As Collections Care Officer, you will play an important role in protecting and caring for West Dean College's exceptional collections, historic interiors and archives. Working closely with the Collections Manager and wider Collections team, you will help ensure that collections care is maintained to a high standard through practical conservation, preventative conservation, environmental monitoring, documentation and risk management. This is a varied and hands-on role, working across the College and supporting colleagues, students and volunteers. You will provide advice, guidance and training on collections care procedures, helping to develop a strong culture of conservation awareness across West Dean. Key responsibilities will include: Supporting the implementation and development of collections care policies and procedures. We are looking for a candidate with practical experience in collections care and a genuine passion for heritage and conservation. You will have a relevant qualification in Conservation, Museum Studies, Collections Care, Heritage, History, Archaeology or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience. You should have a good understanding of preventative conservation and experience caring for historic objects, interiors or archives. Knowledge of environmental monitoring, integrated pest management, condition checking, risk assessment, safe object handling and appropriate cleaning and storage methods is desirable. You will be organised, methodical and reliable, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities. Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills are essential, along with the confidence to provide guidance and training to colleagues, students and volunteers. The Collections Care Officer will support the Collections Manager in maintaining high standards of care across West Dean's collections, historic interiors and archives. Key responsibilities include implementing collections care procedures, carrying out condition checks and identifying potential conservation risks. You will monitor environmental conditions, light levels and pest activity, maintain accurate records and support preventative conservation measures. You will provide practical advice, guidance and training to colleagues, students and volunteers, helping to promote a strong culture of collections care across the College. You will also work closely with Housekeeping to ensure appropriate cleaning methods and materials are used within historic interiors. The role includes supporting access to collections, house tours, exhibitions and loans, including the safe handling, packing, movement, installation and deinstallation of objects and displays. Please click on the link and apply through our website. Deadline is 5pm on 28 October 2026Job Summary
Job Description
Caring for and maintaining collections and historic interiors in line with recognised conservation best practice.
Carrying out regular condition checks and identifying potential risks or conservation issues.
Monitoring temperature, humidity, light levels and pest activity and taking appropriate action where concerns are identified.
Maintaining accurate collections care and condition records using the Axiell collections management system.
Working with Housekeeping to ensure appropriate cleaning methods and materials are used within historic interiors.
Providing practical collections care training and demonstrations to colleagues, students and volunteers.
Supporting access to the collections, historic interiors and archives, including house tours and collection inductions.
Assisting with exhibitions, object movement, installation and deinstallation.
Supporting the preparation, packing, movement and installation of collection loans.
Helping to manage collection storage areas and maintain appropriate conservation and cleaning supplies.
Promoting good collections care and conservation practice across the College.
Ensuring compliance with Health & Job Requirements
Job Responsibilities
How to Apply