Conservator

JOB DESCRIPTION – Essential Job Responsibilities:

The conservator plays a critical role in the care of Bishop Museum’s diverse collections including natural history specimens and cultural/ archaeological artifacts principally from Hawai‘i and the Pacific.

The initial focus of this position will be to develop an audit of the institution’s collections for conservation needs leading to the development and implementation of a comprehensive collections conservation plan for the Museum. Conservation care of the natural history specimens and cultural artifacts in the longer term will involve program driven conservation assessment and treatment, research, documentation, working directly with curators and collections managers on preventive conservation. Participation in departmental activities, public consultation, exhibitions, education and the training of interns will also be important aspects of the role of conservator.

The conservator must be able to work effectively with both the collections/research divisions, public program departments and facility support departments to ensure collections access is balanced with conservation and care for this internationally significant collection. S/he must be an effective manager and team member who can work in a dynamic and collaborative environment. Additionally, s/he must know how to create and manage plans and budgets, be a critical thinker, conversant with current technologies, comfortable in public presentations, and serve as a spokesperson to champion the Museum’s conservation issues.

Position Responsibilities

• Examine items to assess their condition and determine treatment options and priorities, prepare estimates of cost or resources necessary for conservation in house or by contract conservators.  Research materials and techniques of fabrication and need for scientific analysis of materials as necessary.
• Prepare written reports and/or photographs to document the condition of objects before, during and after treatment.
• Provide treatments of the most informed and highest standard addressed at stabilization & conservation treatment with respect for the integrity of the artifact and intent of the artist/maker.
• Survey collections and evaluates environmental conditions to provide recommendations for proper and safe storage and exhibition.
• Plan, research and manage large grant- or contract-funded conservation projects
• Supervise assistants, contract conservators, interns and volunteers to instruct and ensure that quality work is performed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Determine the advisability of loan requests and the transport of objects, provide information on proper packing and/or supervises or carries out the packing.
• Maintain the conservation lab and equipment, research and recommend improvements to the facility.
• Interact with Museum staff and clientele to advance the professionalism of the department and institution. Answers inquiries, make presentations, and participate in workshops to educate museum professionals and the general public on basic conservation principles.
• Conducts all work activities in a timely, efficient and productive manner.
• Coordinates IPM program with collections managers.
• Assist collections managers with conservation planning. Performs other duties as necessary to accomplish Museum goals. 

Qualifications 

• Graduate degree in conservation from an accredited conservation training program.
• 8-10 years experience as a practicing conservator. Bishop Museum collections are diverse; experience with natural history and cultural collection will be favorably considered.
• 7+ years of studio and service management and administrative experience.
• Experience in developing and preparing major grant applications, and in the management of major contract and grant projects.    

Skills

• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English with clients, co-workers and outside vendors, both in person and over the phone.          
• Computer literate, ability to use/learn various computer applications.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills and planning ability, detail-oriented with good follow-through.
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups of people.