Conservator: Masterplan - London

Conservator: Masterplan - London

About the role

The British Museum is embarking on a transformational Masterplan programme — an ambitious, long‑term redevelopment of our galleries and collection spaces. We are seeking a Conservator: Masterplan to help safeguard our collection during a major large‑object decant and associated critical projects.

In this role, you will care for the collection, ensuring the long-term stability and protection, through a combination of interventive and preventive measures for a range of objects, including large objects, with a particular focus on stone, wall paintings and mosaics.

This is a brand-new conservation team who will contribute to one of the world’s most comprehensive cultural heritage redevelopment programmes. This is an exciting opportunity for a flexible, creative and innovative individual.

Key areas of responsibility

• Carry out practical conservation treatments with a focus on stone, wall paintings and mosaic objects.
• Support the large-object decant project, caring for objects relocated to storage.
• Maintain and apply conservation procedures, ensuring best practice.
• Work collaboratively across Conservation, Collection Care and Moves, and other Museum departments.
• Uphold the latest health and safety standards ensuring best practice.
• Contribute to public outreach through talks, publishing, and advocacy.
• Support documentation, surveys, data analysis and the development of new conservation approaches.

About you

• A professional conservation qualification (degree level or equivalent) with specialism in stone, wall paintings and mosaics.
• Strong practical skills in conserving a range of object types, with a particular focus on stone, wall paintings and mosaics.
• Understanding of material deterioration, conservation theory, ethical decision making and preventive conservation principles.
• Experience in display-related activities and familiarity with health & safety considerations.
• Good IT skills across a range of systems.
• Ability to manage detailed conservation work under pressure and plan your workload effectively.
• Experience solving problems independently and delivering work to time and budget.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including confidence presenting publicly.

• Be a part of a world-renowned institution, where history, culture, and innovation come together!
• Generous Leave: 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service) plus 2.5 privilege days and bank holidays.
• Exceptional Pension: Secure your future with one of the UK’s most generous defined benefit schemes – guaranteed income for life.
• Cultural Perks: Free tickets to exhibitions, plus complimentary and discounted entry to leading museums and galleries worldwide.
• Financial Support: Interest-free travel loans and rental deposit loans.
• Wellbeing: Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for mental health and wellbeing support.
• Everyday Extras: Paid 1-hour lunch break, subsidised staff canteen, and discounts in our gift shop.

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 to [email protected] .

*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