Preservation Technician

Imperial War Museums; Duxford; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Imperial War Museums is seeking a Preservation Technician to protect and care for its collections across multiple sites. You will perform conservation cleaning, environmental monitoring, and handling of objects to standards that support display, storage, research and learning.

The role involves working with teams across Preservation, Conservation, Exhibitions and Projects, and may include training volunteers and contractors to share best practice in collections care.

Qualifications

• Experience working with museum collections and preservation activities.
• Experience handling museum objects safely.
• Strong attention to detail and methodical approach.

Responsibilities

• Deliver conservation cleaning and preventive conservation activities for collections on display and in storage.
• Monitor environmental conditions and support preservation programmes.
• Handle, pack, move and care for collection objects safely.
• Support exhibitions, displays and project activities involving collections.
• Operate and maintain preservation equipment and keep records.

Job description

What It's Like to Work Here

At IWM, we're driven by a shared purpose: helping people understand the impact of conflict and the experiences of those affected by it. Our collections are among the most significant of their kind and play a vital role in preserving and sharing these stories with audiences today and in the future. You'll join a collaborative team of specialists who are passionate about collections care, preservation excellence and making history accessible through exhibitions, research and public engagement.

Why This Role Matters

The Preservation Technician plays an important role in protecting and caring for IWM's collections across multiple sites. Through preventive conservation activities, environmental monitoring and collections care, you'll help ensure that historic objects remain safe, accessible and suitable for display, storage, research and learning.

What You'll Be Doing

• Deliver conservation cleaning and preventive conservation activities for collections on display and in storage.
• Monitor environmental conditions, support Integrated Pest Management programmes and identify preservation risks.
• Handle, pack, move and care for collection objects safely and in line with professional standards.
• Support exhibitions, displays, filming projects, gallery maintenance and other operational activities involving collections.
• Operate and maintain specialist preservation equipment and keep accurate records and documentation.
• Help prepare for and respond to collections emergencies, contributing to the protection of collection assets.
• Work closely with colleagues across Collections, Conservation, Exhibitions and Project teams to deliver high-quality preservation support.
• Support volunteers, students, interns and contractors, and contribute to preservation training and knowledge sharing.

We'd Love To Hear From You If You Have

• Experience working with museum collections, museum housekeeping, preservation and/or conservation activities.
• Experience handling museum objects safely and confidently.
• Strong attention to detail, good manual dexterity and a methodical approach to problem-solving.
• An understanding of health and safety requirements in a practical working environment.
• Experience using environmental monitoring equipment, systems or collections management systems.
• The ability to work at height, including from ladders and access platforms up to 15 metres (training provided).
• Excellent teamwork skills and the ability to work collaboratively across different departments.
• An interest in museum, heritage or collections-based work.

How You'll Work

You'll work closely with colleagues across Preservation, Conservation, Collections, Exhibitions and Project Delivery teams to help protect and care for IWM's collections. The role offers a varied mix of hands‑on collections work, environmental monitoring and operational support, with opportunities to contribute to exhibitions, collections projects and public‑facing activities. You'll also work alongside volunteers, contractors and other specialists, sharing knowledge and supporting best practice in collections care.

What Success Looks Like (First 6-12 Months)

• Build strong working relationships across Preservation, Conservation, Collections and Exhibitions teams.
• Independently deliver conservation cleaning, environmental monitoring and preservation programmes to agreed standards.
• Contribute effectively to Integrated Pest Management activities and preservation risk management.
• Provide reliable preservation support for exhibitions, displays, filming activities and collections movements.
• Maintain accurate records, documentation and reporting relating to preservation activities.
• Contribute to collections care improvements, operational efficiency and the long‑term protection of IWM's collections.

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