Job Description

Conservator: Organics
Full-time, On-site
Permanent x1, Fixed-Term x1 (until November 2026)
33,470 per annum
Application deadline: 12pm (midday) on Monday, 1 December 2025
*We have two positions open in the Conservation team. One permanent, which will focus on the conservation of wood, furniture and decorative surfaces. The other is fixed-term, focusing on the conservation of archaeological materials and decorative surfaces.*
About the role
This is a fantastic opportunity for an early or early-to-mid career organics conservation specialist to join our friendly and dynamic team of conservation professionals at the British Museum.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to engage in lots of practice work with the collection and collaborate with stakeholders across the Museum and communities across the country and world. You will help to care for the British Museums collections through a combination of interventive and preventive measures, bringing your specialist knowledge in the conservation of a range of organic materials.
In 2024, the British Museum in Camden received 6.5 million visitors, more than any other museum in the UK. Against this backdrop, the Museum is now undergoing an extraordinary transformation, both intellectual and physical, including the loan of the Bayeux tapestry of which the team will work closely
Key areas of responsibility

• Contribute to the conservation of collections made of a wide range of organic materials.
• Assist with the preparation of objects for loan, exhibition, and permanent display.
• Provide care of the collection through dedicated projects on collections.
• Contribute to the department's outreach activities, including through public speaking, writing, publishing etc.
• Support the development of new preventive or interventive measures.
• Assist the conservation of materials / object types outside of your specialism as necessary.

About you

• Recognised professional conservation qualification to degree level or equivalent, with emphasis on the conservation of either wood, furniture and decorative materials or archaeological materials and decorative surfaces.
• Demonstrable practical skills in the conservation of a range of objects made of organic materials.
• Understanding of mechanisms involved in material deterioration.
• Knowledge of contemporary principles and practice in preventive conservation with an understanding of conservation theory and ethical decision making.
• Able to undertake highly detailed tasks while working under pressure.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

Benefits

• Be a part of a world-renowned institution, where history, culture, and innovation come together!
• 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 days after long service) plus 2.5 privilege days, in addition to bank holidays
• Generous civil service pension scheme (find out more here)
• Complimentary exhibition tickets
• Free entry at paid national museum and gallery exhibitions
• Free and discounted entry to international cultural organisations
• Interest-free travel loans and rental deposit loans
• Employee Assistance Programme for mental health support
• 1 hour paid lunch break
• Subsidised staff canteen
• Discounts on gift shop purchases

Our Values
Our values drive everything we do, from how we handle our objects to how we work in our team to fostering a culture where everyone feels heard and empowered. These are:

• Care Deeply
• Embrace the Unknown
• Spark Curiosity
• Value Many Voices

Additional details
If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details
The British Museum is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all employees 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 in line with their relevant knowledge, skills and experience.
*Unfortunately, for this role we are unable to offer Sponsorship to applicants*
The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.
Museum Website:

Skills Required