Conservation Exhibition Assistant

Job Description

Please apply via this link: https://careers.nhm.ac.uk/templates/CIPHR/jobdetail_2825.aspx

Title: Conservation Exhibition Assistant

Contract: Fixed term (9-month contract) , Full-Time (36 hours per week)

Salary: £27,256

About the Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum (NHM) is a world-class visitor attraction and leading science research centre and commercial event space. We use our unique collections and unrivalled expertise to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world today. We care for more than 80 million objects, both in our London and Tring museums, spanning billions of years and welcome more than five million visitors annually. A new site at Thames Valley Science Park
(TVSP) in Reading, delivered 2026/27, will be added to the South Kensington and Tring sites, completing the NHM’s expansion towards a 3-site operating system where science
(collections, research, laboratory facilities) is pursued across each/all sites.

We are at a pivotal moment in our history, as we launch a new strategy setting out our role as the natural world faces increasing threats. Building on our world-leading collection, global reputation for science and as one of the world’s leading visitor attractions, the NHM has ambitious plans leading up to its 150th anniversary in 2031 making this a truly exciting time to be part of the NHM team.

Diversity and Inclusion

We welcome applications from everyone – diversity, inclusion and the feeling of belonging matters to us. By attracting people to work for us from a broad range of diverse backgrounds we can continue to look at the world with fresh eyes and find new ways of doing things. We offer a stimulating and professional environment in which to work. This is a remarkable place we look for staff who can work according to our values – we champion diversity, encourage creativity, we are connected, and we value evidence.

Job Summary

The Conservation Centre leads, manages and delivers conservation work across the
Museum and oversees quality control and standards in conservation for the collections.

The successful applicant will work within the conservation team reporting to a Conservator providing support for the documentation, preservation, care and display of natural history specimens for an upcoming temporary exhibition.

Main Responsibilities

1. Conservation documentation for associated conservation processes under supervision.

2. Remedial conservation treatment of selected specimens under supervision.

3. Assist with movement and transport of display specimens and objects

4. Assist with installation of specimens and objects

5. Assist with materials testing relating to the display of specimens in the temporary exhibition.

6. Assist with ensuring conservation equipment and materials used in the temporary exhibition are maintained and available for use.

7. Contribute to the maintenance of safe working practices.

Person Specification-Essential

1. Educated to degree level (or equivalent qualification) in Conservation.
2. Demonstrable manual dexterity for handling small and fragile objects. Willingness to handle fragile as well as large and/or heavy specimens. (Equipment and training will be provided).
3. Experience in remedial conservation methods and packaging techniques.
4. Experience in remedial conservation of taxidermy and life science specimens.
5. Experience of evaluating specimen stability.
6. Experience in the documentation of conservation processes.
7. Understanding of preventive conservation principals including pest management.
8. Familiarity of materials used in conservation.
9. Awareness of H&S protocols for handling, moving, and treating Natural Science Collections. (Training will be provided).
10. Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, including collections staff, distributed teams and non-NHM contractors.

General Information

All positions at the Natural History Museum are conditional subject to receipt of:

• Proof that you are legally entitled to work in the UK
• A Basic Disclosure Check from the Disclosures and Barring Service (DBS)
• Satisfactory references covering the last 3 years of your employment or education
• Health clearance

To apply

If that sounds like you, please apply online on the Natural History Museum’s careers portal, and provide:

• A covering letter that summarises your interest in this post, providing evidence of your ability to match the criteria outlined in the person specification.

Closing date: 22nd June 2023

Interviews expected w/c 11th July 2023

Please note that this role does not qualify for Museum sponsorship so the successful postholder will need to have a valid right to work in the UK at the point of offer.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 9 months

Salary: £27,256.00 per year

Benefits:

• Canteen
• Company pension
• Employee discount
• On-site gym
• Sick pay
• Store discount

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• London: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Work Location: One location

Application deadline: 22/06/2023
Reference ID: FRCEA