Seize the chance to contribute and safeguard cultural heritage as a Conservator at The British Museum's transformational Masterplan
Overview
£33470
Bloomsbury, UK (with occasional travel)
Expires at anytime
Organisation Summary.
The British Museum, one of the world's most renowned cultural institutions, is initiating a tremendous Masterplan transformation - a redevelopment of galleries and collection spaces. We have a unique opening for a Conservator in our new team that will focus on our Masterplan initiative, safeguarding and caring for our priceless collections. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that is exciting and enriching.
Role Summary.
- Perform practical conservation treatments on objects like stone, wall paintings and mosaics
- Support the large-object decant project
- Follow best-practice conservation procedures
- Participate in collaborative work across different departments
- Ensure health and safety standards are upheld
- Contribute to public outreach and advocacy
Role Requirements.
- A qualified professional conservator, with specialization in stone, wall paintings and mosaics
- Strong practical conservation skills
- Understanding of material deterioration, conservation theory, and preventive conservation principles
- Experience in display-related activities and health & safety considerations
- Good IT skills and ability to handle stress and deliver under pressure
Benefits.
- Being part of a world-renowned institution
- Generous annual leave and pension schemes
- Culture-related perks including free and discounted entries to museums and galleries
- Financial support for travel and rental deposits
- Wellbeing support and additional amenities for convenience
The British Museum is embarking on a transformational Masterplan programme — an ambitious, long-term redevelopment of our galleries and collection spaces. We are seeking a Conservator: Masterplan to help safeguard our collection during a major large-object decant and associated critical projects. In this role, you will care for the collection, ensuring the long-term stability and protection, through a combination of interventive and preventive measures for a range of objects, including large objects, with a particular focus on stone, wall paintings and mosaics. This is a brand-new conservation team who will contribute to one of the world’s most comprehensive cultural heritage redevelopment programmes. This is an exciting opportunity for a flexible, creative and innovative individual.
Key areas of responsibility include carrying out practical conservation treatments with a focus on stone, wall paintings and mosaic objects. You will support the large-object decant project, caring for objects relocated to storage. Maintain and apply conservation procedures, ensuring best practice. Work collaboratively across Conservation, Collection Care and Moves, and other Museum departments. Uphold the latest health and safety standards ensuring best practice. Contribute to public outreach through talks, publishing, and advocacy. Support documentation, surveys, data analysis and the development of new conservation approaches.
About you: You should have a professional conservation qualification (degree level or equivalent) with specialism in stone, wall paintings and mosaics. Strong practical skills in conserving a range of object types, with a particular focus on stone, wall paintings and mosaics. Understanding of material deterioration, conservation theory, ethical decision making and preventive conservation principles. Experience in display-related activities and familiarity with health & safety considerations. Good IT skills across a range of systems. Ability to manage detailed conservation work under pressure and plan your workload effectively. Experience solving problems independently and delivering work to time and budget. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including confidence presenting publicly.
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.