Preventive Conservator (Hazards)

What You Will Be Doing

• Lead preservation activities for hazardous and licensed collections, including risk assessments, hazard checks, and workflow development.
• Implement and oversee control measures for hazardous materials, ensuring safe working practices.
• Conduct condition assessments, sample-based surveys, and analysis to inform preservation priorities.
• Carry out interventive conservation treatments where necessary to reduce risks.
• Recommend and implement improvements to storage and preservation environments.
• Monitor dust and environmental conditions in storage areas to guide cleaning programmes.
• Collaborate with Radiation Protection Supervisors to ensure compliance with radioactive material regulations.
• Train, supervise, and quality assure the work of staff and contractors.
• Maintain disaster response equipment and contribute to emergency response planning.
• Deliver training and advice to internal and external stakeholders on the care and handling of hazardous collections.

Who We Are Looking For

• A relevant qualification in conservation or museum studies, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Experience working with hazardous and licensed collections, including risk assessments and safe handling.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, including COSHH and health and safety regulations.
• A proactive and safety-first approach to managing risks in a heritage environment.
• The ability to work flexibly, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Experience supervising others or working with volunteers.
• Familiarity with museum collection management systems.
• Willingness to travel to other IWM branches when required.

Apply Now

If you’re passionate about preservation and safety in heritage environments and want to make a meaningful impact on the care of our collections, we’d love to hear from you.

For a full list of duties and the person specification which your application will be marked against, please view the Job Description.