Conservation Specialist: Collections Care and Preservation

beBee Careers is seeking a Senior Conservation Specialist in Abu Dhabi, UAE, to oversee museum collections care and preservation. The role involves developing conservation strategies, conducting assessments, and collaborating with curators and researchers. Key responsibilities include ensuring proper handling and storage of collections, advising on environmental practices, and contributing to conservation research. The position requires a Bachelor's degree in Conservation and extensive experience in the field.
Senior Conservation Specialist
A career-defining opportunity awaits an experienced professional in conservation science to join our esteemed institution as a Senior Conservation Specialist. This pivotal role is designed for experts with extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in museum collections care, preservation, and management.

About the Role:

This position requires a highly skilled individual who can oversee preventive conservation strategies, treatment procedures, environmental monitoring, and risk assessment to safeguard our vast collections of natural history specimens, artworks, and exhibition materials.

The successful candidate will collaborate closely with curators, collections managers, and scientific researchers to provide expert guidance on conservation standards and best practices while embracing innovative and sustainable technologies.

Key Responsibilities:
• Develop and implement comprehensive preventive conservation plans to protect our collections from physical, chemical, and biological deterioration.
• Conduct thorough condition assessments and develop targeted treatment strategies for at-risk objects, prioritizing ethical and minimally invasive conservation methods.
• Ensure proper storage, handling, and transportation of collections by adhering to museum conservation guidelines and international standards.
• Advise on climate control, pest management, and environmental monitoring practices in storage, display, and research areas.

Exhibition & Loan Conservation:
• Work seamlessly with curatorial and exhibition teams to ensure that displayed objects are properly prepared, mounted, and protected.
• Conduct thorough risk assessments for loaned objects and traveling collections, providing conservation recommendations for transport and display.
• Supervise the packing, shipping, and installation of objects to guarantee adherence to conservation and security standards.

Scientific Research & Conservation Innovation:
• Collaborate with scientists, researchers, and external institutions on conservation projects, incorporating new materials science, digital documentation, and analytical techniques.
• Stay abreast of advancements in conservation science, including novel methods for stabilizing fragile or degraded specimens.
• Conduct conservation research and contribute to scientific publications, conferences, and professional forums.

Policy Development & Training:
• Develop and enforce conservation policies, protocols, and emergency response plans for collections management and disaster preparedness.
• Provide training and mentorship to museum staff, students, and interns on handling, preventive conservation, and specialized treatment techniques.
• Ensure compliance with ethical guidelines, regulatory requirements, and international conservation standards.

Collaboration & Cross-Departmental Support:
• Collaborate closely with collections management, curatorial, and scientific research teams to align conservation efforts with our institution's mission.
• Support grant applications and funding proposals for conservation initiatives, equipment, and research projects.
• Liaise with external conservation experts, academic institutions, and funding bodies to enhance our conservation capabilities.

Requirements:
• Bachelor's degree in Conservation, Conservation Science, Museum Studies, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience in museum conservation, collections care, or scientific research related to conservation.
• Expertise in preventive conservation, conservation treatments, and environmental monitoring for museum collections.
• Strong track record of publishing research, securing conservation funding, or leading conservation projects.

We offer a competitive compensation package and opportunities for professional growth and development. If you are a dedicated and passionate conservation professional seeking a challenging role, please submit your application.