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- Tasks: Lead preventive conservation for exhibitions and international projects at a world-renowned museum.
- Company: The British Museum, a global leader in culture and history.
- Benefits: Generous leave, exceptional pension, cultural perks, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Join a transformative team and shape the future of conservation in a prestigious setting.
- Qualifications: Professional conservation qualification and experience in exhibition-related conservation.
- Other info: Collaborate with experts and influence best practices in collection care.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ 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 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. *Unfortunately, for this role we are unable to offer Sponsorship to applicants.* The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.
Conservator: Exhibitions in London employer: Trustees of the British Museum
Contact Detail:
Trustees of the British Museum Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 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 conservation projects, especially those related to exhibitions. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your approach to preventive conservation and how you tackle complex challenges. Confidence in your knowledge and skills can make a huge difference during interviews.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining our team at the British Museum.
We think you need these skills to ace 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 projects!
Showcase Your Expertise: Use specific examples to demonstrate your knowledge of contemporary conservation principles and practices. We love seeing how you've tackled complex challenges in past roles, so share those stories with us!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and qualifications stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at the British Museum.
How to prepare for a job interview at Trustees of 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 their exhibition programme, as well as any recent projects they've undertaken. This will show your genuine interest and help you speak confidently about how you can contribute.
✨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, which is crucial for this role.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since the role involves collaboration and influencing others, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think about how you can motivate and engage different audiences, whether they are colleagues or stakeholders. Good communication can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the British Museum's values: Care Deeply, Embrace the Unknown, Spark Curiosity, and Value Many Voices. Prepare to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and provide examples of how you've embodied these principles in your previous work.
