Preventive Conservator; Hazards

Role Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver hazard preservation programmes, including risk assessments and control measures.
• Assess, monitor, and treat hazardous collections to reduce risk and improve storage conditions.
• Work with materials such as firearms, ammunition, asbestos, chemicals, and radioactive items.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, providing training and guidance on safe handling.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with health and safety legislation.
• Support disaster response planning and contribute to emergency procedures.

• Qualified in conservation or museum studies, or has equivalent experience.
• Experienced in working with hazardous and licensed heritage collections.
• Knowledgeable about relevant legislation, COSHH regulations, and health & safety standards.
• Detail‑oriented, adaptable, and able to manage a varied workload.
• Skilled in working collaboratively and following organisational policies.
• Desirable:
  Experience with collection management systems, supervising contractors, and working with volunteers.

If you're passionate about preserving history and have the expertise to manage hazardous collections safely, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and help us protect the past for future generations.

When applying, please indicate which role you are interested in.

• Two permanent roles at IWM Duxford
• One 12-month fixed-term role at IWM Duxford
• One 12-month fixed-term role at IWM London

Please note:

These are on‑site roles and require an enhanced DBS check.

IWM's collections hold material that is sensitive and explicit, including imagery that depicts violence. In this role, you would regularly work with such content. As a result, this position will involve viewing and hearing challenging and potentially distressing material. We encourage applicants to consider their personal suitability for this type of work before applying.

For a full list of duties and the person specification (which your application will be marked against) please view the Job Description.

National Museum Directors' Council, National Museums Liverpool, World Museum, William Brown Street, Liverpool, L3 8EN