Paintings Conservator Trainee

South Gyle Conservation Centre

You will work as part of the Applied Conservation team, to support the paintings conservators during the different stages of the conservation process.
You will be involved in a range of imaging, documentation, analysis, assessments and reporting activities, as well as undertaking conservation work.

This post will be part of a wider programme of Conservation Traineeships. Conservation Trainees have the opportunity to gain practical experience, learn from experts in their chosen field or craft, increase knowledge of the wider conservation sector, expand their professional network and have access to a wide range of learning resources and opportunities from the Engine Shed, Scotland’s dedicated Conservation Resource Centre.

Conservation Traineeships are a part of HES’s long-standing conservation skills development programme. This post is a part of a wider team of Conservation Trainees. You will have the opportunity to gain experience in your chosen field of conservation, increase your knowledge of the wider heritage conservation sector, expand your professional network and receive expert mentorship. You will learn from HES teams by working alongside and contributing to live projects as a valued member of staff. You will have the opportunity to learn about the wider heritage conservation sector from experts across our organisation and beyond while networking with others. As a team of Trainees you will learn from each other and receive group training. We will work with you to develop your own continual professional development (CPD) goals and facilitate you working towards these with a mentor. You will be supported by both your team and our wider Traineeship programme, to develop your skills and knowledge, and also develop your career in the heritage conservation sector.

Essential requirements:

• A strong interest in heritage conservation and an interest in pursuing a career in heritage conservation
• Knowledge and understanding of museum ethics, principles and best conservation practice.
• You will possess excellent organisational skills and ability to take a methodical approach to your work.
• Self-motivated, able to work autonomously, take initiative and responsibility.
• Able to use Microsoft Office applications and image processing software.
• Ability to participate in a range of physical activities which include manual handling, and working at height, though reasonable adjustments to help facilitate this can be considered.
• Demonstrable dexterity and tool skills, via portfolio of projects (academic or professional) – to be provided at the interview.

Desirable requirements:

• Some experience in key aspects of the conservation of paintings.
• Interest in the historical context of the HES Collection and estate
• Experience working with a variety of different audiences.
• Experience in working with and creating records of work.
• Confidence in your ability to speak in public.
• Full Driving License. Some of our properties are in remote areas not accessible by public transportation when equipment transport needs are taken into account.

 

Qualifications & Professional Memberships:

• Degree (SCQF Level 10 qualification) or equivalent in the conservation of paintings (either easel and/or wall paintings) is essential.
• Or other relevant SCQF Level 10 qualification from a recognised conservation training program.

 

 

 

Alongside your salary of £21,452, Historic Environment Scotland contributes
£6,013 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

 

We welcome applications from all nationalities, ensuring that they have the right to work in the UK and applying for a job with us could open the door to a unique work environment. It could also give you job satisfaction and excellent development opportunities, plus a competitive salary, 25 days paid holidays (rising to 30 days after 3 years’ service) and 11.5 public holidays a year – pro rata for part time staff.

 

In addition, we offer a great benefits package to our employees which includes:

 

• flexible working hours (where appropriate)
• special leave
• maternity/paternity leave
• adoption leave
• reimbursement for relevant professional subscriptions
• support for further education and personal development
• study leave for work related courses
• access to a learning resource centre

 

 

Health and welfare

 

We offer you access to:

 

• our Employee Assistance Programme – for confidential advice and counselling
• an occupational sick pay scheme
• discounts at some local authority leisure facilities
• interest free loans for bicycles and annual travel passes (see ‘season ticket’ below)
• reasonable adjustments when needed, as part of our Equalities policy

 

Staff discounts

 

You will receive:

 

• free entry to all of our properties (with up to three guests)
• free entry to English Heritage, Manx and Cadw properties
• 20% off purchases in our retail outlets

 

Season tickets

 

You can receive an advance to help with the cost of buying an annual season ticket for travel between home and work. The advance is then repaid from your salary over the life of the season ticket. Available to all permanent and fixed-term staff.

Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).

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Job contact :

• Name : Damiana Magris
• Email : damiana.magris@hes.scot

Recruitment team

• Email : recruit@hes.scot