Conservator

We are seeking Conservators to join our talented international team at 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum. The newest member of Qatar Museums, 3-2-1 opened in 2022 and is one of the largest and most interactive Olympic Museums in the world. The Museum is a member of the Olympic Museum Network, which currently unites 34 Olympic museums worldwide. The collection consists of early and modern sports and Olympics-related artefacts from around the globe, mostly made of textile, paper, metal and modern materials.

The successful candidate will be:

• a strong, energetic team player.
• versatile and able to adapt in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• able to work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.

The role offers the opportunity to work with a wide range of collections and to gain experience of object mounting and installation, collections management, shipping, planning and logistics.

Expertise in preventive conservation, environmental management and object mounting is essential, and specialisms in either wood, metals, modern materials, and/or paper conservation are desirable. The postholders will also provide advice and staff training, and contribute to collections management and the running of the lab.

Role Purpose, Line Management and Team Work
The Conservator reports to the Head of Conservation and will deliver remedial and preventive conservation programmes. The work involves a broad range of conservation work, including designing and preparing object mounts, object handling, packing and transportation, environmental monitoring as well as providing conservation guidance and advice to the wider team.  You will work closely with conservation colleagues, collections, exhibitions, facilities management and operations teams at 3-2-1. As a member of Qatar Museums conservation network, you will also work with colleagues across the Qatar Museums family.

Responsibilities:

Preventive Conservation

• Work with the QOSM Teams team to provide the full range of preventive conservation duties for the collections and objects on loan.
• Prepare artefacts for storage and shipping, creating bespoke solutions as appropriate.
• To undertake, direct and supervise curatorial, technical, and other staff in the object handling, packing/ transportation, mounting, care, and safe storage.
• Provide preventive conservation guidance and training, and support the development of the wider team.
• Monitor and report on storage and display environmental conditions using the appropriate software and systems to ensure object safety.
• Assist with regular storage maintenance and cleaning, including the cleaning of objects on open display.
• Design preventive conservation plans and draft policies and procedures to protect the QOSM collections in compliance with the International Museum Code of Ethics.
• Provide advice and assistance with emergency planning and response.
• To help develop and implement Integrated Pest Management Guidelines and appropriate preventive conservation programs for the Department.
• Provide clients with advice and recommendations on transport, handling and display requirements.

Remedial Conservation

• Perform condition assessments, and design and execute conservation treatments for the QOSM objects. Specialisms in either wood, metals, modern materials, and/or paper conservation are desirable.
• Determine whether objects need conservation and choose the safest and most effective method as per internationally approved and up-to-date methods and ethics.
• Manage the day-to-day running of the conservation laboratory. Deliver administrative work necessary for the laboratory and office.

Exhibition

• Conserve objects as required.
• Install, arrange, assemble, and prepare artefacts for exhibition, ensuring the artefacts' safety, and identify and correct any problems.
• Condition assessment of the objects before and after installation, and preparing the reports and documentation.
• Design and prepare object mounts as required. 
• Close collaboration with the various internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist with regular gallery maintenance and cleaning. Supervise contractors as required.
• Support all other departmental activities as required.

Documentation

• Prepare written and photo reports, documenting the condition of artefacts, treatment options, and the methods of preservation and repair used.
• Create condition checks and condition reports in the QM Collections Management System and any other documentation as required.
• To use QM CMS system to document and improve departments' documentation of pest management and environmental monitoring.
• Provide written and photographic documentation to record the condition of objects, treatments proposed, and treatments performed.
• Manage and work on multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.
• Work on projects independently, as well as in cooperation with other stakeholders.

Role Specification Detailed Requirements

• Master’s degree from a recognised Conservation Programme, with at least 5 years’ relevant practical preventive and remedial conservation experience, preferably in a museum setting. 
• Practical and theoretical knowledge in preventive conservation.
• Ability to use environmental monitoring instruments and software.
• Demonstrated knowledge of conservation ethics, conservation science, analytical techniques, preventive conservation, and collections handling and care.
• Experience with collections care, object handling, and repacking.
• Understanding of chemistry and lab safety as it applies to conservation.
• Demonstrated manual dexterity and ability to use hand and power tools.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and in self-motivated and dynamic way to meet deadlines and enjoying the freedom to work independently at the same time whilst following directions.
• Ability to plan, prioritise, multi-task, and meet deadlines.
• Strong organisational skills are essential, with the ability to prioritise and organise complex projects and multiple activities.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and teamwork skills complemented by the ability to take initiative on complex projects.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with various stakeholders within and outside of the QM.
• Excellent oral and written English skills, and high standards of interdepartmental communication.
• Strong computer and software skills. Proficiency in the use of a computer for research, writing, documentation, organisation, and data management.

The role is offered on a consultancy basis for a term of one year.. We can offer between 228,000 - 252,000 Qatari Riyals per annum (around £48,700 - £53,800 depending on exchange rate) depending on the qualifications and experience of the successful applicant. The package includes annual leave, visa and return flight to home country.

The Museum’s new staff structure will include permanent Conservator staff roles, which may be of future interest to the successful consultants.

Please send your CV with a covering letter, details of 2 referees and digital portfolio showing conservation, collections care, preventive conservation and mounting skills to Ana Radojevic, Acting Head of Conservation aradojevic@qm.org.qa.

Please note that the recruitment will remain open until the vacancies are filled and that CVs on their own cannot be accepted. Please note the maximum size limit via email is 7MB. For applications of 7MB and above kindly send it through WeTransfer.