Job Posting: Assistant Conservator, Renovation Projects – Peabody Museum (Cambridge, MA)

Auto req ID	36260BR
Business Title	Assistant Conservator, Renovation Projects
School/Unit	Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Sub-Unit	————
Location	USA – MA – Cambridge
Time Status	Full-time
Schedule	Monday – Friday, 9-5
Department	Peabody Museum
Salary Grade	055
Union	55 – Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers
Duties & Responsibilities	This position is responsible for care and conservation of fragile three-dimensional objects that are part of the Museum’s renovation projects. Position is responsible for de-installation, photographic documentation, written object descriptions, and updated data entry in the museum’s collection management database (TMS). The incumbent will complete detailed conservation condition assessments; clean and deinfest objects as needed; undertake object conservation stabilization and treatments; develop housing prototypes for complex composite objects; and work in collaboration with collections assistants in moving heavy large and/or very fragile objects. Oversees workflow, schedules and trains other support staff, students, interns, and casual employees in preventive care measures. May respond to technical inquiries by phone or in person; may compose correspondence related to inquiries. Performs local and national database searches for pertinent information to the objects; histories and construction technologies. May compile data used in preparation for future grant proposals and publications. Reports to the Senior Conservator, and works in alignment with the Senior Collections Manager and collections assistants.
Basic Qualifications	BA in conservation, art history, anthropology or museum studies and a minimum of three years work experience caring and conserving three-dimensional objects in a museum environment.
Additional Qualifications	MA/MS from a recognized art conservation training program is preferred although a comparable advanced internship experience working with professional conservators may be considered in lieu of the master’s degree. Excellent knowledge of issues of handling, storage, and preservation of object-based collections. Demonstrated work experience in performing written condition assessments and treatment proposals and in conservation treatments of three-dimensional objects. Solid knowledge of established preservation and conservation methods and standards. Specialized technical skills in preparing object descriptions and research as required. Good knowledge of chemistry and good understanding of materials and construction techniques of inorganic and flexible organic objects including those of plant fibers, wood, shell, ceramic, and plaster. Good familiarity with preventive conservation measures, integrated pest management and deinfestation methods, and of object storage techniques. Current understanding of environmental requirements for objects for their long-term preservation. Knowledge of personnel safety equipment and standards.Must have strong organizational and interpersonal skills; strong written, verbal and listening skills. Ability to prioritize, develop organized work plans, and demonstrated ability to meet deadlines. Regular, consistent and reliable attendance is essential. Position requires high accuracy; clear and concise documentation; and must be detail-oriented with a good ability to analyze and make good judgments as part of workflow. Ability to take direction, follow museum and conservation guidelines, policies, and procedures. Collaborative and effective teamwork skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Good knowledge of TMS database is preferred; proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Good knowledge of digital photography and photographic documentation of objects .Creativity and enthusiastic approach to collections preservation activities.
Additional Information	Physical requirements include walking, standing, stooping, pushing and pulling, and must be able to reach and work above the shoulders,climb ladders, kneel, twist, and squat. Ability to lift heavy objects (up to 30 lbs.) comfortably and to wear a custom-fit respirator on occasion. For candidates under consideration, submission of a portfolio is required that details at least two written object condition reports, treatment proposals and object treatments, and final reports and photographic documentation. This is a term position for two-years from date of hire with no possibility of renewal and is part of a project team with three collection assistants.
Pre-Employment Screening	Criminal Identity
EEO Statement	We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law.