Conservator

Are you an experienced Book Conservator who can use your knowledge and skills to make a difference at the National Records of Scotland? The National Records of Scotland (NRS) collect, preserve and publish information about Scotland's people and history, to inform current and future generations. We are looking for an experienced book conservator to join the Archive Conservation team, within the Collections Care branch. The Archive Conservation team delivers a comprehensive programme of archive conservation treatment, with the aims of prolonging the life of the collection while also maximising access to the archival records and enhancing the experience of our customers. This is achieved through a combination of special projects and ongoing programmes, working together with colleagues across the organisation as well as external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a range of book and archive conservation treatments, in order to ready items for digitisation, make items fit for consultation and prepare items for internal exhibitions and external loans.
• Assess and rehouse or treat as required archives at the point when they enter NRS buildings for the first time or are prepared for a temporary or permanent move out of NRS.
• Collect, interpret, and report on the data required to support decision‑making and to assess impact, for example, through collection surveys, condition assessments and technical examination.
• Contribute to internal and external stakeholder engagement relating to archive conservation, for example through the provision of training and advice, and with public engagement activities.
• Work with colleagues to disseminate and undertake conservation and heritage science research, which may involve developing collaborations with external organisations such as universities.
• Participate in understanding, interpreting and applying relevant legislation, regulations and practice, keeping abreast of new developments.
• Undertake staff management and development, including assisting with the supervision of a team of three preservation assistants, occasional placement students and volunteers.

Qualifications

• A graduate or postgraduate‑level qualification in book/paper conservation, from an institution in the UK or other jurisdiction.
• PACR (Professional Accreditation of Conservators – Restorers) accredited membership of Icon or a willingness to pursue such accreditation.

Technical and Professional Skills

• B15 Assessing the stability and condition of archives and records – Level 3
• B16 Identifying and evaluating conservation options and strategies – Level 3
• B17 Applying interventive conservation measures to archives and records – Level 3
• B18 Developing specialist skills and knowledge – Level 3

Experience

• Experience of successfully delivering complex book and archive conservation, including finding innovative approaches for the care and conservation of large archival collections.
• Experience of providing training and support for internal and external archive users.
• Experience of public engagement activities such as giving tours and talks and writing content for publications and social media.

Behaviours

• Working together – Level 3
• Changing and improving – Level 3

Success Profile

Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on. The Success Profile will include the Professional / Technical skills, Experience and Behaviours.

Working Pattern

Our standard hours are 35 hours per week. We offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options depending on the needs of the role.

Security Checks

Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including identity, right to work, employment history and criminal record checks (unspent convictions).

Equality Statement

We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.