Conservator

Key Accountabilities:

Role Purpose: The Preventive Conservator is responsible for protecting the museum's collections through proactive measures that mitigate environmental and physical risks. This role focuses on monitoring and improving storage, display, and environmental conditions to ensure long-term preservation. The position supports cross-departmental collaboration to integrate preventive conservation into all aspects of museum operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Environmental Monitoring & Control:.

• Monitor and analyze environmental conditions (temperature, relative humidity, light, pollutants) in storage, galleries, and exhibition spaces. Communicate anomalies or risks (e.g., RH spikes, HVAC failure) to the Head of Conservation and QOSM Facilities Management Team.
• Recommend and implement solutions to address environmental anomalies and fluctuations.
• Advise and support the QOSM Facilities Management Team to maintain appropriate HVAC performance and preventive maintenance.
• Calibrate data loggers in accordance with manufacturers' guidelines to ensure accurate readings

Display & Storage Management:

• Inspect and evaluate existing showcases and display mounts for environmental integrity, material compatibility, and conservation safety.
• Advise on design and specifications of new showcases and mounts to meet conservation standards.
• Ensure object-safe display, lighting, and storage practices are implemented and maintained.
• Advise on and lead the implement of object rotation schedules.
• Assist with the regular cleaning of the objects on display.

Preventive Conservation Strategy:

• Lead the museum's Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, including trap monitoring, data analysis, and pest mitigation strategies. Liaise with other departments as required.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive preventive conservation program for all collections, both on display and in storage.
• Provide input into collections care policy and procedures
• Develop and implement housekeeping plans in collaboration with cleaning staff and collections teams.
• Support emergency preparedness planning, including risk assessments, salvage planning, and staff training.
• Conduct risk assessments and contribute to conservation planning and prioritization.

Collections Care:

• Conduct regular condition assessments and risk evaluations for stored and displayed collections.
• Oversee the implementation of best practice in packing, transport, and handling of objects.
• Collaborate with the QOSM Collections Team in the reorganization of museum storage and rehousing of the objects.
• Collaborate with the QOSM Curators, Collections Team, and other stakeholders to ensure proper handling, storage, packing, and transportation of objects.
• Monitor and report on storage and display environments to ensure object safety.

Data Management & Reporting:

• Maintain up-to-date records of environmental data, pest activity, and conservation interventions.
• Prepare reports, recommendations, and risk assessments for internal use and external stakeholders.
• Training & Collaboration
• Provide training to staff and contractors on preventive conservation standards and safe object handling.
• Liaise with conservation, curatorial, exhibitions, and facilities teams to ensure preventive conservation is integrated into planning and daily operations.
• Stay informed of current research and developments in preventive conservation and environmental monitoring.

Exhibition:

• Conduct condition reports and prepare objects for travel (e.g., packing specifications, handling protocols).
• Assist in the preparation, installation, and maintenance of objects for exhibitions while ensuring adherence to international museum standards.
• Assess loan venue facilities to ensure they meet environmental and security standards.
• Coordinate with couriers and conservators from the borrowing institution to oversee installation and monitor conditions.
• Ensure safe transport and providing input on packing, shipping logistics, and emergency contingencies.
• Assess environmental conditions in galleries and ensure they meet conservation standards (e.g., temperature, humidity, light levels).
• Evaluate and approve display materials, mounts, and showcases for their suitability and safety for objects.
• Collaborate with exhibition and curatorial teams to integrate preventive conservation into exhibition planning, installation, and deinstallation.
• Monitor conditions during the exhibition and address risks such as overcrowding, vibration, or pest activity.
• Coordinate preventive measures for incoming and outgoing loans and exhibitions.
• Documentation Photograph objects for documentation.
• Carry out condition checks and create condition reports in the QM Collections Management System and any other documentation as required.
• Use QM CMS system to document and improve the departments' documentation of pest management and environmental monitoring.
• Monitor and record the Museum's environmental conditions using the appropriate software and systems.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Proven experience with environmental monitoring equipment (e.g., Miniclimas, data loggers) and interpreting environmental data.
• Strong understanding of safe handling, collections care, rehousing, and storage methods for diverse collection materials.
• Solid knowledge of materials science and the impact of environmental agents on museum collections.
• Demonstrated manual dexterity and experience using hand and power tools.
• Familiarity with museum-grade storage and display materials, as well as preventive conservation, best practices.
• Knowledge of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and emergency preparedness, including risk assessment and salvage procedures.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in improving and maintaining environmental conditions.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in preventive tasks and documentation.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines independently.
• Excellent oral and written English communication skills, with a high standard of professional and interdepartmental collaboration.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively, with a proactive and team-oriented approach.
• Proficient in computer use for research, documentation, project coordination, and data management.
• Master's degree in Conservation with a specialization or demonstrable experience in preventive conservation.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in a museum, archive, or cultural heritage institution.