Senior Preventive Conservator

Do you have an interest in preventive conservation and protecting collections before damage occurs? Are you ready to lead a small team and oversee the environmental care of a diverse museum collection?

About us

The Conservation & Collections Care team (C&CC) support all conservation activity across the collection and are responsible for establishing and maintaining conservation and collection care standards. We are looking for a motivated and knowledgeable Senior Preventive Conservator to join the Conservation and Collections Care team at the Science Museum.

This role will have both line management and project management responsibilities. Working with Science Museum Group policies and protocols you will be instrumental in the development and delivery of a proactive preventive conservation programme providing focused and consistent preventive care for SMG collections based in London.

About the role

In this role you be covering a diverse range of activities. You will be responsible for the collection, reporting and use of our environmental data, improving workflows, and feeding into the development and improvement of policies and procedures. You will also be responsible for training around preventive matters, including salvage procedures.

You'll be joining a dedicated Conservation & Collections Care team, which includes the Conservation & Collections Care Manager, Conservators, Collection Care Assistants (CCAs), and a Senior Masterplan Conservator. In this role, you will line-manage the Preventive Conservator, who in turn manages the CCAs, providing leadership and support across the team to ensure the effective care, preservation, and management of the collection.

About you

We are keen to hear from candidates with a solid foundation in preventive conservation, whether through a recognised qualification or substantial practical experience. You will bring demonstrable skills in developing policies, workflows and projects that ensure continuous improvement in caring for collections, alongside confidence in using environmental monitoring systems and preventive scientific equipment.

With extensive experience advising on storage, display and transport, you'll be adept at working with a wide range of stakeholders and communicating complex information with clarity. A thorough knowledge of UK Health and Safety regulations, especially regarding collection hazards and risk management, is crucial, along with the capability to make sound decisions while also collaborating effectively with a team. The ability to handle change, problem-solving skills and a values-driven, inclusive approach will be key to thriving in this role.

Experience in leading teams, remedial conservation of complex objects, or the use of analytical techniques and collections databases would be an advantage.

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.

What we offer

Working with a world-leading museum group that offers access to truly unique environments and collections, you'll benefit from the perks listed below, as well as full support for life events such as parental and adoption leave, sickness, and career breaks.

• Meaningful work. We're a mission-led organisation where the work you do supports us in Inspiring Futures.
• Career growth. We offer enhanced support with personal and professional development.
• Work/life balance. We offer 27 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays, along with flexible policies which support you and your home life.
• Health & Dental Insurance. Extra peace of mind, from day one.
• All our colleagues can access an employee assistance programme, access to the Unmind app, and other wellbeing support.
• Colleague networks. Our colleague-led networks are an informal forum for colleagues to come together to discuss topics of shared interest and lived experience. They create a space for people to exchange ideas, discuss best practice, socialise and build a sense of community.
• Enhanced contributory pension. To support you in saving for the future.
• Interest-free loans. When you need a little extra cash for life events or home improvements.
• Great discounts. Free entry to exhibitions, discounts in our shops, cafes, and access to other museums in the NMDC network.

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 develop 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 .