Conservator: Treasure

www.nationalmuseums.org.uk - Jobboard; London; On-site; GBP 33,000; Full time

Job summary

The British Museum is seeking a Conservator: Treasure to assist in safeguarding finds and preparing them for documentation. The role involves conserving archaeological materials, collaborating with colleagues, and contributing to public outreach activities. A conservation qualification and good knowledge of metals are required.

Benefits

Generous annual leave of 25 days

Civil service pension scheme

Free entry to museums and exhibitions

Interest-free travel loans

Development opportunities

Qualifications

• Specialist knowledge of freshly excavated archaeological material.
• Experience in museum or heritage sectors during training or employment.

Responsibilities

• Conserve archaeological materials, mainly metals.
• Record and document recently excavated material.
• Contribute to outreach activities such as public speaking and publishing.

Skills

Conservation

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Recognised professional conservation qualification to degree level

Job description

Conservator: Treasure
Collection Care and Moves
Full-time, 41 hours per week (including one hour paid lunch break)
Fixed term (until 31 March 2026)
£32,228 per annum
Application deadline: 12pm (midday) on 2 June 2025

About the role:

The British Museum is seeking a Conservator: Treasure to join the Department of Collection Care and Moves. The postholder will assist in the Museum's Treasure process, safeguarding finds and preparing them for identification and documentation. When possible, the postholder will also contribute to collection care through interventive and preventive measures, support the Museum's operating plan, and engage with Public Programme activities. Based in the Ceramic, Glass and Metals team, the role requires a recognised professional conservation qualification to degree level, with good knowledge in conserving inorganic objects, especially freshly excavated archaeological material.

Key areas of responsibility:

1. Conserve archaeological materials, mainly metals.
2. Collaborate with colleagues within the department and across the Museum, including the Portable Antiquities Scheme and other antiquities departments.
3. Record and document recently excavated material.
4. Contribute to outreach activities such as public speaking, social media, and publishing.
5. Advocate for the Museum.
6. Work flexibly according to museum priorities.
7. Contribute to conservation of other materials outside own specialism as needed.
8. Assist in preparing objects for loan, exhibition, and storage.
9. Support collection care through documentation, surveys, data collection, analysis, and public events.
10. Develop new preventive or interventive conservation measures.

About you:

1. Recognised professional conservation qualification to degree level or equivalent, with emphasis on Ceramic, Glass, and Metal conservation.
2. Specialist knowledge of freshly excavated archaeological material and some field excavation experience.
3. Excellent skills in conserving historical and archaeological metals.
4. Understanding of deterioration mechanisms.
5. Strong knowledge of preventive conservation principles.
6. Understanding of conservation theory and ethics.
7. Knowledge of health and safety standards.
8. Good IT skills, including digital imaging and documentation.
9. Experience in museum or heritage sectors during training or employment.
10. Effective communicator with good spoken and written English.
11. Teamwork and collaboration skills.

About the British Museum:

Founded in 1753, the British Museum's collection spans over two million years of human history. It is a leading visitor attraction with collections including the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, Sutton-Hoo finds, and the Lewis Chessmen. The Museum also holds an extensive collection of prints and drawings from 600 years, including works by Dürer, Michelangelo, and Rembrandt.

View our virtual gallery of prints and drawings.

Benefits:

• Generous annual leave of 25 days, rising to 30 days after 10 years, plus 2.5 privilege days and bank holidays.
• Civil service pension scheme.
• Free entry to museums and exhibitions.
• Participation in Museum activities, including talks and behind-the-scenes access.
• Interest-free travel, bicycle, and rental deposit loans.
• Development opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Discounts on food and gift shop purchases.

Additional details:

For more information, see the full job description. Interviews are scheduled for 17 June 2025. For inquiries, contact the National Museum Directors' Council, Tate Britain, Millbank, London SW1P 4RG.