Jobs

JOB PURPOSE
The Mackintosh Illuminated Project comprises a major capital conservation project at the A Listed Hill House in Helensburgh and an ambitious programme to raise awareness and appreciation of the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his artist designer wife, Margaret MacDonald to an international audience. The Project therefore spans oversight of construction works, project management, skills training, conservation, historical research, interpretation, engagement, and community relations. This post will work closely with the Project Director to assist in ensuring that this complex and exciting initiative will be managed and delivered effectively and to the highest standards.
This role is an integral part of the project team, which, working with the regional and property teams, will lead on the conservation, protection, monitoring, research, analysis, storage, decant, and re-instatement of the unique and varied collections and interiors at the Hill House. This includes, but is not limited to wall paintings, fixtures & fittings, carpets, upholstery, paintings, furniture, textiles, and stained glass.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
• Undertake and commission specialist conservators and contractors to accurately record, analyse, research, and assess the interiors, wall decoration and core collection items
• Develop, cost, and implement remedial treatment plans for the conservation of the collections and interiors, ensuring the use of appropriate conservation techniques and materials, and adherence to best practices and ethical standards.
• Working with the Regional Conservator and Curator, advise project team and contractors on best practice collections and interiors conservation, and ensure project work impacts are risk assessed and mitigated against. Oversee works on-site to ensure mitigations are effective and enact adaptations as required.
• Plan and cost for collections decant, storage, exhibition, and re-install as required throughout project works, bringing in specialist art handlers, as necessary. Ensure all collections stored within collection stores are appropriately packed, environments and location controls are maintained, and in-situ protection is installed for non-moveable interior fixtures and fittings.
• Plan and coordinate cleaning schedules to minimise effects of any dust and dirt ingress as a result of project works
• Maintain, research & develop collections and interior documentation, including condition assessments, treatment reports, object movement records and the Hill House Authenticity Report – a document which chronologically records the interventions conducted within the house throughout its history.
• Collaborate with the Regional Conservator, Surveyor and Project Team to assist with the development, planning, and installation of environmental systems throughout the property.
• Work closely with the Regional Conservator and Curator to determine and commission any re-decoration, design schemes and interpretation of the wall decorations using evidence from analysis, research and in consultation with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the most accurate and ethical approach is taken.
• Working with the relevant budget holders, purchase and manage conservation and packing supplies in consultation with the Regional Conservator.
• Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers and property staff to assist with the project works, as necessary.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
Qualifications
Essential
 A recognised qualification in remedial or preventive conservation or equivalent experience

Desirable
• A strong commitment to continuous professional development, including ICON Accreditation status
Experience
Essential
 A broad and demonstrable understanding of the conservation, care, treatment and analysis of historic collections and interiors with an emphasis on painted wall decorations and furniture.
 Demonstrable understanding of historic buildings, their structure, fabric, and environmental needs.
 Experience of working with a collections management database, and other collections documentation.
 Experience and an excellent understanding of working with environmental monitoring and control systems, conservation environmental parameters, and preventive conservation.
 Excellent organisational, administrative, and time-management skills with the ability to prioritise and re-prioritise workloads to meet changing demands.
 Experience of supervising consultants and contractors.
 The ability to think and act quickly in challenging circumstances.
 The ability to work on-site at height and to undertake physical work including climbing stairs, lifting and carrying objects and equipment
 Competent user of Microsoft Office software
 Practical knowledge of Health and Safety processes and procedures and the ability to work effectively within these processes

Desirable
 Awareness of the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the ‘Glasgow Style’
 Experience of working within an historic house context.
 Experience of managing the conservation for exhibition, including mounts, hanging, transport and packing.
 Experience of using social media in a workplace context

DIMENSIONS AND SCOPE OF JOB
Scale
 As part of the Mackintosh Illuminated Project, this role will be responsible for all conservation and collections care activities conducted on-site at the Hill House as part of the project.
 Dotted line reporting to Project Manager

People Management
 No direct line management responsibilities but supervision of contractors, other staff and volunteers will be required as part of the day-to-day activities of the project
 Will work as part of the on-site project team and will liaise closely with regional and national teams as required

Finance Management
 Not a budget holder but will contribute to good financial management of the project via robust reporting and planning

Tools / equipment / systems
 Regular use of Axiell Collections Management system
 Daily use of environmental monitoring and control systems
 Knowledge and skills in use of preventive conservation equipment and chemicals (COSHH), working at height equipment (PASMA)
 Actively promotes and leads a safe working environment including the use of PPE

Example key performance indicators and targets
 Contribute to key conservation measures such as maintaining environmental control, risk mitigation, collections protection, and work cooperatively as a key member of the project team to ensure the project aims are achieved.

Application Deadline: Sunday 29/06/2025