Job Description

Please access the Application Form

Please note you will need to download an application form as directed and upload it via our recruitment system in the space provided. We cannot accept CVs in place of an application form.

Conservator

Salary \xc2\xa330,450 \xe2\x80\x93 32,550 per annum

Band B / L1

The Royal Armouries is looking for an exceptional candidate to join the Collection Services Conservation team based in Leeds.

We are the UK\xe2\x80\x99s National Museum of Arms and Armour, holding one of the largest collections of arms and armour in the world, including the national artillery collection and the National Firearms Centre collection. We aim to care for the collection to the highest standards, ensuring they are preserved and developed for future generations, to be a model for best practice and a centre of excellence for the care and use of arms and armour collection.

For this exciting opportunity we are looking for someone with significant practical conservation experience and knowledge, a flexible and pragmatic approach to work, excellent planning and organisational skills with the ability to work to tight deadlines, exceptional interpersonal and communication skills. Knowledge and experience in the care and conservation of arms and armour collections including firearms and interest in the world arms and armour is highly desirable.

This position is a permanent role working full time, 36 hours per week, 5 days out of 7. Weekend, Bank Holiday and evening working will occasionally be required, as will some travel. Applications for part-time / job shares are welcome.

Benefits

• Access to the Bike2Work scheme
• Access to EAP Employee Assistance Program
• 27.5 days holiday plus Bank Holidays
• Access to on-site staff car parking
• 25% off staff shop
• 10% off food in on-site caf\xc3\xa9 plus discounted drinks and meals for staff
• Pension scheme max employer contribution is 9%
• Applications for assistance with relocation costs will be considered

Closing Date: 11 January 2024

Interview Date: 18 January 2024.

Additional Information

Successful applicants must have the relevant right to work documentation in place.

A Police Check/ Disclosure will be requested in the event of a successful application. Please refer to the job description for the level of check required. A criminal record would not necessarily be a bar to employment.

Due to the volume of applications, we received we are not able to respond to everyone individually. If you do not hear back from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Purpose

To provide excellent collections care and conservation for the nationally and internationally important collection of Royal Armouries in accordance with professional museum and industry standards through remedial and preventative conservation work as part of a small, dedicated team.

Key tasks

• To undertake condition assessments and complete remedial and interventive conservation treatments.
• To maintain and monitor collection items ensuring they are not put at risk.
• To carry out research, analytical and scientific investigation of collection items and conservation treatments.
• To create and maintain comprehensive records of work carried out.
• To prepare condition reports, treatment proposals and full post-conservation reports.
• To supervise students, interns, and volunteers, including mentoring and monitoring quality of output.
• To courier museum objects as required.
• To assist the Preventative Conservator including environmental monitoring, conservation housekeeping and Integrated Pest Management.
• To assist with gallery and store maintenance.
• To work alongside technicians to create custom mounts & display requirements.
• To assist with exhibitions, displays and loans in and out.
• To answer general and specific enquiries, internally and externally, and to provide advice and assistance, where appropriate.
• To carry out demonstrations, deliver talks and training to internal and external audiences.
• To keep abreast of, and where appropriate, contribute to best practice in conservation.
• To contribute and assist with the Museum\xe2\x80\x99s disaster preparedness and active post-incident response to emergency events.
• To work within H&S legislation and guidelines, completing the requisite paperwork.

Relationships

• Cultivate internal relationships that cross team boundaries and demonstrate a willingness to collaborate with all team members.
• Maintain and build partnerships with senior managers and museum partners.

Policies and Procedure

• Comply with legislation, policy & procedures including Health & Safety.
• Adhere to organisational policies and procedures to protect people and the museum\xe2\x80\x99s reputation.

Personal Responsibilities

• Work flexibly to meet the needs of the team.
• Work as part of a team and support colleagues.
• Protect the reputation of the museum.
• Demonstrate the museum\xe2\x80\x99s values.

Functional Expertise

• Use specialist knowledge and expertise to achieve the delivery of objectives and targets.

General

The post-holder will be expected to:

• Ensure that Royal Armouries non-Collection policies and procedures are followed by staff.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post.

Physical Conditions

• Full time position working 36 hours per week, 5 days out of 7.
• Occasional weekend and bank holiday working.
• Occasional evening and \xe2\x80\x98unsociable hours\xe2\x80\x99 duties.
• Based in Leeds but with travel to Fort Nelson and the Tower of London.

Disclosure

An Enhanced Disclosure and other security checks will be requested in the event of a successful application. However, a criminal record would not necessarily be a bar to employment. Any decision made would depend upon the nature of the position and the circumstances and background of the offence,

Line Management

• Conservator reports directly to the Conservation and Technical Manager
• This post has no direct line management responsibilities.

Person Specification

Job Title: Conservator

Department: Collections and Learning Department, Royal Armouries

Selection Criteria

E = Essential for applicants to meet relevant standard.

D = Desirable for applicants to meet the relevant standard.

CRITERIA

STANDARD

E/D

EVIDENCE

Qualifications

Educated to degree level or equivalent in a relevant subject

E

Application / Certificates

Post-graduate qualification in relevant area

D

Application / Certificate

Accredited by the Institute of Conservation

D

Application/Certificate

Member of the Institute of Conservation & / or other professional body

D

Application / Certificate

Work and Experience

Experience of relevant practical remedial and interventive conservation work within the museum sector

E

Application / Interview / Test

Previous experience of working within a museum or heritage environment

E

Application / Interview / Test

Experience of handling museum objects

E

Application / Interview / Test

Excellent IT Skills including good knowledge of Windows packages including Word & Excel and demonstrative knowledge of electronic records, cataloguing and collections management systems

E

Application / Interview / Test

Knowledge and experience of digital photography

E

Application / Interview / Test

Knowledge and experience of working with hazards in collections, including asbestos, radiation & heavy metals

E

Application / Interview / Test

Experience in the use and application of X-Ray and X-Ray Fluorescence scanner

D

Application / Interview

Skills

Ability to plan and coordinate effectively

E

Application/Interview

Excellent presentation, verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking

E

Application/Interview

Highly developed persuasion and negotiation skills

E

Application/Interview

Must possess good manual dexterity, good observational skills and an eye for detail

E

Application / Interview / Test

Knowledge of professionally recognized standards, legislation and procedures for museum collections care and conservation

E

Application/Interview

Knowledge and experience in the care and conservation of arms and armour collections, including firearms

D

Application / Interview

An interest in the world of arms and armour

E

Application / Interview

Interest in and proven track record in continuing professional development and publishing

D

Application / Interview

Aptitudes

Ability to work flexibly and adapt to change

E

Application/Interview

Ability to work on own initiative, or as a member of a team

E

Application/Interview

Ability to prioritise work to meet deadlines

E

Application/Interview

Ability to work at height confidently & lift heavy weights

D

Application / Interview

Royal Armouries