Conservation Assistant

Responsible for assisting the conservators with a variety of tasks including conservation treatments, photo documentation, lab maintenance, IPM, supply inventory and re-stocking, as directed by the conservator.

  • Assists in photographing art and artifacts before, during and after treatment as requested by the conservator. Labels and files slides and black & white prints; maintains files and retrieves materials as requested.
  • Under direct supervision, performs routine and mechanical aspects of conservation treatments as assigned.
  • Participates in accurate documentation of work performed. As assigned by the conservator, may assist with proposals, condition and treatment reports for specific objects. Helps to tracks status and location of projects for the conservator. Participates in packing objects for safe transportation.
  • Can monitors and maintains the IPM program for the labs.
  • Assists the conservator in tracking lab supply and material stocks, notifying appropriate staff to re-order supplies and materials, preparing stock solutions as directed.
  • Assists the conservator as much as possible in responding to routine public inquiries. As directed by the conservator in charge, assists with the supervision of adjunct staff, interns and volunteers.
  • Interacts with staff and museum clients with tact, courtesy and respect. Projects a positive and professional attitude. Cooperates and supports teamwork; maintains and strengthens customer relations.
  • Performs other duties as directed to accomplish the goals of the Museum.

    • QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience in working with museum collections.

    • Education

  • College degree in field related to museum studies.

    • Skills

  • Primarily light to sedentary work with some medium duties. Position requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach and handle. Ham be required to climb ladders, lifts, and scaffolding up to 40 feet high. Conservation duties involve fingering ability and hand-eye-foot coordination. Physical strength sufficient to push, pull, lift and carry up to 50 lbs. of artifacts and photographic materials needed. Must be able to communicate verbally with co-workers, clients, vendors and outside tradespersons, both in person and over the telephone. Must be able to provide written work documentation and read up to large amounts of material such as reports. Visual requirements include good to excellent vision, depth perception, a wide field of vision and color vision. Working environment may involve exposure to dust, molds, gasses and noxious odors from organic solvents and solvented compounds.

    • Other Requirements