Conservator

**Advert Information**
Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies (HALS) is seeking a qualified conservator (paper and parchment specialism) to join our friendly and professional team. This is an exciting time as we renew our Accreditation status and continue to deliver our 10-year _Shared Heritage_ strategy which includes plans to move to new premises.

**Purpose**:
As our Conservator, you will manage the studio, undertake practical conservation on our archive collections dating from 1060 to the present day and will lead on preservation. You will contribute to our learning programme through the delivery of talks and training and support income generation by carrying out work for external customers.

**Challenges and Opportunities**:
You will play an active role in the move to a new building in the future while helping manage our existing premises effectively.

A member of our management team, you will help steer service direction, including line managing posts.

You will help devise and supervise projects to support volunteering, including preparing documents for digitisation or exhibition.

**Technical Skills and Qualifications**:
The Conservator will:

- Have a qualification in paper conservation (covering conservation of books and documents) which is recognised by the Archives and Records Association (ARA) and/or the Institute of Conservation (ICON).
- An excellent knowledge of the appropriate methods of conservation, preservation and collections care for a wide range of physical media including paper, parchment, maps, bindings, seals and photographs.
- Be methodical, accurate, painstaking and tidy with an extensive knowledge of the relevant professional standards, guidelines and equipment used in archival conservation and preservation.
- Remain calm under pressure and be able to prioritise your workload to meet deadlines and agreed targets.
- Use their initiative and work effectively without direct supervision.
- Need to provide accurate estimates and professional work for external customers.
- Have strong verbal and written communication skills as they will be giving practical expert guidance to staff, volunteers and customers. This will include delivering interesting and inspiring talks as part of our outreach programme.
- Be flexible and able to assist with learning and outreach activities as required, including occasional weekends and out of hours.
- Have good IT skills, including the full range of Microsoft Office programmes. Experience of using Axiell CALM would be desirable.
- Be able to lift and carry awkward and heavy items (Specialist equipment such as trolleys will be provided where necessary)
- Need to occasionally drive our leased vehicle so a full driving licence is essential.

We can offer you the chance to develop your skills with a range of materials whilst working for an organisation that values its employees and invests in training. We can offer you opportunities for continued training and development.

**Advert closing date: Thursday 13 April 2023**

**Interview date(s): Wednesday 3 - Friday 05 May (exact date tbc)**

**Additional Information**
**Benefits of working for us**:

- Flexible Working Arrangements (depending on the role)
- Excellent Career Development
- Salary Exchange for Additional Benefits
- Excellent Pension Scheme with Employer Contributions
- Shopping Discounts
- Support Groups & Wellbeing Schemes

**English Fluency**:The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post (for those whose language is a signed language the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required). Further information about the legal requirement can be found here.

Job Reference: HCC22627