Conservator: Treasure

The British Museum is seeking a Conservator: Treasure to join the department of Collection Care and Moves. The postholder will focus on assisting in the Museum’s role in the Treasure process, safeguarding the finds placed in the Museum’s care and preparing them for identification and the necessary documentation. When time allows, the postholder will also contribute to the care of the collection through a combination of interventive and preventive measures in support of the museum's operating plan and will proactively engage with the Public Programme activities of the Department of Collection Care and Moves.

Based in the Ceramic, Glass and Metals team the role requires the post holder to possess a recognised professional conservation qualification to degree level and demonstrate good general knowledge in the care and conservation of inorganic objects, with an emphasis on freshly excavated archaeological material.

Key areas of responsibility include contributing to the conservation of archaeological material, mainly metals, working collaboratively with colleagues within the department and across the Museum, recording and documenting recently excavated material, and contributing to the Museum’s outreach activities.

The ideal candidate will have a recognised professional conservation qualification to degree level or equivalent with emphasis on the conservation of Ceramic, Glass and Metal conservation, specialist knowledge of freshly excavated archaeological material and some experience in field excavation, excellent skills in the conservation of historical and archaeological metals, and understanding of mechanisms involved in material deterioration.

The British Museum offers a competitive benefits package including generous annual leave allowance, membership of the civil service defined benefit pension scheme, free entry to a wide range of museums and exhibitions, participation in private and public Museum activities, interest-free travel, bicycle, and rental deposit loans, professional and personal development opportunities, and discounts on food and gift shop purchases.

The Museum is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from unlawful discrimination or harassment. We value the benefits that a diverse workforce brings to a museum which represents world culture. The Museum is committed to ensuring that no job applicant suffers unlawful discrimination because of any protected characteristics. Our recruitment procedures aim to ensure that individuals are treated because of their relevant knowledge, skills, and experience. We specifically encourage applications from candidates from ethnic minority groups who are underrepresented within our senior roles. We offer a flexible way of working scheme that allows our employees to work remotely in a way that suits them and the organisation. We would typically see this role as working on site about 5 days a week.