Assistant Director/Senior Conservator, Archives Conservation Lab

National Library Board; Singapore; Hybrid; SGD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cultural institution in Singapore is looking for an Assistant Director/Senior Conservator to manage conservation strategies and operations. The candidate will lead a team, engage with stakeholders, and ensure the preservation of paper-based records. Required qualifications include significant experience in conservation and excellent communication skills. This role offers a flexible hybrid work environment and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Flexible work environment

Investment in staff development

Collaborative atmosphere

Qualifications

• 5-8 years of experience in conservation or collection care, with 2 years in leadership.
• Proven track record in conservation research and stakeholder management.
• Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Establish and implement conservation strategies and policies.
• Supervise and manage operations for paper-based records conservation.
• Lead advocacy efforts and engage with stakeholders in conservation practices.

Skills

Conservation research

Project management

Stakeholder management

Excellent communication

Problem-solving

Job description

What the role is:

The National Library Board (NLB) nurtures Readers for Life, Learning Communities and a Knowledgeable Nation by promoting reading, learning and history through our network of 28 libraries across Singapore, the National Library and the National Archives of Singapore.

At NLB, you can look forward to a flexible, hybrid work environment with rewarding, impactful deliverables that improve the lives of the community. With caring colleagues, you will be in an ideal environment for professional development, innovation and impact.

We can offer you:
• A chance to Impact the Community, bridge gaps and empower everyone with the opportunity for learning and discovery.
• An opportunity to Innovate and Push Boundaries. We value ideas, curiosity and a passion for innovation to transform our libraries and archives.
• An organisation that Cares for your Growth and Wellbeing through investment in staff development and wellbeing in a supportive and collaborative environment.

The Archives Conservation Lab (ACL) is responsible for the conservation of paper-based archival records of historical and national significance for their long-term preservation, within National Archives of Singapore (NAS), government agencies, and private collections, to protect the nation’s patrimony. As the Assistant Director/Senior Conservator for ACL, you will lead conservation teams across two locations (Fort Canning and Changi), overseeing vital preservation initiatives that play a crucial part in protecting Singapore's documentary heritage while helping Singaporeans connect with their history and culture.

What you will be working on:

1 Establish and implement strategies, policies and framework for conservation

• Develop and implement comprehensive conservation strategies, ensuring alignment with the long-term preservation goals and international standards.
• Establish and maintain standards for paper-based records conservation, including whole-of-government guidelines for records handling, storage, and transfer of paper records to NAS.
• Drive research initiatives and experimental studies to advance preservation and conservation practices or techniques.
• Responsible for ISO certification processes, including regular audits and updating of documentation for ISO audits to ensure that conversation procedures are up-to-date and reflect professional standards.
• Monitor and evaluate conservation strategies to ensure effectiveness of preservation strategies and maintain best practices.

2 Supervise and manage ACL’s operations for management of paper-based records conservation

• Supervise the team in executing interventive and preventive conservation treatments, while ensuring adherence to ISO and international standards.
• Design and implement structured development programmes to enhance team capabilities through technical workshops and international learning opportunities.
• Oversee department budget and funding resources to support the team’s operations and development (e.g. equipment).

3 Lead advocacy efforts and stakeholder engagement initiatives

• Represent NAS in professional conservation committees and bodies, building strategic partnership with local and international conservation professionals.
• Champion conservation research and lead knowledge-sharing initiatives through publications and presentations at professional platforms (e.g. BiblioAsia, conferences).
• Drive engagement through talks, tours, and outreach programmes to promote the reputation of NAS as a leader in conservation and preservation.
• Foster partnerships across departments and stakeholders to ensure safety and highest standards in repository management and collection care.
• Partner with government agencies and internal stakeholders to identify preservations needs and developing targeted ACL conservation training programmes to address gaps in knowledge of preservation and conservation.

What we are looking for:

• 5-8 years of experience in conservation, collection care or heritage science preferred, with at least 2 years in a leadership capacity.
• Proven track record in conservation research, project management and stakeholder management, including engagement with senior management, local and international professionals.
• Possess excellent communication skills in both written and spoken English.
• Demonstrated strategic planning and project management capabilities, including budget management.
• Possess problem-solving skills and ability to exercise sound judgement and decision-making in complex situations.
• Positive learning attitude with the curiosity and interest in in arts, culture and heritage.

The successful candidate will be appointed on a 2-year contract in the first instance. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

About National Library Board

To each reader, the library is a window to a vibrant imagination and exciting possibilities. For families, the library experience occupies a special in their hearts and of memories collected over generations. Libraries hold a special and familiar place in each of our hearts. NLB seeks to provide a trusted, accessible and globally-connected library and information service so as to promote a knowledgeable and engaged society.If you share our passion to create memorable library experiences for all our readers, we invite you to join the NLB family.