Collections Care Conservator

Role Introduction

Through preventive care, conservation research and management of relevant projects, ensure the College Collections are maintained and accessible for teaching, academic study and public enjoyment. In collaboration with curators (keepers), undertake strategic planning for the Eton Collections care and conservation programme, in order to inform resource allocation and priorities. Support basic collections care needs and specific projects both across the College Collections and within individual archive/art/library/museum collections, providing advice and practical help to curatorial staff, and commissioning specialist treatments from external conservation practitioners.

Please be advised we are looking to hold interviews beginning of March 2022.  

Main Duties

Preventive Conservation

• Provide collections care support and advice to keepers and other staff in individual archive/art/library/museum collections and throughout the College. This will include, for example, handling advice and training, collections-focused emergency planning, risk management, storage, and development of collections care policies and procedures;
• Implement preservation measures, as agreed with an individual keeper or the collection management sub-committee, and under the overall supervision of the line manager;
• Support the Conservation Housekeeper in work including environmental monitoring and integrated pest management, as well as cleaning of fragile collection objects, historic interior decoration, exhibition cases, exhibits and collection stores as necessary;
• Create and maintain records for collections care activities, condition of collection objects and storage/display environments in line with current best practices. Make recommendations as needed to relevant keepers and other stakeholders.

Management and Planning

• Contribute to strategic planning for collections care and conservation at Eton, in collaboration with curatorial staff;
• Act as line manager for the Conservation Housekeeper. Provide training for the Conservation Housekeeper to enable that post-holder to offer support and deputise as appropriate for the Collections Care Conservator;
• Manage own time and workflow within projects and report regularly to line manager and relevant keeper(s). Plan and manage delegated projects and associated resources;
• Jointly with Security/Buildings Department, take responsibility for reviewing, revising and updating the College Collections disaster and salvage plans and coordinate and oversee regular drills.

Exhibitions

• In collaboration with the Exhibitions Coordinator and/or the exhibition curator, research and advise on appropriate display conditions, object mounts, display cases, etc. to ensure the protection of Collections and/or borrowed objects during exhibition runs;
• Prepare condition reports for collection items for use in connection with outgoing and incoming exhibition loans and for other purposes as required;
• Advise on, and when necessary oversee and/or assist with, the installation and de-installation of Collections objects (and objects on loan) for special exhibitions and museum displays;
• Occasionally act as courier or provide training/advice to couriers for exhibition loans in and out.

Please refer to the attached job description for a further list of responsibilities.  

The Ideal Candidate

To be successful in this role, the incumbent should have:

• Recognised degree or equivalent experience in conservation and collections care. Demonstrable understanding of conservation and collections care practice, principles and ethics in line with current best practices.
• Broad knowledge of materials found within mixed collections and techniques used in their conservation and preservation.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills, ability to work accurately with attention to detail, managing competing priorities and maintaining a clear dialogue with colleagues. Proven experience in managing workflow to deadlines.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, both written and oral, to develop effective working relationships with curatorial, conservation, technical and non-expert staff; also, to communicate to a wide variety of audiences.
• A flexible and collaborative team-working style, combining a ‘can do’ attitude with professionalism, respect for others, tact, discretion and fair judgement.
• High degree of IT literacy and use of collections management systems in a conservation and collections care context.
• Manual dexterity and ability to lift, climb ladders, work at height, use tools and equipment.
• Experience in training other staff in preventative conservation and/or object handling.

Desirable:

• ICON accreditation, or working towards professional accreditation;
• Experience of emergency planning for heritage collections;
• Experience of working with an open-display or working collection.

Benefits

Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including an 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, free eyecare vouchers, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discounts at local retailers and businesses.

About the College

We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

 DISCLOSURE CHECKS

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form. Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as “spent” under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the College.

Eton College