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- Tasks: Join the British Museum as a Conservator: Treasure, caring for archaeological finds and engaging with the public.
- Company: The British Museum, a historic institution, showcases over two million years of human history.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a civil service pension, and discounts on food and gifts.
- Why this job: Be part of a renowned museum, contribute to conservation, and engage in exciting outreach activities.
- Qualifications: Degree-level conservation qualification, knowledge of metals, and experience in museum or heritage sectors required.
- Other info: Fixed-term role until March 2026, with interviews on 17 June 2025.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 36000 £ per year.
The British Museum is seeking a Conservator: Treasure to join the Department of Collection Care and Moves. The postholder will assist in the Museum's Treasure process, safeguarding finds and preparing them for identification and documentation. When possible, the postholder will also contribute to collection care through interventive and preventive measures, support the Museum's operating plan, and engage with Public Programme activities. Based in the Ceramic, Glass and Metals team, the role requires a recognised professional conservation qualification to degree level, with good knowledge in conserving inorganic objects, especially freshly excavated archaeological material.
Key areas of responsibility:
- Conserve archaeological materials, mainly metals.
- Collaborate with colleagues within the department and across the Museum, including the Portable Antiquities Scheme and other antiquities departments.
- Record and document recently excavated material.
- Contribute to outreach activities such as public speaking, social media, and publishing.
- Advocate for the Museum.
- Work flexibly according to museum priorities.
- Contribute to conservation of other materials outside own specialism as needed.
- Assist in preparing objects for loan, exhibition, and storage.
- Support collection care through documentation, surveys, data collection, analysis, and public events.
- Develop new preventive or interventive conservation measures.
About you:
- Recognised professional conservation qualification to degree level or equivalent, with emphasis on Ceramic, Glass, and Metal conservation.
- Specialist knowledge of freshly excavated archaeological material and some field excavation experience.
- Excellent skills in conserving historical and archaeological metals.
- Understanding of deterioration mechanisms.
- Strong knowledge of preventive conservation principles.
- Understanding of conservation theory and ethics.
- Knowledge of health and safety standards.
- Good IT skills, including digital imaging and documentation.
- Experience in museum or heritage sectors during training or employment.
- Effective communicator with good spoken and written English.
- Teamwork and collaboration skills.
Benefits:
- Generous annual leave of 25 days, rising to 30 days after 10 years, plus 2.5 privilege days and bank holidays.
- Civil service pension scheme.
- Free entry to museums and exhibitions.
- Participation in Museum activities, including talks and behind-the-scenes access.
- Interest-free travel, bicycle, and rental deposit loans.
- Development opportunities.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Discounts on food and gift shop purchases.
Interviews are scheduled for 17 June 2025. For inquiries, contact the National Museum Directors' Council, Tate Britain, Millbank, London SW1P 4RG.
Conservator: Treasure employer: www.nationalmuseums.org.uk - Jobboard
Contact Detail:
www.nationalmuseums.org.uk - Jobboard Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Conservator: Treasure
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the conservation field, especially those who have experience with archaeological materials. Attend relevant workshops or conferences to meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest practices in conservation.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the British Museum's current exhibitions and conservation projects. This knowledge will not only help you understand their priorities but also allow you to tailor your conversations during interviews to demonstrate your genuine interest in their work.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with the Portable Antiquities Scheme and other related organisations. Understanding their processes and how they collaborate with museums can give you an edge in discussions about your role and responsibilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your past conservation work, particularly with metals and archaeological materials. Highlight any innovative techniques you've used or developed, as this will showcase your problem-solving skills and creativity in conservation.
We think you need these skills to ace Conservator: Treasure
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Conservator: Treasure position. Highlight key skills and experiences that align with the role.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your relevant experience in conservation, particularly with inorganic objects and archaeological materials. Emphasise any field excavation experience and your professional conservation qualifications.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for conservation and your understanding of the British Museum's mission. Mention specific examples of your work with metals and archaeological materials, and how you can contribute to their collection care.
Proofread and Submit: Before submitting your application, proofread all documents for clarity and correctness. Ensure that your application is submitted via the StudySmarter website before the deadline of 2 June 2025 at 12pm.
How to prepare for a job interview at www.nationalmuseums.org.uk - Jobboard
✨Showcase Your Conservation Knowledge
Make sure to highlight your professional conservation qualification and any specific experience you have with ceramic, glass, and metal conservation. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of deterioration mechanisms and preventive conservation principles.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with colleagues across various departments, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in past roles. Emphasise your teamwork skills and how you can contribute to a positive working environment.
✨Prepare for Public Engagement Questions
As the position includes outreach activities, think about how you would engage with the public through talks or social media. Prepare examples of past experiences where you've communicated complex information effectively to a non-specialist audience.
✨Understand the Museum's Mission
Familiarise yourself with the British Museum's history and its collections. Being able to articulate how your role as a Conservator: Treasure aligns with the museum's mission will show your genuine interest and commitment to the institution.
