Assistant Conservator/Conservator (Archives Conservation Lab)

National Library Board

Fixed Terms

Closing on 11 Sep 2025

What the role is

The National Library Board (NLB) nurtures Readers for Life, Learning Communities and a Knowledgeable Nation by promoting reading, learning and history through our network of 28 libraries across Singapore, the National Library and the National Archives of Singapore.

At NLB, you can look forward to a flexible, hybrid work environment with rewarding, impactful deliverables that improve the lives of the community. With caring colleagues, you will be in an ideal environment for professional development, innovation and impact.

We can offer you:
• A chance to Impact the Community, bridge gaps and empower everyone with the opportunity for learning and discovery.
• An opportunity to Innovate and Push Boundaries. We value ideas, curiosity and a passion for innovation to transform our libraries and archives.
• An organisation that Cares for your Growth and Wellbeing through investment in staff development and wellbeing in a supportive and collaborative environment.

You will be part of the team which is responsible for the conservation of paper-based archival records of historical and national significance for their long-term preservation, within National Archives of Singapore (NAS), government agencies, and private collections, to protect the nation’s patrimony. This is an important role in helping Singaporeans connect with history and culture and strengthening their understanding and appreciation of our history, contributing to NLB’s strategic vision.

Work location will be at (i) National Archives of Singapore (NAS), 1 Canning Rise, Singapore 179868
Division: National Archives of Singapore/ Archives Conservation Lab

What you will be working on

Lead assessments and recommendations of the most appropriate conservation and housing techniques for both storage and exhibition purposes.
Supervise and set standards for NAS’ repositories and other storage environments, monitoring trends, and designing remedial solutions to correct any irregularities.
Lead risk assessment to ensure proper housekeeping environmental controls, storage conditions and assessment of recommendations needed for records in NLB repositories.
Support conservation procedures for emergency disaster response and advise internal divisions/departments on conservation measures, and conduct training on salvage procedures and handling for internal staff.
Participate in NAS cross-divisional projects and external programmes or outreach activities such as public talks, publications, or related preservation training.
Oversee timely maintenance and upkeep of all machines and equipment in the lab, ensuring relevance and efficiency.
Initiate research topics, participate actively and represent NAS in international conservation associations and forums.
Lead consultations with government agencies and donors on condition assessments.
Curate learning programmes, training and resources for team to stay up to date with developments in conservation.
Mentors and supervises team of conservators to build a positive work environment.
Ensure that laboratory practices are up-to-date and reflect professional standards e.g. ISO certification.

What we are looking for

Relevant experience in conservation, collection care, or heritage science. In the absence of this, proficiency in the arts, chemistry or any other related field of work is required.
Strong interest in and experience in fine arts, culture and heritage.
Good time management and planning skills, able to multitask.
Strong communication skills, ability to work within a team, confidence in engaging stakeholders at all levels.

The successful candidate will be appointed on a 2-year contract. We regret to inform you that only successful candidates will be contacted.

About National Library Board

To each reader, the library is a window to a vibrant imagination and exciting possibilities. For families, the library experience occupies a special in their hearts and of memories collected over generations. Libraries hold a special and familiar place in each of our hearts. NLB seeks to provide a trusted, accessible and globally-connected library and information service so as to promote a knowledgeable and engaged society. If you share our passion to create memorable library experiences for all our readers, we invite you to join the NLB family.

About your application process

This job is closing on 11 Sep 2025.

If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the job ad closing date, we seek your understanding that it is likely that we are not moving forward with your application for this role. We thank you for your interest and would like to assure you that this does not affect your other job applications with the Public Service. We encourage you to explore and apply for other roles within National Library Board or the wider Public Service.