Conservator
Salary (Grade 5) - £29,933 per annum
Hours: 37.5 hours per week - Permanent
Location: National Museum of the Royal Navy, Hartlepool
Our epic story is of the Royal Navy, and its impact on Britain and the world. Here you can come aboard the most famous ships, planes, and submarines of the Royal Navy and experience them through those who served on them. Aswell as being truly captivated by the thousands of unique, emotional, and sometimes quirky stories that have shaped the Royal Navy into what it proudly stands for today.
Our vision is to be the world’s most inspiring Naval Museum, linking Navy to Nation. You are pivotal in us achieving our vision, and to support this we embrace diversity and want everyone to feel valued and have a sense of belonging.
This is a great opportunity to join the team:
Join the Conservation team at NMRN where we safeguard historic ships, aircraft, and collections for future generations. As a Conservator, you’ll play a key role in preventive and interventive conservation, working hands-on with diverse materials and environments. As a Conservator working in Hartlepool, you will be caring for the Conservation of the historic ship HMS Trincomalee, and you will work with collections and exhibitions in our site in Hartlepool.
Your day-to-day will include monitoring environmental conditions, implementing integrated pest management, advising colleagues on best practice, and ensuring high standards of care across our sites. This is a chance to contribute to nationally significant heritage within a collaborative and supportive team.
What you can bring:
We’re looking for a skilled conservator with demonstrable knowledge of interventive conservation, supported by a professional qualification or equivalent experience. You’ll have technical competence in preventive conservation, environmental monitoring, and integrated pest management, alongside a strong understanding of health and safety. Experience working with historic ships, industrial collections, or modern materials is highly desirable, as is proficiency in using collections management systems. You’ll be organised, proactive, and able to work both independently and as part of a team, with excellent communication skills and a commitment to professional development.
What we offer:
- The opportunity to be part of a friendly and diverse workplace within a unique heritage environment.
- Group pension plan with Royal London (6% employer contributions, 2% employee contributions and death in service benefit).
- Free onsite parking
- 25 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays) pro rata for part time employees, increasing to 30 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays) after 5 years’ service, pro rata for part time employees, with the option to purchase additional annual leave.
- Enhanced maternity/adoption and paternity pay.
- Flexible working.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Free admission to other national museums and attractions within the reciprocal agreement.
- Discounts at our shops and cafes.
- Free and discounted tickets for family and friends.
- A range of other benefits including cycle to work
- Paid reservist leave.
We want you to succeed and showcase your skills and experiences, so if you are invited to interview, we will share our interview questions with you ahead of time. If you would like to have an informal discussion regarding the role, or ask any questions, please contact Maria BastidasSpence, Principal Conservator, on email maria.bastidaspence@nmrn.org.uk.
All applicants are asked to apply via https://jobs.nmrn.org.uk/ by midnight on 4th January 2026. The selection processes will be held on site in the Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool on Thursday 15th January 2026.
If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to the application process because of a disability, please contact the People team on recruitment@nmrn.org.uk for support.
This post requires a DBS check as a requirement of working on the naval base, as well as the right to work in the UK. Please note we cannot currently sponsor work visas.
Benefits
Location: Hartlepool
Job Ref: DEC20258283
Category: Conservation
Job Type: Permanent
Region: National Museum of the Royal Navy, Hartlepool
Contract Type: Permanent / Full Time
Salary: £29,933 Per Annum
Expiry Date: Mon, Jan 5, 2026