning everything from jewellery to sculptures, the Royal Collection\’s metals holdings are diverse, historic, and of international significance. Conserving such a vast and complex range of objects requires skill and a passion for craft and heritage.
As a Metals Conservator , you\’ll be based at our conservation workshops in London, working closely with the Senior Metals Conservator and the wider Decorative Arts team to care for the Royal Collection.
Key Responsibilities:
- You\’ll assess and conserve metal objects ranging in scale and complexity, ensuring each is treated to the highest standard and fit for display, loan, or publication.
- Your work will involve preparing detailed treatment proposals, documentation and accurate condition reporting using our collection management system.
- You\’ll take part in condition surveys across multiple sites, maintaining an up-to-date overview of the collection’s condition and prioritising conservation needs.
- With a solid understanding of the environmental requirements for metals, you\’ll help develop and implement best practice for their storage and long-term care.
- Working alongside art handlers, you’ll advise on the safe handling, transport, and installation of objects, helping ensure their preservation during all stages of movement and display.
- You’ll engage across teams to promote excellent conservation practice and assist with routine maintenance of display objects and collections in use.
- Health and safety will be at the heart of your practice, and you’ll take responsibility for ensuring compliance, including COSHH and RAMS documentation.
- You’ll play a role in promoting the work of the Metals Conservation section, both internally and externally, sharing knowledge and advancing the profession.
- With a background in metalsmithing, you have a confident, practical understanding of traditional techniques and materials.
- Having gained a recognised conservation qualification, you’ll have experience planning and delivering complex conservation treatments, and a working knowledge of mixed media objects.
- You’ll bring solid, hands-on experience in the treatment of metal objects across a broad spectrum.
- You’re highly organised and methodical, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects to tight deadlines.
- You’re an effective communicator who can explain technical information clearly and appropriately, whether to peers, partners or non-specialist colleagues.
We know that to deliver our best work; we need to feel at our best. That’s why at the Royal Household we offer a generous benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and life priorities.
- Enjoy 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 days (plus bank holidays) dependent on the length of time you have worked for us.
- Our excellent non-contributory pension plan (we’ll contribute 15% and you can contribute more if you wish) is highly valued by our employees, as is complimentary lunch on-site to keep you fuelled throughout the day.
- Flexible and hybrid working varies across different roles, and we’ll discuss the options available to you that will suit both your job requirements and individual preferences.
- We also offer a range of leave options to support your life priorities, such as parental pay and leave and volunteering days, as well as benefits to support your physical and mental wellbeing.
- Other perks include 20% off at our Royal Collection Trust Shops and complimentary admission tickets across all our locations, along with many more exclusive employee discounts.
Metals Conservator employer: The Royal Household
Contact Detail:
The Royal Household Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Metals Conservator
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the conservation field, especially those who specialise in metals. Attend relevant workshops or conferences to meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest practices in metal conservation.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the Royal Collection Trust's current exhibitions and conservation projects. This knowledge will not only help you understand their priorities but also allow you to tailor your discussions during interviews to show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific conservation techniques and materials you have worked with in the past. Being able to articulate your hands-on experience will demonstrate your practical skills and understanding of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your communication skills by preparing to explain complex conservation concepts in simple terms. This is crucial as you'll need to engage with both specialists and non-specialists within the team and beyond.
We think you need these skills to ace Metals Conservator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Metals Conservator position. Familiarise yourself with the Royal Collection Trust's mission and values to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your background in metalsmithing and any recognised conservation qualifications. Detail your hands-on experience with metal objects and your ability to manage complex conservation treatments.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since effective communication is key for this role, provide examples of how you've successfully explained technical information to various audiences. This could include experiences working with peers, partners, or non-specialist colleagues.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your cover letter to reflect your passion for preserving cultural heritage and your commitment to high standards of care. Mention specific aspects of the Royal Collection Trust that resonate with you and how you can contribute to their goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Royal Household
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with metal conservation techniques. Highlight specific projects where you successfully applied traditional methods and how they contributed to preserving cultural heritage.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Since the role requires meticulous condition reporting and treatment proposals, share examples of how you've managed complex tasks with precision. This will show your potential employer that you can handle the responsibilities of the position.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining technical concepts in a way that non-specialists can understand. This is crucial as you'll need to engage with various teams and stakeholders, so showcasing your communication skills will be key.
✨Understand Health and Safety Protocols
Familiarise yourself with health and safety regulations relevant to conservation work, such as COSHH and RAMS documentation. Being knowledgeable about these protocols will demonstrate your commitment to safe practices in the workplace.