Preventive Conservator

Trinity is Ireland's leading university and is ranked 75th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2026). Founded in 1592, the University is steeped in history with a reputation for excellence in education, research, and innovation, which has been inspiring generations of thinkers for over 400 years. Thrive: Trinity College Dublin's Strategic Plan 2025 - 2030

Post ID: 039264

Post Summary

The successful candidate will be based in the Library's Preservation and Conservation Team with specific responsibility for preventive conservation. They will lead preventive programmes for the collection, including environmental monitoring, pest monitoring, light monitoring, etc., and be responsible for equipment maintenance and supply ordering. They will also provide advice and guidance using a risk-based approach to the care of all library and archive material types, collection storage and display. They will contribute to the updating of the Library's Collection Emergency Response Plan and maintenance of emergency salvage supplies and will coordinate with relevant departments on content and training in response. They will collaborate with other conservation staff in the preparation of items for digitisation, exhibition, transportation and loan as required. The successful candidate will be expected to work as part of a team and independently on given tasks, as well as to effectively manage their time across all activities and deliverables.

Post status: Specific Purpose Contract

The specific purpose of this is for filling a Senior Technical Officer vacancy on a temporary basis pending the return of the postholder from maternity leave. Employment is not offered on an indefinite duration basis as the original postholder is expected to return. If the postholder does not return to work the post will be filled through open competition.

Hours of Post: 35 hours per week

Salary: This appointment will be made on the Senior Technical Officer Salary Scale (€61,125 - €73,436 per annum) in line with current Government pay policy. Monthly/weekly payscales. (tcd.ie)

How to apply

To assist the selection process, applicants should submit a Curriculum Vitae and a Cover Letter (maximum one A4 page) that specifically addresses the following points:

• Clearly outline relevant experience and how this experience has contributed to their knowledge.
• Demonstrate, through past examples, their ability to work on their own initiative and to resolve problems.

Applicants who do not address these requirements in their cover letter will not be considered at the shortlisting stage. Any applications which are still in progress at the closing time on the specified closing date will be cancelled automatically by the system.

Please see the Job Description below for this position.

Informal enquiries about this post should be made to Sarah Vansnick, Head Of Preservation And Conservation

Application queries about this post, please email Andrea Free at and include the Competition ID number in the subject heading.

Trinity College Dublin is Ireland's premier university. We are an EU Sustainable Gender Equality Champion and hold an Athena Swan Silver Award, recognising our ongoing work to advance gender equality both within Trinity and across the higher education sector. Trinity is committed to supporting work-life balance and creating a family-friendly working environment.

At Trinity, we are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all individuals, including those with disabilities, those who have followed non-traditional career paths, and those who have taken time out for reasons such as family or caring responsibilities. We also welcome international applicants, including those who have been displaced due to conflict or war.