Job Description

Conservator (Textiles), HCC

The Heritage Conservation Centre (HCC), an institution under the National Heritage Board (NHB), plays a leading role in heritage conservation and collection management in Singapore. It is the repository and conservation facility for the management and preservation of Singapore\xe2\x80\x99s National collection under the custody of NHB. HCC supports more than 10 museums and heritage institutions under the umbrella of NHB. Its conservation services are constituted by 35 over conservators that includes conservators of paintings, objects, paper, textiles, alongside conservation scientists.

Job Purpose:

Working in close collaboration with the other 7+ members of the Textile conservation section, the Conservator (Textile) works within the Textile Conservation section of the Conservation Services team at HCC, and supports the organization\xe2\x80\x99s mission to manage, care for and facilitate access to the National Collection by:

Performing innovative, complex interventive conservation treatment and mounting

Providing support to museum exhibition, loan and revamp project

Contributing to the long-term preservation strategy supported by research

Promoting awareness of heritage conservation to the public and special interest groups

Responsibilities:

\xe2\x80\x8bCollections display, access and long-term collection care

• Undertaking all aspects of conservation work, including: work on the textile and garment collections in the National Collection and loans; documentation, photography, assessment, examination, treatment and mounting
• Liaising effectively with all colleagues within NHB and partners, and contributing to a cross-team effort for managing exhibition and gallery development projects to cover conservation related and administrative aspects of exhibition preparations and display
• Maintaining appropriate written, digital and photographic records, including updating of Singapore Collections Management System (SCMS)
• Providing advice and guidance for colleagues as to environmental, display, handling and storage requirements
• Taking responsibility, with Collection Management colleagues, for the long-term care and preservation of the National Collection in storage
• Performing relevant conservation analysis and test in contributing to the preservation and conservation knowledge of the collections

Research and dissemination

• Undertaking conservation study or research projects including publication and representing HCC by presenting work done at international conference
• Supporting the implementation of the HCC\xe2\x80\x99s research strategy around sustainability

Professional development and advocacy

• Keeping abreast practice in relation to all conservation disciplines
• Provide close supervision and training on the job to subordinates and others as required.
• Identifying and supporting outreach opportunities to promote HCC and develop the profile of conservation work
• Promoting conservation work in the museum\xe2\x80\x99s media focused activities as required

General support

• Assisting in administrative duties where assigned

Requirements:

• Background in Textile Conservation from a recognised training institution. An equivalent proven experience will be considered.
• Preferably 6-8 years of relevant practical experience in textiles and/or costume conservation. Institutional/public experience is preferred. Additional work experience in costume mounting is advantageous. Professionals with lesser experience may be considered as Assistant Conservator/Textiles.
• Able to carry out comprehensive and complex treatments with high degree of manual dexterity and aesthetic sensitivity.
• Able to develop and contribute to heritage science and conservation research in line with HCC\xe2\x80\x99s research strategy around sustainable conservation and collection care.
• Keeping up to date with current conservation development through self-directed learning and training.
• Familiarity and experience with regional and local art history, modern and contemporary art, handling, and treatment of artefacts in Southeast Asia and Asia will be an advantage.
• Possess a wide exposure in handling multi-cultural materials with sensitivity to its significance and demonstrate relevance in making sound contextual judgements in applying conservation principles and practices.
• Possess proficient verbal and written communication skills coupled with high emotional quotient
• A team player who can work independently, has a positive attitude and ability to handle stress, multi-task, organise and prioritise work.

*All applicants will be notified whether they are shortlisted within 4 weeks of the closing date of this job posting.

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