Senior Conservator

HeritageSG is recruiting a Senior Conservator to join its Archaeology Services Unit. Reporting to the Head Archaeologist, and supervising an Assistant Conservator, the Senior Conservator will lead the development of HSG’s archaeological conservation capability and be responsible for the conservation of the Archaeological Collection under HSG’s care.

The Archaeological Collection comprises materials recovered from terrestrial and underwater environments through archaeological excavations undertaken over the past few decades and finds from future excavations. The Senior Conservator will establish the professional standards, facilities, and workflows required for the Collection’s long-term preservation, access, and use, and provide conservation support for development-led terrestrial and underwater archaeological excavations.

Key Responsibilities

The Senior Conservator will fulfil both a leadership and a hands-on operational role, providing specialist archaeological conservation expertise and developing HSG’s conservation capability.

Conservation leadership and systems

• Establish and implement workflows and standards of practice for the conservation and care of the Archaeological Collection, based on current professional ethics and principles, and appropriate to HSG’s needs and resources.
• Provide expert conservation input into the development and review of broader policies and processes relating to the management, care, and use of the Archaeological Collection.
• Lead the planning and set-up of HSG’s archaeological conservation laboratory, including procuring conservation equipment and materials, overseeing the fit-out and equipping of the space, and establishing workflows for the operation and maintenance of the laboratory.
• Establish and maintain appropriate health, safety, and risk-management practices for conservation laboratory and field activities, in accordance with local requirements and relevant regulations.
• Plan and manage time, budgets, and other resources required to deliver conservation work for the Archaeological Collection.
• Develop systematic approaches to prioritising conservation work across the Archaeological Collection, taking into account condition, significance, intended use, and available resources.
• Establish conservation documentation and knowledge-management processes to ensure that conservation information is appropriately maintained and accessible for the long term.
• Contribute conservation expertise to emergency preparedness and response procedures relating to the Archaeological Collection.

Capability development

• Supervise and mentor an Assistant Conservator, who may have had little or no prior professional conservation training or experience: work with the Assistant Conservator to identify their training and development needs, assign work appropriate to their developing competencies, and provide appropriate oversight.
• Develop the Assistant Conservator’s practical skills, professional knowledge, and understanding of conservation principles through structured on-the-job training, supervised practical work, and other appropriate developmental opportunities.
• Support the development of wider organisational knowledge and capability relating to conservation and care of the Archaeological Collection.

Conservation support

• Working closely with the archaeologists, Assistant Conservator, Collection Manager, and other relevant stakeholders, lead and provide conservation support for archaeological excavations, and for care of the Archaeological Collection.
• Lead and coordinate conservation activities for terrestrial and underwater archaeological excavations.
• Develop and implement conservation plans covering all stages of projects, from pre-excavation through to post-excavation. Plans should address all necessary technical aspects, and related resource and budget requirements.
• Coordinate and provide conservation support across all stages of projects, including finds recovery, preventive and interventive conservation of finds, and documentation. This may also include procurement of the equipment, materials, and other resources required to support the conservation work.
• Where necessary, train archaeologists, volunteers, or other individuals involved in excavations to carry out appropriate first aid and basic care for finds.
• Lead and undertake preventive and interventive conservation of the Archaeological Collection in storage and for display, loan, research, and other forms of access and use.
• Determine when technical examination or scientific analysis is required. Where specialist capabilities such as X-radiography or advanced scientific analytical techniques are required, identify and work with appropriate external service providers or institutional partners to obtain the necessary results.
• Ensure that conservation work is appropriately documented, and that the records are incorporated into relevant knowledge management systems.

Research and outreach

• Contribute to and undertake relevant research, particularly where it enhances understanding of the Archaeological Collection or improves its conservation, access, and use. Where appropriate, present research or professional work through publications, conferences, or other professional platforms.
• Support and develop outreach activities relating to archaeological conservation, working with HSG colleagues and relevant partners to increase public and professional awareness and understanding of the conservation of Singapore’s archaeological heritage.

Requirements

• A Master’s degree in Conservation, with a focus on archaeological conservation. An equivalent combination of professional training and experience may be considered.[EY1.1]
• At least 10 years’ relevant archaeological conservation experience, including at least 5 years in leadership and/or management. Institutional or public-sector experience is advantageous.
• Strong practical expertise in archaeological conservation, including preventive and interventive conservation, and application of current professional standards and ethics, with familiarity with relevant technical examination and analytical techniques. Experience with both terrestrial and underwater archaeological materials is preferred.
• Experience supporting archaeological excavations and post-excavation work, including conservation planning, finds recovery and investigation, storage, reburial, and treatment.
• Experience providing conservation advice and support for collections in storage and for display, loans, research, and other forms of access.
• Experience developing and implementing conservation workflows and professional standards. Experience establishing or managing a conservation laboratory will be advantageous.
• Familiarity with archaeological conservation issues in Singapore, Southeast Asia, and tropical environments will be advantageous.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, and training junior staff, with the ability to impart conservation knowledge and practical skills effectively.
• Experience conducting conservation research and disseminating results. A record of scholarship, publications, or professional presentations will be advantageous.
• Evidence of continuing professional development and a commitment to keeping abreast of developments in archaeological conservation and related fields.
• Strong project management and organisational skills, including resource and budget management, procurement, prioritisation, and delivery within established timelines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop practical conservation solutions in response to complex or changing circumstances.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively in laboratory, collections-storage, and archaeological field environments.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office. Experience working with collections management systems will be advantageous.

The Senior Conservator will be based at Tagore Lane. The role may require working at various locations around Singapore, including outdoor locations, depending on project and operational requirements. The responsibilities listed are intended to describe the principal account abilities of the role. The postholder may undertake other related duties that are consistent with the role’s purpose and level of responsibility.

Applicants should submit a relevant portfolio of conservation work together with their application. The portfolio should demonstrate relevant experience and capabilities in archaeological conservation.

Why Join HeritageSG?

Be Part of Singapore's Creative Heritage Force As a subsidiary of the National Heritage Board under MCCY, HeritageSG stands at the forefront of cultural innovation. We're the creative minds transforming how heritage connects with contemporary audiences.

Shape the Future of Cultural Experiences Join a dynamic team that blends immersive storytelling with cutting-edge technology. From virtual reality installations to interactive displays, we're pioneering new ways to make heritage accessible and engaging across museums, festivals, and digital platforms.

Work Where Creativity Meets Impact At HeritageSG, every project matters. Whether you're curating exhibitions, coordinating festivals, or developing digital experiences, you'll contribute to thoughtfully curated experiences that bring heritage to life for millions. Our collaborative environment encourages creative thinking whilst maintaining the highest professional standards.

Grow Your Career in Cultural Innovation Be part of an organisation that values both tradition and innovation. You'll work alongside passionate professionals who are reshaping the cultural landscape, with opportunities to develop expertise across multiple disciplines – from traditional curation to emerging technologies.

Make Heritage Relevant for Tomorrow Join us in our mission to ensure heritage remains vibrant and meaningful for future generations. At HeritageSG, your work doesn't just preserve the past – it actively shapes how culture evolves and connects with contemporary society.