Conservator / Assistant Conservator (Organic Objects), HCC

National Heritage Board (NHB); Singapore; On-site; SGD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

National Heritage Board (NHB) in Singapore is seeking a Conservator to manage conservation work on the National Collection, emphasizing organic materials. You will apply, develop and research techniques while supporting exhibitions, loans and events across NHB and the Visual Arts Cluster.

The role involves upgrading the conservation lab, potential supervision of junior staff, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders within a multi-cultural environment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Conservation from a recognized institution.
• At least 6 years of relevant practical experience in organic objects conservation.
• Ability to carry out complex treatments with manual dexterity and aesthetic sensitivity.
• Ability to develop and execute heritage science and conservation research.
• Experience with Southeast Asia cultural materials preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.
• Ability to coach and impart conservation skills.
• Ability to adapt in a multilingual/multiracial environment.

Responsibilities

• Carry out conservation assessments, documentation and treatments on artworks and artefacts from the National Collection according to NHB procedures.
• Manage exhibition projects as liaison officer to cover conservation-related and administrative aspects.
• Perform conservation analysis and tests contributing to preservation knowledge.
• Possibly participate in conservation study or research projects including publication.
• Contribute to upgrading and maintenance of the conservation lab.
• Provide supervision and on-the-job training as required.
• Participate in work groups on conservation topics and institutional excellence.
• Engage in outreach activities to promote conservation awareness.

Skills

Conservation expertise

Manual dexterity

Aesthetic sensitivity

Heritage research

Multicultural collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in Conservation

Job description

Description of collections:

Artworks and artefacts are part of the National Collection of Singapore and are under the custody of the National Heritage Board (NHB). NHB preserves, presents and promotes the cultural heritage of Singapore, for the purpose of education, nation-building and cultural understanding.

HCC is an institution of NHB with a purpose-built facility for the storage and conservation of all artworks and artefacts under the care of NHB. The collections include socio-historical, cultural, ethnographic, modern and contemporary art materials. HCC Conservation Services is constituted by a team of over 35 conservators and comprises 6 specializations: organic objects conservation, inorganic objects conservation, paintings conservation, paper/photo/digital media conservation, textiles conservation and conservation science.

Job Objectives/Purpose:

You will provide and manage comprehensive conservation work on collections with a focus on but not restricted to organic material, especially wood and plastics. You apply, develop, and research on collection related issues, including existing and new techniques and procedures. You will also contribute to the smooth operation and delivery of exhibitions, loans and events at the institutions under NHB and Visual Arts Cluster.

This is a contract position for 2 years.

Key Responsibilities & Duties:

• Carry out conservation assessments, documentation and treatments on artworks and artefacts from the National Collection according to HCC and NHB procedures, instructions and guidelines for exhibits, loans and events at the institutions of NHB and partners.

• Manage exhibition projects as liaison officer to cover conservation related as well as administrative aspects of exhibition preparations including preventive conservation.

• Perform relevant conservation analysis and tests in contributing to the preservation and conservation knowledge of the NHB collections.

• Might participate in conservation study or research projects including publication.

• Contribute to upgrading and maintenance of conservation lab.

• Might provide close supervision and training on the job to subordinates and others as required.

• Might participate as a member in work groups to work on specific topics related to conservation or institutional excellence.

• Might participate in outreach activities that cater to a wide variety of audience groups, special interest groups and the public to promote awareness of conservation.
  

  Requirements:

  • A Master's degree in Conservation from a recognized training institution. An equivalent proven combination of training and experience will be considered.

  • Preferably at least 6 years of relevant practical experience in organic objects conservation. Institutional/public experience is preferred. Professionals with lesser experience may be considered as Assistant Conservator.

  • Ability to carry out comprehensive and complex treatments with a high degree of manual dexterity and aesthetic sensitivity.

  • Ability to develop and execute heritage science and conservation research in line with HCC's research strategy around sustainability.

  • Keep up to date with current conservation development through self-directed learning and training. Evidence of continual professional development.

  • Familiarity and experience with cultural materials in Southeast Asia and Asia preferred.

  • Possess a wide exposure in handling multi-cultural materials with sensitivity and demonstrate relevance in making sound contextual judgements in applying conservation principles and practices, while collaboratively working with all relevant stakeholders.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills that facilitate teamwork and the ability to work across departments and institutions.

  • Possess initiative with ability to multi-task, organise and prioritise work in given timeline.

  • Ability to work unsupervised as well as being a cooperative member of staff and strong team player.

  • Ability to coach and impart conservation skills and knowledge effectively.

  • Ability to adapt in a multi-lingual and multi-racial environment.