Conservator

Conservator

Do you have a relevant conservation qualification or equivalent practical experience and knowledge? Do you want the opportunity to undertake interventive object conservation treatments on our varied historic collection?

About us

The Power Hall decarbonisation project at Science and Industry Museum, Manchester, is an exciting project to develop the historic listed building that was once a former shipping shed on the site of the world's oldest surviving passenger railway.

The Power Hall gallery has been undergoing extensive estate works since 2019 to make the building more sustainable, and the project is now at a point where we are recruiting roles to prepare the historic objects ready for redisplay.

As part of this project, we are now recruiting for two Conservators to join our team. This is a fixed term contract for 10 months working 35 hours per week based on site at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester.

About the role

As Conservator you will execute conservation practices to a high standard whilst supporting the redisplay of Power Hall. This includes devising and undertaking interventive object conservation treatments on historic collections, providing practical solutions and ensuring appropriate methodologies are used, including condition checking and appropriate documentation.

You may be asked to advise on movement, display conditions, object and vehicle protection, installation, and object storage. You will be working with large objects, including working historic engines. This role will help support external specialists in returning the engines back to running order.

You will line manage the Collections Care Assistant and on occasion you may manage/supervise interns, students and volunteers. You will act as a responsible person in managing hazardous materials in collections and supervising related specialist contractors.

You will ensure that these tasks are carried out in a safe and secure manner to comply with current legislation and following best professional practice.

About you

Joining us you will have a relevant conservation qualification or equivalent practical experience and knowledge. You will have excellent knowledge and practical experience of conservation practices.

You will have knowledge of and the ability to use manual handling techniques, collections hazard management, power tools, lifting and moving equipment, in addition to the ability to write Risk and COSHH assessments.

You will be able to work well under pressure and use excellent prioritising skills and time management to meet tight deadlines calmly and effectively. Crucially you will be able to make evidence-based decisions, solve problems and be adaptable in the face of change.

Applying

View the Vacancy Information Pack listed under 'Attachments' on the vacancy listing on our website for more details about the role and the application process, or click 'Apply Online' to submit an application.

Don't feel you meet all of the criteria? At SMG, we are committed to building a workforce that is open for all, and welcome you to apply, even if your experience doesn't fit perfectly. With your transferable skills, you could be the right candidate for this, or other opportunities that we have.

What we offer

Joining us as an employee, you will have the opportunity to develop your career in a world-class museum group. We understand that work/life balance and wellbeing is crucial to our colleagues, so we offer the perks listed below, as well as support for things that happen in life such as parental and adoption leave, sickness, and career breaks.

* Support with personal and professional development
* 27 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays
* Employee assistance programme
* Enhanced contributory pension
* Unmind App and other wellbeing support
* Interest-free loans
* Days Out discounts
* Health & Dental Insurance

Open for All is one of the Science Museum Group's five core values and sets out our important aspiration to be a place for everyone. We are working hard to understand our organisation better and to foster a culture that recognises and values different backgrounds, mindsets, skills, experience, knowledge, and expertise. By having greater diversity, we believe that we will be a stronger and better organisation, capable to continue to Inspire Futures.

Museum Website: https://www.aplitrak.com/?adid=aHJzZXJ2aWNlLjQ4OTA4LjExMTkzQHNjaWVuY2VtdXNldW0uYXBsaXRyYWsuY29t