Conservator (Paper)
| Posting date: | 23 May 2024 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £30,319 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 20 June 2024 |
| Location: | Swindon, Wiltshire, SN4 9LT |
| Company: | Science Museum Group |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | SMG02879_1716453545 |
Summary
Conservator (Paper)
Do you have experience undertaking remedial conservation of 2D, paper or archival objects? Would you like to help us improve the storage, handling and access for a wide range of rare archival materials?
About us
The Science Museum's world-class library and archive collections chart the world-wide development and history of science, engineering and medicine from the fifteenth to the twenty-first century. Original printed works include books, journals, patents, trade literature, directories and maps.
We are looking for a Conservator (Paper) to work alongside our Library Collections Manager, Archives Cataloguer and a team of volunteers. This is a full-time role working 35 hours per week on a fixed-term contract for 12 months.
About the role
As Conservator (Paper) you will support a significant project involving Science Museum Group's Archives & Libraries collections, which intends to improve storage, handling and access for a range of rare and sensitive materials.
You will survey, assess, prioritise and complete remedial conservation treatments. There are three key areas of the project: advising on packing and storage improvements, identifying pest and hazard management concerns, and undertaking basic conservation treatments. You will also support improvements to the current storage arrangements by overseeing the install of new storage furniture and the deployment of a box-making machine.
Working with Science Museum Group policies and protocols, you will ensure that these tasks are carried out in a safe and secure manner to comply with current legislation and following best professional practice. You will also be directing the work of a team of volunteers with the support of the Volunteer Coordinator.
About you
Joining us you will have a relevant conservation qualification or equivalent practical experience and knowledge. You will have practical experience of condition reporting & undertaking remedial conservation of range of 2D, paper or archival objects.
Crucially, you will have knowledge and practical application of current UK Health and Safety practice within manual handling, collections hazard management, use of power tools, lifting and moving equipment, writing Risk and COSHH assessments. You will also have good team-working skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with others, in addition to a proactive approach to working independently, with ability to complete time-sensitive projects, meeting set deadlines calmly and effectively.
Applying
View the Vacancy Information Pack listed under 'Attachments' on the vacancy listing on our website for more details about the role and the application process, or click 'Apply Online' to submit an application.
Don't feel you meet all of the criteria? At SMG, we are committed to building a workforce that is open for all, and welcome you to apply, even if your experience doesn't fit perfectly. With your transferable skills, you could be the right candidate for this, or other opportunities that we have.
What we offer
Joining us as an employee, you will have the opportunity to develop your career in a world-class museum group. We understand that work/life balance and wellbeing is crucial to our colleagues, so we offer the perks listed below, as well as support for things that happen in life such as parental and adoption leave, sickness, and career breaks.
- Support with personal and professional development
- 27 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays
- Employee assistance programme
- Enhanced contributory pension
- Unmind App and other wellbeing support
- Interest-free loans
- Days Out discounts
- Health & Dental Insurance
Open for All is one of the Science Museum Group's five core values and sets out our important aspiration to be a place for everyone. We are working hard to understand our organisation better and to foster a culture that recognises and values different backgrounds, mindsets, skills, experience, knowledge, and expertise. By having greater diversity, we believe that we will be a stronger and better organisation, capable to continue to Inspire Futures.