Position at National Archives, Kew

Preventive Conservation Assistant
National Archives

Salary: UKP23,100 pro rata

Closing date: Thursday 30 April 2015 at midnight

The National Archives is the UK government's official archive,
containing over 1,000 years of history.  We give detailed guidance
to government departments and the public sector on information
management and advise others about the care of historical archives.

The National Archives is seeking to appoint a highly motivated
conservator to join the Collection Care Department.

The department's aims are to

    Prolong the life of the collection in order to maintain an
    unbroken record for all and for future generations

    Discover and share the collection's potential in order to
    maximise access to our records and to enhance the experience of
    our users

    Innovate to improve care of the collection.

The Preventive Conservation Assistant is part of a team of
conservation professionals responsible for the preservation of The
National Archives' physical collection through interventive and
preventive means.  The aim of this role is to prolong the life of
the collection while also maximising access to the archival records
and enhancing the experience of our users.  This is achieved through
a combination of special projects and on-going programmes, using
initiative and working together with colleagues across the
organisation as well as external visitors and stakeholders.

You will have good knowledge of current conservation practice, with
a specialism in preventive conservation.  In particular you will
have sound knowledge of preservation issues and ethics in the
context of a major institution.  As a clear communicator you will
act as an advocate for the preservation agenda at The National
Archives, to ensure best practice across the organisation, and will
engage with external stakeholders to disseminate the work of the
Collection Care Department.

You will actively engage in data collecting, knowledge sharing,
planning, organising and helping to deliver departmental projects
and actively promoting the work of the department across The
National Archives.  You will bring a professional standard to all
aspects of the role and will be expected to contribute to the
development of collection care at The National Archives through best
practice and innovation.

Reports to: Conservation Manager - Research and Development

Role and Responsibilities:

    Working independently to lead defined projects or as part of a
    team on larger projects as set out in the annual business plan,
    being responsible for ensuring own outcomes deliver to the
    overall success of projects to agreed targets and professional
    standards.  Managing time and resources on smaller projects.

    Contribute to on-going Collection Care programmes, including
    support for public services and internal projects at The
    National Archives

    Communicate the care and conservation of archives and the
    outcomes of projects across The National Archives and to a wider
    professional community through presentations, workshops,
    meetings and seminars

    Working together with colleagues within The National Archives,
    building and maintaining relationships to encourage best
    preservation practice at all levels across the organisation

    Able to apply analysis of routine data to solve problems
    regarding the care of the collection, applying a degree
    professional of knowledge, judgment, and adaptability and, where
    applicable, communicate with peers and customers within and
    beyond The National Archives

    Is able to apply knowledge and experience to resolve problems
    and provide professional advice and guidance on the care and
    conservation of archival collections

    Collect, interpret, analyse and report data and relevant
    literature to make decisions within defined guidelines and using
    own initiative to support the work of the Collection Care
    Department.  Knows where to find additional information if
    required.

    Assess risks to The National Archives' collections in accordance
    with the profession's code of ethics and apply risk management
    strategies under appropriate guidance.

    Contribute to the overall improvement of knowledge and skills
    within the department by adopting new thinking and approaches to
    caring for archival collections

    Keep abreast of conservation trends to inform projects and
    treatments, taking a proactive approach to personal and
    professional development

    Support new staff, interns and volunteers

For full details and to apply please see

    <URL:http://ig24.i-grasp.com/fe/tpl_nationalarchives01.asp?s=4A515F4E5A565B1A&jobid=94091,7259654882&key=54610138&c=129888236889&pagestamp=dbvbbyjwopbforsqgh>


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 28:44
                  Distributed: Monday, April 20, 2015
                       Message Id: cdl-28-44-030
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