Archive Conservation Lead B3
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Job Location:
Monthly Salary:
Posted on:
3 days ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Are you an experienced Book or Paper Conservator who can use your technical and leadership skills to make a difference at the National Records of Scotland (NRS)
The Archive Conservation Lead is responsible for leading the Archive Conservation team which is part of the Collections Care Branch. This team delivers a comprehensive programme of archive conservation treatment with the aims of prolonging the life of the collection while also maximising access to the archival records and enhancing the experience of our customers. This is achieved through a combination of special projects and ongoing programmes working together with colleagues across the organisation as well as external stakeholders.
You will take a leading role in the ongoing development of collections care within NRS by reviewing the priorities of the Archive Conservation team and the allocation of time across them and identifying a clear strategic direction. You will actively engage in teaching and mentoring others and knowledge sharing and you will promote the work of the Collections Care branch across NRS and to a wider professional community.
Responsibilities
- Lead on designing planning and managing the delivery of a range of archive conservation treatment workstreams including readying items for digitisation making items fit for consultation and preparing items for internal exhibitions and external loans.
- Lead on the assessing and rehousing or treating as required of archives at the point when they enter NRS buildings for the first time or are prepared for a temporary or permanent move out of NRS.
- Collect interpret and report on the data required to support decision-making and to assess impact for example through collection surveys condition assessments and technical examination.
- Lead on internal and external stakeholder engagement relating to archive conservation for example through the provision of training and advice and with public engagement activities.
- Work with colleagues to disseminate and undertake conservation and heritage science research which may involve developing collaborations with external organisations such as universities.
- Lead on understanding interpreting and applying relevant legislation regulations and practice keeping abreast of new developments.
- Undertake staff management and development for a team of seven Book and Paper Conservators plus shared supervision of a team of three Preservation Assistants whose remit includes working at technician level to support the Conservation team.
- A postgraduate-level qualification in book/paper conservation from an institution in the UK or other jurisdiction
- PACR (Professional Accreditation of Conservators - Restorers) accredited membership of Icon or a willingness to pursue such accreditation
- Candidates should specify relevance of their qualification to Archives if not clear from title.
Qualifications
Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive B3 grade employees.
Please submit a statement outlining your suitability for the role relevant skills and experience and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words).
Vacancies close at 12:00pm on Monday 30 March 2026.
Selection Process
All applicants will be invited to an informal discussion.
Informal discussion dates tbc.
For further information about the role please contact Isobel Griffin at
Find out more about our organisation what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website.
Read our Candidate Guidefor further information on our recruitment and application processes.
