Position at Public Record Office

Book Conservator
Public Record Office (PRO)
Conservation Department
UKP12,571 - UKP15,713 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 form Domesday Book to modern Cabinet papers.

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

The postholder 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 PRO operates a performance
related pay scheme). The minimum training period is for three and a
half years which can be decreased or increased at the 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 department objectives
without supervision.

The main duties involve the conservation of archive books and
reference books 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 postholder will also be required to attend, as well
as to give advice, talks and lectures both to internal colleagues
and external bodies.

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

The successful candidate will have:

    *   a recognised book conservation qualification and/or 2 years
        book conservation experience;

    *   an understanding of a range of historical bookbinding
        structures;
    *   a basic knowledge of the chemical and physical causes of
        deterioration of archive materials (especially books);
    *   a knowledge of current book conservation techniques;
    *   an ability to work to targets;
    *   an ability to work under pressure and use own initiative;
    *   the ability to work as part of a team;
    *   good communication and administrative skills.

In return we offer an excellent package including a non-contributory
pension scheme, childcare voucher facilities and generous leave
allowance. For further information and an application form please
contact Satwinder Bamrah in the Personnel Department, PRO, Kew,
Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU. Alternatively you can telephone her on
0181-876-3444 ext 2563 or e-mail her on satwinder.bamrah [at] pro__gov__uk.

For more information about the PRO visit our web site
<URL:http://www.pro.gov.uk/>. Completed applications must be
received by 5 pm on 10 January 1999 Application must be made by the
PRO application form. CVs will not be accepted

Louise Searle
Personnel Manager
+44 181 392 5242

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 13:28
                 Distributed: Tuesday, November 2, 1999
                       Message Id: cdl-13-28-034
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