We are seeking a Head of Preventive Conservation to lead on the protection of the world’s most extensive natural history collection of approximately 80 million specimens. The collections are continually growing through new acquisitions, fieldwork and donations ensuring they remain a vital and dynamic resource for understanding the natural world. This role delivers through representation, planning and cross museum collaboration with a focus on sustainability whilst ensuring the collections are preserved for future generations to access and study. The role will include managing a team of Preventive Conservators covering Integrated Pest Management, Environmental Monitoring, Salvage planning, Policy and Reporting. The role is closely integrated with the activities of the Remedial Conservation Team and will provide opportunities to be involved in various exciting and world leading projects.
About you
With in-depth knowledge of contemporary principles and practice in preventive conservation and a strong understanding of mechanisms involved in material deterioration you will have significant experience of all aspects of preventive conservation particularly those related to protecting natural science collections. With a thorough understanding of conservation theory and ethical decision making you will have good interpersonal and relationship building skills ensuring effective communication at all levels in the organisation. You will be competent to lead on topics at meetings with Senior Leaders and Management and be adept in communicating complex principals to wider audiences.