Textile Conservation Intern. National Maritime Museum. Londres

Textile Conservation Intern

Internship Description and Person Specification

Job Title:  Textile Conservation InternResponsible to: Head of Object Conservation

Purpose:  

1. Work to develop and learn the skills necessary to maintain, conserve and restore to museum specifications the nation’s collection of textile objects.2. To fully participate in the training and assessment process to develop and demonstrate a range of skills.

Key responsibilities:

During the internship, the intern is expected to help deliver the Museum’s key objectives whilst learning new skills. The intern’s responsibilities encompass following activities:

• Learn and develop the skills of textile conservator under the guidance of the Head of Textile Conservation
• Maintain, conserve and restore objects of predominantly textile origin to support the Museum’s public programme to agreed deadline, time and standard under the supervision of the Head of Textile Conservation.
• Study, and contribute to, the care of collections (preservation) programme as required.
• Learn to conduct assessments and produce condition reports on objects and advise on the suitability for display, loan, acquisition, transport etc. as required.
• Learn to advise on the design of mounts needed for relevant objects.
• Record development progress using a daily work record.
• Give and receive feedback on work performance and development with Head of Textile Conservation and Head of Section.
• Help maintain a positive approach in the workplace, seek clarity to resolve misunderstandings. 
• Contribute to the general housekeeping in the textile conservation studio including ensuring the studio and equipment comply with all health and safety legislation needed for this area. 
• The above mentioned tasks are neither exclusive nor exhaustive and the post holder may be called upon to the carry out such other appropriate duties as may be required by the Museum within the competence of the post holder.

Skills and experience:

Essential:

• Demonstrable work experience in the treatment of textile objects
• Good manual dexterity and familiarity with a wide range of materials and sewing techniques 
• Ability to take instruction; work on one’s own or as part of a team
• Committed to personal development -a self starter, resilient and enthusiastic
• Good observation and reporting skills including computer competency/IT skills
• Effective communication skills: Must be friendly, polite, approachable and helpful to colleagues, managers and visitors 
• Clear written communication skills in order to complete work records: accuracy and neatness 
• Can analyse a problem and distinguish between cause and effect
• Inspire confidence and clarify uncertainty 
• Clear and logical thinking required to deal positively with problems occurring

Desirable: 

• Degree in conservation or equivalent
• Work experience in a museum environment or heritage sector
• Knowledge of chemistry or applied science, preferably to A level standard or equivalent

Terms and conditions:

The internship will last for up to 12 months.

The intern will work a 41 hour week, the core hours being Monday to Friday 08:00–16:00 or as negotiated with the Senior Specialist and Head of Objects Conservation.

Salary: £19,200 per annum

This internship is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Closing date: 30 August 2011

To apply please email a CV and covering letter to recruitment@nmm.ac.uk or post to Human Resources, National Maritime Museum, Park Row, Greenwich, London SE10 9NF

Please also take the time to complete an equal opportunities monitoring form.

We regret we are unable to reply to every applicant. If you do not hear from us within three weeks of the closing date please assume you have not been shortlisted.

The Museum holds the 'two ticks' disability symbol and will guarantee an interview to disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria.  Please indicate clearly in your application if you wish to be considered under this scheme