Senior National Conservator Furniture & Woodwork

Job Description

Summary In this role you will be the strategic lead for the care and conservation of the National Trusts extraordinary collection of furniture, wooden objects and wooden interior elements. Youll provide expert advice, guidance and expertise on all aspects of furnitureconservation, technical analysis, and support projects, exhibitions and loans.Please note that the salary advertised includes a base salary of £52,221, with additional inner London weighting allowance of £4,465 What its like to work here As Europes largest conservation charity, we look after everything from coastlines, castles, country houses and cottages to farmlands, forests, entire villages, bats and butterflies. We do it all to make sure that their special qualities are enjoyed andenhanced for everyone, for ever. Our work ranges from £multi-million redevelopment projects to historic fashion revivals in our new Conservation Textile Studio. And weve recently invested record sums into repairing, improving and protecting special placesfrom the threats of today. What does that mean for your career A breadth and quality of conservation work like nowhere else in the country.Conservation is a critical part of our strategy and everything that we do. We are not a look but dont touch museumwe want people to explore, experience and understand our work and here, youll help to bring the unique spirt of places and spaces tolife. The rapid pace of social, economic and environmental change presents both threats and opportunities and were working hard to manage that. So, were investing in new ways that we can use our natural resources to be more sustainable and working closelywith some very exciting partners. Its a really special time for conservation at the National Trust and a truly fascinating time to join us. What youll be doing Thinking holistically, you will develop priorities for your specialism and work collaboratively with property, curatorial, collections management and conservation colleagues, helping them to achieve sustainable standards of conservation, presentation andaccessYoull be a passionate champion for the work you do supporting with external communications and public engagement, highlighting the significance of our collections, and taking a leading role in fundraising to enable further conservation and research.Having a collaborative approach, youll work with external colleagues to develop joint research projects in support of IRO status. Who were looking for Wed like you to bring the following skills and experience to the role:

• Youll have a qualification in furniture/woodwork conservation (or equivalent achievements) and significant post qualification experience in the conservation of wooden objects
• A thorough understanding of theory and practice of collections conservation in a historic context
• High standards of leadership and consulting skills: listening, building trust and delivering quality service
• Excellent communications skills, including public speaking, and speaking to the media
• Managing and delivering innovation in a multi-disciplinary environment and teams
• Ability to prioritise across multiple workstreams, based on organisational and strategic priorities
• Financial planning and management skills and experience, including a proven track record of managing budgets, finances, large projects and contracts
• Experience in fundraising and advocacy work

The package The National Trust has the motto For everyone, for ever at its heart. Were working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. Its important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audienceswe serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say were for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.Wherever youre from, and whatever your background, we want to hear from youand it doesnt matter if youre jam first, cream first, or even if you dont like scones at all. Everyone is welcome.Benefits for working at the National Trust include:

• Flexible working whenever possible

• Free parking at most locations

• Free entry to our properties for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

Click here to find out moreabout the benefits we offer to support you.