Apollo Painting Conservator

The Gallery seeks to recruit an Apollo Painting Conservator within the Conservation Department on a fixed term 3 year contract. This role will support a significant multi‑year project focused on the conservation and restoration of thirteen paintings by George Barret. These paintings are part of a series commissioned by Joseph Leeson, the Earl of Milltown, for Russborough House in the late 1740s. Characterized by their tall, narrow format, these panels and overdoors (supraporta) depict Italianate landscapes and views of Roman ruins, reflecting the enduring influence of Italy on British and Irish decorative arts. Leeson, a discerning collector and patron, entrusted this significant and prestigious commission to George Barret—an endorsement of the artist’s growing reputation at an early stage in his career.

After an initial assessment of these thirteen landscapes, it is evident that the paintings require various levels of conservation treatment before they can be put on display and made accessible to the public.

This requires a dedicated conservator, ensuring that each artwork is carefully assessed and restored. This post is generously funded by the Apollo Foundation.

Reporting to the Head of Conservation, the Apollo Painting Conservator will:

• Asses, research and conserve a group of paintings by George Barret
• Prepare detailed condition reports and treatment proposals.
• In close collaboration with the Gallery’s painting conservators, carry out preservation and conservation treatments on the paintings by Barret.
• Assess, research and advise on frame restoration needs.
• More generally, assist with the surveying of acquisitions, outgoing and incoming loans.
• Assist with the preparation of paintings for exhibitions and displays.
• Update and provide conservation documentation on all conservation treatments undertaken.
• Pro-actively manage our relationship with stakeholders, in particular the Apollo foundation and Russborough House.
• Comply with health and safety guidelines.
• Complete any other duties as required.

The successful candidate will have:

• A postgraduate qualification in Painting Conservation from a recognised conservation training programme
• Relevant work experience with artworks on canvas and panels, ideally in a similar environment
• The ability to carry out all aspects of the research and conservation processes
• An ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team with a positive collegial way of working
• Proven organisational skills coupled with an ability to prioritise tasks while working under pressure
• Good research and analytical skills
• An ability to meet deadlines while maintaining accuracy
• A positive approach to working in the Gallery and an enthusiasm to contribute to raising awareness about the preservation and conservation activities of the department

Conditions of employment

This job description is a guide to broad areas of responsibility and accountability and should not be regarded as a comprehensive listing. This may be subject to review in view of new structures and/or the changing needs of the Gallery. All employees are required to be compliant with NGI screening and Garda Vetting procedures. The post will be subject to a satisfactory medical check and successful completion of a successful probationary period. Applicants must be fluent in English and be eligible to work in Ireland.

Citizenship Requirements

Eligible candidates must be:

1. A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway; or

2. A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or

3. A citizen of Switzerland, pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or

4. A non-EEA citizen who has a Stamp 4 permission or a Stamp 5 permission.

Please note: A 50 TEU permission, which serves as a replacement for Stamp 4EUFAM after Brexit, is considered equivalent to Stamp 4.

To qualify candidates must be eligible by the date of any job offer.

Job Details and Application Information

Grade and Salary:

The salary for this position will be in accordance with the Assistant Keeper II / Engineer Grade III (PPC) pay scale, as per the 1 February 2026 pay adjustments. The salary scale for this position is as follows:

€39,974 €42,496 €43,170 €46,536 €49,913 €53,352 €56,956 €59,231 €61,517 €63,823 €66,115 €68,413 €70,711 €73,002 €75,313 €77,865¹ €80,414²

· The starting salary will be at the first point on the scale, €39,974 per annum, or on a higher point of the scale, as appropriate to the successful candidate, if appointed from an existing public sector role (in accordance with Circular 08/2019).

· Candidates should note the National Gallery of Ireland complies with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regulations and guidelines on Public Service pay and conditions of employment.

Annual Leave:The successful candidate will be entitled to 25 days of annual leave pro rata

Superannuation: The successful candidate will be placed on the public sector pension scheme.

Benefits: The Gallery provides staff the opportunity to participate in the tax saver and cycle to work schemes.

Duration: Fixed-term Contract of 3 years.

Working hours: Full time, 5 days a week – 35 hours per week (net of breaks). This position is fully onsite. Please note, flexibility is required and the successful candidate will be required to work occasional early mornings, late evenings and weekends.

Any personal data that you provide when applying for this position shall be processed in accordance with our Privacy Notice.

How to apply:

To apply for this role, please submit your application online and upload the following documents in PDF format:

· CV (should be no more than three pages) detailing your relevant achievements and experience to date.

· Cover letter (should be no more than two pages) outlining why you wish to be considered and how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role.

Only fully completed applications submitted before the closing date will be accepted.

All enquiries relating to the role can be sent through the messaging function within the Rezoomo application system, or alternatively to the HR Team at hrhelpdesk@ngi.ie. Canvassing will disqualify.

Panel:

Candidates should note that at the end of the candidate assessment process a panel of successful candidates may be formed based on order of merit, from which future positions may be filled.

Closing date for receipt of applications: 5 April 2026

At the National Gallery of Ireland, we value equity, diversity and inclusion. We recognise the benefits it can bring to our staff and our visitors interactions. We celebrate difference and want our people to be representative of all communities. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please do not hesitate to let us know.

The National Gallery of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer