Conservator (Technician)

City of Johannesburg; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 250 000 - 350 000; Full time

Job summary

A city government organization in Johannesburg seeks a Conservator (Technician) to oversee the preservation of museum collections. Responsibilities include implementing conservation measures, assisting with exhibitions, and ensuring optimal conditions for artifacts. Applicants should have a National diploma in Conservation with 3-4 years of relevant experience, along with strong analytical skills and attention to detail. A passion for cultural heritage is essential.

Qualifications

• 3 – 4 years of practical experience in a museum or conservation laboratory.
• Skilled in safe handling, packing and transport of fragile or valuable items.
• Familiarity with ethical guidelines for conservation.

Responsibilities

• Ensure long-term preservation and care of museum collections.
• Implement preventative and remedial conservation measures.
• Assist with preparation and installation of exhibitions.

Skills

Environmental Monitoring

Object Handling

Conservation Treatment

Analytical Thinking

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Grade 12 plus National diploma in Conservation, Museum Studies, Archaeology / Art History or related field (NQF level 6)

Tools

Data loggers

Hygrometers

Light meters

Job description

Job title : Conservator (Technician)

Job Location : Gauteng, Johannesburg

Deadline : November 18, 2025

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Minimum Requirements:

• Grade 12 plus National diploma in Conservation, Museum Studies, Archaeology / Art History or related field (NQF level 6);
• 3 – 4 years of practical experience in a museum or conservation laboratory;

Primary Function

To ensure the long-term preservation and care of the museum collections by implementing preventive and interventive conservation practices, supporting exhibitions and loan and collaborating with staff to safeguard cultural heritage in accordance with professional conservation standards.

Key Performance Areas

• Contribute to the Sub-section operational day-day planning process;
• Support process optimization and efficiency;
• Implement preventative and remedial conservation measures to safeguard collections fro deterioration and damage.
• Carry out conservation treatment to stabilize and preserve objects using ethical and reversible methods;
• Assist with preparation and installation of exhibitions to ensure the safe display of objects;
• Overseeing the conservation aspect of incoming and outgoing loans to ensure object safety;
• Monitor and manage environment conditions in storage and exhibition areas to ensure optimal preservation of collections;
• Implement set management and control of assets and resources in line with applicable policies and procedures;
• Implement governance and risk management activities to mitigate potential issues and ensure project success;
• Execute activities to ensure effective stakeholders relations and communication, fostering positive relationships and ensuring stakeholder needs are met;
• Perform administrative tasks associated with individual day-to-day responsibilities;
• Maintain accurate and up to date conservation records and contribute to sub-section reporting.

Leading Competencies

• Environmental Monitoring : Ability to use tools like data loggers, hygrometers and light meters;
• Object Handling : Skilled in safe handling, packing and transport of fragile or valuable items
• Conservation Treatment : Compete in cleaning, stabilizing and repairing object using appropriate techniques;
• Analytical Thinking : Ability to assess object condition and recommend suitable conservation actions;
• Communication : Clear written and verbal communication for reports, collaboration and training;
• Attention to detail : Precision in documentation, treatment, and monitoring.

Core Competencies

• Preventative Conservation Principle : Understanding of environmental monitoring, pest management and risk assessment;
• Conservation Ethics and Standards : Familiarity with ethical guidelines (e.g. reversibility, minimal intervention);
• Material Science : Basic knowledge of materials (e.g. paper, textiles metals, ceramics) and their deterioration processes;
• Documentation Standards : Knowledge of condition reporting, treatment records and digital documentation systems;
• Health and Safety : Awareness of safe handling, practices, chemical safety, and emergency procedures;
• Museum Standards : Understanding of museum policies, collection care protocols and exhibition requirements.