Preventive Conservator (Hazards)

Imperial War Museums; Greater London, Duxford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cultural institution in Greater London is seeking professionals passionate about preserving history and capable of managing hazardous collections. The role involves leading preservation programs, assessing safety measures, and working closely with stakeholders. Candidates should have qualifications in conservation or relevant experience, with a strong emphasis on health and safety. This position requires an enhanced DBS check due to the sensitive nature of the collections. Apply now to contribute to safeguarding the past for future generations.

Qualifications

• Qualified in conservation or museum studies or equivalent experience.
• Experienced in working with hazardous and licensed heritage collections.
• Knowledgeable about COSHH regulations and health & safety standards.
• Detail-oriented and adaptable to manage a varied workload.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver hazard preservation programmes.
• Assess and treat hazardous collections for safety.
• Collaborate with stakeholders on safe handling.
• Maintain compliance with health and safety legislation.

Skills

Qualified in conservation or museum studies

Experienced in working with hazardous and licensed heritage collections

Detail-oriented

Skilled in working collaboratively

Education

Equivalent experience in conservation or museum studies

Job description

Role Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver hazard preservation programmes, including risk assessments and control measures.
• Assess, monitor, and treat hazardous collections to reduce risk and improve storage conditions.
• Work with materials such as firearms, ammunition, asbestos, chemicals, and radioactive items.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, providing training and guidance on safe handling.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with health and safety legislation.
• Support disaster response planning and contribute to emergency procedures.

About You

• Qualified in conservation or museum studies, or has equivalent experience.
• Experienced in working with hazardous and licensed heritage collections.
• Knowledgeable about relevant legislation, COSHH regulations, and health & safety standards.
• Detail‑oriented, adaptable, and able to manage a varied workload.
• Skilled in working collaboratively and following organisational policies.
• Desirable: Experience with collection management systems, supervising contractors, and working with volunteers.

Apply Now

If you're passionate about preserving history and have the expertise to manage hazardous collections safely, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and help us protect the past for future generations.

When applying, please indicate which role you are interested in.

Positions Available

• Two permanent roles at IWM Duxford
• One 12-month fixed-term role at IWM Duxford
• One 12-month fixed-term role at IWM London

Please note: These are on‑site roles and require an enhanced DBS check.

IWM's collections hold material that is sensitive and explicit, including imagery that depicts violence. In this role, you would regularly work with such content. As a result, this position will involve viewing and hearing challenging and potentially distressing material. We encourage applicants to consider their personal suitability for this type of work before applying.

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

National Museum Directors' Council, National Museums Liverpool, World Museum, WilliamBrown Street, Liverpool, L3 8EN