Conservator (Engineering) HMS Belfast

Imperial War Museums; London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to preserving history aboard one of London’s most iconic ships, the HMS Belfast. This role offers the chance to lead a diverse team in unique restoration projects while engaging with the public to enhance their understanding of historical significance. You will play a crucial role in ensuring the ship's preservation and maintenance, while also fostering a safe and educational environment. If you are passionate about history and skilled in mechanical conservation, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Qualified in mechanical or marine engineering or equivalent experience.
• Experience in supervising teams and managing conservation projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead restoration and conservation projects on HMS Belfast.
• Supervise staff and volunteers, ensuring safety compliance.
• Engage with visitors to enhance their experience.

Skills

Mechanical Conservation

Marine Engineering

Health and Safety Compliance

Team Supervision

Education

City and Guilds or NVQ 3 in Engineering

Job description

Are you passionate about history and skilled in mechanical conservation? Join us aboard one of London’s most iconic attractions on the River Thames – the HMS Belfast – where you will be instrumental in steering a diverse team in the preservation and maintenance of our historic ship, its structure, and fittings.

Key responsibilities include spearheading unique restoration and conservation projects, supervising a diverse team of staff and volunteers, ensuring health and safety compliance, and engaging with the public to explain historical significance and enhance visitor experience.

To be considered for this role, you’ll need to be qualified to City and Guilds or NVQ 3 in a relevant engineering discipline OR have demonstrable experience of working in mechanical or marine engineering.

Duties

1. Large object restoration and conservation
2. Preparing a general outline of work required to complete specific projects.
3. Preparing a work plan for the next three months to be updated on a monthly basis.
4. Identifying the components required to complete specific projects.
5. Placing orders through the Conservation manager for consumables and stock items required.
6. Liaising with the Conservation Manager to arrange long term storage for components removed from the exhibits.
7. Carrying out condition surveys of objects and items as directed by the Conservation Manager.
8. Preparing a conservation work plan based on the survey in conjunction with all stakeholders in the project.

Supervision

1. Supervising Technicians, Volunteers, and work experience students allocated to work on projects under their control to achieve the agreed plan of work on the exhibit under restoration/conservation.
2. Ensuring that work carried out under their control is performed in accordance with relevant Health and Safety Regulations.
3. Instructing Technicians, Volunteers, and work experience students in restoration/conservation techniques when necessary.
4. Ensuring that staff, volunteers, and work experience students are authorized to carry out tasks in accordance with Engineering orders, competency, and health and safety legislation.

Technical areas

1. Advising on general health and safety requirements or issues in areas within their responsibility.

Conservation support equipment

1. Liaising with the Conservation Manager to advise on future requirements or shortcomings.
2. Notifying unserviceability to the Conservation Manager.
3. Carrying out pre-use inspections on equipment intended for use.
4. Returning equipment to correct storage after use.

Research

1. Researching and learning about objects to ensure historical accuracy of conservation work.
2. Maintaining logs and records of research.

Visitor Experience

1. Engaging with the public to explain conservation work and its importance, maintaining a helpful demeanor.
2. Explaining the historical origins of objects based on knowledge and research.

Conservation records

1. Maintaining comprehensive written and photographic records of conservation work.
2. Liaising with the Conservation Manager to keep records and exhibit files updated.

For a full list of duties and the person specification (which your application will be marked against), please view the Job Description.