Building Conservation Trainee

Architectural conservation is the core of Calibre Conservation’s business. Focussing on the conservation and repair of historic structures and interiors, we specialise in a wide range of conservation skills, including: painting and gilding, stone and masonry, brickwork, faience and terracotta, and monuments and sculpture.

Calibre delivers projects, efficiently and professionally, throughout the UK. As such, travel and overnight stays will be required. Working in specialist teams, we take pride in collaboration and the sharing of knowledge. Combining traditional and modern materials, and techniques, we look to sustain the integrity of the building and its inherent heritage values, so that they can be enjoyed and understood by present and future generations.

Trainees will attend a 4 week residential Summer School (end July-August, 2024), hosted by Historic England, where they will have the opportunity to integrate with other trainees and specialists at Historic England, to share knowledge and practice conservation as an interdisciplinary activity.

This is a fixed-term, 6-month trainee opportunity with Calibre Conservation funded by ‘Historic England’. As a trainee, you will work as part of specialist teams, working on a diverse range of projects, including historic decorative surfaces at Towneley Hall (Burnley, Lancashire), brickwork at Dartford Gun Powder Mills (Wilmington, Kent), and a bronze sculpture, currently located in Leicester City’s Market (John Henry Manners, 1778-1857, 5th Duke of Rutland, Leicester).

Specialists in the conservation of brickwork and masonry, trainees will work as part of a team to repair the structural remains of the Dartford Gun Powder Mills. Works will include treatment or removal of vegetation and biological material, graffiti removal, repointing, repairing cracks or fractures, brick replacement, dismantling and reinstating brickwork.

**Main Areas of Work**:

- To gain experience in a variety of conservation techniques, in order to meet the training targets as specified in the required ‘Individual Training Plan’.
- To gain experience of working on site in various environments, including working at height and throughout the country including in Kent Downs National Park.
- To be accountable for your own development by undertaking and completing records in accordance with the Trainee Agreement.
- To follow specific instructions from your Host Organisation.
- To ensure that all work is undertaken in line with the Host Organisation’s policies and rules, and those of Historic England’s Heritage Building Skills Programme.
- To be accountable for the health and safety of yourself and others, who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work.

The Trainee may be required to perform other duties or tasks as may be reasonably requested by the Host Organisation, and will be expected to work within the Trainee Agreement. We are an equal opportunity company, which values diversity and inclusion. If you have a disability, we would be happy to discuss reasonable adjustments to the job with you.

**Person Specification**

**Knowledge**

Essential:

- Knowledge or interest in traditional decorative skills including demonstrable artistic ability.

Desirable:
**Skills**

Essential:

- Evidence of having worked in painting and decorating or an artistic field with a transferable skillset.
- Proven ability to work at heights and in a variety of weather conditions.
- Good communication skills.
- Adaptable and flexible, with proven qualities as a strong team player, able to work closely with others, and ability to work on one’s own initiative

Desirable:

- Driving licence and owns own transport

**Experience**

Essential:

- Proven ability to take responsibility for professional development.

Desirable:

- Experience of working in the built environment or a desire to transfer artistic talents into this area.

**Motivation**

Essential:

- An eagerness, commitment and passion to move into a career within the built heritage sector.
- Willingness to travel and work at various project sites.

**Application and Selection Procedure**

Please complete the required Application Form.

Historic England reserves the right to change a Placement Specification description after consultation with the Trainees and Host Organisation concerned.

**Application Closing Date**: Sunday 14th April

**Potential Interview dates**:29th and 30th April

**Job Types**: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 6 months

**Salary**: £23,900.00 per year

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person