Job Description

We require a temporary part time Project Paper Conservator to assist our in-house team with our exhibition loan programme.
RBG Kew holds a world-renowned collection of botanical illustration, forming an exceptional visual record for species of plants and fungi. The collection comprises over 200,000 prints and drawings, ranging in date from the 18th century to the present day.
The Project Paper Conservator will work onsite at the Conservation Studio at Kew, preparing paper-based collections for exhibition loan and returns. This will include undertaking remedial conservation treatments and mounting and framing/de-framing botanical illustrations. The Project Paper Conservator will ensure that planning and treatments are accurately documented and undertake loan photography and documentation to produce accurate condition assessment reports.
This is a 11-week 0.6 FTE / 3 days/week contract between 12 January - 27 March 2026.
Hours of work
Part time
Part-time hours per week
21
Contract Type
Fixed Term (FTA)
Contract start date
12 January 2026
Contract end date
27 March 2026
Salary
34,216 per annum (pro rata) [Band C]
Directorate
Science
Location
Kew Gardens, Richmond
Closing Date
16/11/2025
Documents
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(PDF, 141.69kb)
More details
With a qualification in Conservation, or equivalent experience, our ideal candidate will have a specialism in paper conservation, ideally art, prints and drawing collections. They must have knowledge and experience of conservation practices and methodologies especially for works on paper.
With experience preparing paper-based collections for exhibition, our ideal candidate will be competent delivering remedial conservation treatments, such as backing removal, cleaning and repairing treatments as well as mounting and framing, and packing loans ready for transportation.
With excellent written communication skills and attention to detail they will have experience undertaking loan photography and producing accurate condition assessment reports.
Our ideal candidate will be able to work collaboratively as part of a team while having a proven ability to plan own time and meet deadlines.
Interview: Tuesday 2 December 2025.
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) is a leading plant science institute, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and major visitor attraction. Our mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth.
We are working to end the unprecedented extinction crisis and to help create a world where nature is protected, valued by all and managed sustainably. We will achieve these goals by drawing on our leading scientific research, unrivalled collections of plants and fungi, global network of partners, inspirational gardens at Kew and Wakehurst, and our 260 years of history.
Join us on our journey as protectors of the world's plants and fungi.
The salary for this position is 34,216 per annum (pro rata) [Band C]
Our fantastic benefits package includes opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, an Employee Assistance Programme and other wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership. We also offer a competitive pension, an employee discount scheme and free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries, as well as access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.
If you are interested in this position, please submit your application through the online portal, by clicking "Apply for this job".
We are dedicated to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to interview disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.
No agencies please.

Skills Required