The National Heritage Board of Singapore (NHB) is recruiting a Conservator / Assistant Conservator (Organic Objects) for the organic objects conservation team. The preferred areas of specialisation are wood and plastics. The team is part of the Heritage Conservation Centre (HCC) under NHB which is located at 32 Jurong Port Road.
Description of collections:
Artworks and artefacts are part of the National Collection and are under the custody of the National Heritage Board (NHB), Singapore. NHB preserves, presents and promotes the cultural heritage of Singapore, for the purpose of education, nation-building and cultural understanding.
HCC is an institution of NHB with purpose-built facility for the storage and conservation of all artworks and artefacts under the care of NHB. The collections include socio-historical, cultural, ethnographic, modern and contemporary art materials. HCC Conservation Services is constituted by a team of over 35 conservators and comprises 6 specializations: organic objects conservation, inorganic objects conservation (including maritime archaeology), paintings conservation, paper/photo/digital media conservation, textiles conservation and conservation science.
Job Objectives/Purpose:
You will provide and manage comprehensive conservation work on collections with a focus on but not restricted to organic material, especially wood and plastics, by applying, developing, and researching on collection related issues, including existing and new techniques and procedures. You will also contribute to the smooth operation and delivery of exhibitions, loans and events at the institutions under NHB and Visual Arts Cluster. The is a contract position for 2 years, with possible renewal.
What you will be working on:
- Carry out conservation assessments, documentation and treatments on artworks and artefacts from the National Collection according to HCC and NHB procedures, instructions and guidelines for exhibits, loans and events at the institutions of NHB and partners.
- Manage exhibition projects as liaison officer to cover conservation related as well as administrative aspects of exhibition preparations including preventive conservation.
- Perform relevant conservation analysis and tests in contributing to the preservation and conservation knowledge of the NHB collections.
- Might participate in conservation study or research projects including publication.
- Contribute to upgrading and maintenance of conservation lab.
- Might provide close supervision and training on the job to subordinates and others as required.
- Might participate as a member in work groups to work on specific topics related to conservation or institutional excellence.
- Might participate in outreach activities that cater to a wide variety of audience groups, special interest groups and the public to promote awareness of conservation.
What we are looking for:
- A Master’s Degree in Conservation from a recognized training institution. An equivalent proven combination of training and experience will be considered.
- Preferably 6 to 8 years of relevant practical experience in organic objects conservation. Institutional/public experience is preferred. Professionals with lesser experience may be considered as Assistant Conservator.
- Ability to carry out comprehensive and complex treatments with a high degree of manual dexterity and aesthetic sensitivity.
- Ability to develop and execute heritage science and conservation research in line with HCC’s research strategy around sustainability.
- Keep up to date with current conservation development through self-directed learning and training. Evidence of continual professional development.
- Familiarity and experience with cultural materials in Southeast Asia and Asia preferred.
- Possess a wide exposure in handling multi-cultural materials with sensitivity and demonstrate relevance in making sound contextual judgements in applying conservation principles and practices, while collaboratively working with all relevant stakeholders.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills that facilitate teamwork and the ability to work across departments and institutions.
- Possess initiative with ability to multi-task, organise and prioritise work in given timeline.
- Ability to work unsupervised as well as being a cooperative member of staff and strong team player.
- Ability to coach and impart conservation skills and knowledge effectively.
- Ability to adapt in a multi-lingual and multi-racial environment.
*All applicants will be notified whether they are shortlisted within 4 weeks of the closing date of this job posting.
