Position at Public Record Office, Kew

Book Conservators - Conservation Department
Public Record Office (PRO) - Kew
Salary UKP12,276 - UKP15,345 pa plus benefits

The Public Record Office is the National Archive of the United
Kingdom and in particular of England and Wales. As a leading source
of archival research material, we hold 167 kilometres of Government
and legal records from Domesday Book to modern Cabinet papers. For
more information about the PRO visit our web site at
<URL:http://www.pro.gov.uk>

The Conservation Department, which is responsible for conserving and
preserving the records, is seeking two Book Conservators.

The post holders will be part of a team of book conservators and
technicians carrying out a range of book conservation work on both
rare and modern material under the direction of a  conservation
manager. The postholder will initially be employed at the lower end
of the band but as soon as all the defined aspects of the
development programme have been successfully completed he/she will
be promoted further up the band (the Public Record Office operates a
performance related pay scheme). The minimum training period is for
three and a half years which can be decreased or increased at
management's discretion.

Initially work will be carried out under close supervision until the
postholder is judged to be sufficiently practised and experienced.
Ultimately the postholder will be required to apply full specialist
professional knowledge and ability to achieve departmental
objectives without supervision.

The main duties involve; binding or rebinding of archive and
reference material in the appropriate style or structure using
suitable materials, general conservation treatments as required,
general refurbishment of books, box and file case making, self
management to plan and organise own work targets, maintain written
records, undertake research and write occasional papers on
conservation or departmental issues and involvement with special
projects or committees. The post holder will also be required to
attend as well as to give advice, talks and lectures both to
internal colleagues and external bodies.

The post holder is encouraged to keep abreast of and develop a
broader range of managerial as well as professional skills both on a
personal level as well as those of less experienced colleagues.

Person Specification

    *   a minimum of 2 years book conservation experience, which can
        include training or college
    *   a recognised book conservation qualification
    *   a broad basic knowledge of book conservation techniques and
        materials
    *   ability to work to targets
    *   ability to work under pressure and use of initiative
    *   the ability to work as part of a team,
    *   good communication and administrative skills.

Length of Contract: Permanent contract
Salary: UKP12,276 - UKP15,345 per annum

Hours: 36 hours per week excluding meal breaks. A flexible working
scheme is in operation at management's discretion. At management
discretion staff are expected to be flexible with their working
patterns within the hours of 7am - 7pm weekdays and 9am - 5.15pm on
Saturdays.

Probation: 12 month probationary period applies

Holidays: 22 days annual leave per calendar year, rising to 25 after
1 year's service, plus 10.5 days public and privilege leave per
annum.

Benefits: Non-contributory pension scheme; Childcare voucher
facilities Excellent opportunities for training and  development;
Learning Resource Centre; Sports and  social club facilities;
Subsidised staff restaurant

Selection: Selection will be by interview
Nationality Rules: Applicants must be British or Commonwealth
citizens, or national of states of the European Union.

Contact

    Satwinder Bamrah
    Personnel Department
    PRO, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU
    +44 181 876 3444 ext2563
    satwinder.bamrah [at] pro__gov__uk
    lisa.melling [at] pro__gov__uk

Closing date for applications is 22 January 1999

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 12:55
                Distributed: Tuesday, December 22, 1998
                       Message Id: cdl-12-55-016
                                  ***