Salary - £20,443.20, based on full time equivalent of £34,072.00
Part time - 24 hours, 3 days per week
Permanent

Role Purpose:

The National Portrait Gallery has recently been renewed and transformed following a full refurbishment and rehang. Our collection is regularly requested for loan, and we are recruiting a motivated and experienced Frame Conservator to work on our busy and varied loans programme. This role presents a unique opportunity to help care for an unparalleled historic frame collection spanning six centuries.

Reporting to the Frame Conservation Manager, this role is responsible for the care and conservation of the National Portrait Gallery’s collection of historic frames in support of the Gallery’s loans programme. The successful candidate will regularly undertake frame condition assessments and treatment recommendations, completing treatments as required to ensure safe display, transit and storage of framed collection works.  Working within a busy environment alongside a dedicated multi-disciplinary team of conservators, this role will also support other programmes including: displays; exhibitions; preventive conservation; storage and exceptional projects.

Key Accountabilities:

• Lead Frames Conservator for the loans programme.
• Supporting programmes including: displays; exhibitions; preventative conservation; storage; exceptional projects.
• Providing frame conservation guidance and advice to internal and external stakeholders.
• Undertaking high level conservation and structural treatments.
• Assisting with studio maintenance and ordering of Frame Conservation Studio materials.
• Maintaining and following applicable Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) guidelines and risk assessments.
• Acting as mentor for volunteers, conservation studio placements and interns.
• Promoting sustainable working practices and reducing the environmental impact of the Gallery’s operations in line with its Sustainability Statement.

The above list is indicative but not exhaustive. As such, in addition to the key accountabilities and responsibilities listed the post holder may be required to perform other duties commensurate with the scope and/or level of the role

To read the full job description, please follow the link: Frame Conservator Job Description

Key Experience, Skills and Criteria:

• Educated to degree level with a recognised post-graduate qualification in the conservation of frames or equivalent training/experience
• Proven Gallery/Museum experience in the conservation of frames; working with displays and collections
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
• Good written skills, with the capacity to produce clear and accurate documentation
• Excellent organisational and planning skills
• Good working knowledge and application of COSHH and Health & Safety guidelines
• A strong commitment to equality and diversity with the ability to balance differing needs.

We offer a competitive benefits package, including:

• Generous pension scheme
• 27 days annual leave allowance, in addition to bank holidays
• Interest free season ticket and bicycle loans
• Rental deposit scheme
• Membership of the Civil Service Sports & Leisure club
• Access to independent, low cost healthcare schemes
• Employee assistance programme
• Free entry to many UK museums, galleries and exhibitions
• Staff discounts on purchases in online shop
• Professional & personal development opportunities

Closing date for returned applications is 9:00am on Monday the 15th of July, 2024.

First round interviews will take place on the 23rd and 24th of July, 2024. 

Please indicate on the notes section of your application form, if you will be unable to make these dates.

We are committed to the employment and development of disabled people. When assessing and shortlisting our candidate pool for interviews, we are committed to removing any bias through our process to ensure all individuals with a disability are included. To be invited to the interview stage, you must show through your application that you meet the minimum criteria and/or the desirable skills required for the role. If you tell us that you have a disability we can make reasonable adjustments at interview, and, if you join us, to your work arrangements.