Book & Paper Conservator - Proni - Belfast

Jdr Recruitment; Belfast; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Interventive Conservator role at Public Record Office, Belfast, working on historic archives for a Northern Ireland Civil Service assignment. 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with a temporary contract from 8 October 2026 to 31 March 2027.

You will assess damage, perform interventive treatments, and advise on handling of archival materials. The role requires an MA in practical conservation (book/paper) and experience with ICON/ICRI standards, plus preventive conservation knowledge.

Qualifications

• An MA in practical conservation course specialising in book and paper conservation.
• Experience evaluating conservation damage and risks to archival collections.
• Experience completing and documenting treatments in line with ICON or ICRI standards.
• Understanding preventive conservation and deterioration reduction.

Responsibilities

• Assess conservation damage and risks affecting historic records.
• Carry out and document interventive conservation treatments on books and paper.
• Survey material before use, loan or exhibition.
• Mount PRONI documents for exhibitions.
• Produce custom enclosures and rehouse vulnerable material.
• Support the safe storage and handling of historic collections.
• Undertake mould removal where required.
• Advise staff and visitors on appropriate use of historic material.
• Deliver short talks to visitors and tour groups.

Skills

Book and paper conservation

Conservation damage assessment

Preventive conservation

Documentation of treatments

Education

MA in practical conservation / book and paper conservation

Job description

Interventive Conservator - Belfast

Location: Public Record Office, Belfast
Pay: Approx. £17.43 per hour
Hours: 37 hours | Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
Contract: Temporary assignment - 8 October 2026 to 31 March 2027

JDR Recruitment is recruiting an Interventive Conservator for a Northern Ireland Civil Service assignment with DfC at the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland.

The successful candidate will help preserve and protect historic archival records through practical conservation treatment, assessment and preventive conservation.

The Role

You will:

• Assess conservation damage and risks affecting historic records.
• Carry out and document interventive conservation treatments on books and paper.
• Survey material before use, loan or exhibition.
• Mount PRONI documents for exhibitions.
• Produce custom enclosures and rehouse vulnerable material.
• Support the safe storage and handling of historic collections.
• Undertake mould removal where required.
• Advise staff and members of the public on appropriate use of historic material.
• Deliver short talks to visitors and tour groups.

Essential Criteria

Applicants must have:

• An MA in a practical conservation course, or equivalent workplace training, specialising in book and paper conservation.
• Demonstrable experience evaluating conservation damage and risks to archival collections.
• Experience successfully completing and documenting treatments in line with ICON Professional Standards or ICRI Code of Conduct.
• An understanding of preventive conservation and methods used to reduce deterioration.

Experience working within a large archive would be advantageous.

Security Clearance

The successful candidate will be required to complete the relevant pre-employment checks and obtain Basic security clearance.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

JDR Recruitment Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.