Associate Conservator
Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University
Grade 56
The Associate Conservator conducts conservation examinations and surveys, undertakes and documents preventative and interventive conservation activities, provides support to the museum’s conservation department in exhibition, loan, acquisition, and curatorial initiatives. Reports to the Senior Conservator.
Conservation (80%):
- Performs a range of conservation examinations and treatments, including stabilizing and cleaning of organic and inorganic materials.
- Conducts collection surveys and analyzes results in consultation with the Conservator and/or Senior Conservator.
- Completes written technical examinations including history/fabrication technology and selected material analysis in accordance with departmental standards.
- Performs photographic documentation and updates technical reports in museum database.
- Undertakes routine bi-monthly environmental monitoring activities, producing a comprehensive report on the environmental status of the museum facility and troubleshooting issues with the Conservator and Building Manager.
- Conducts insect/pest identifications as part of the Museum’s Integrated Pest Management program; generates bi-monthly IPM reports and advises collections staff on related pest management issues.
- Implements procedures to address preservation problems in consultation with the Senior Conservator and other collections staff.
- Serves as courier for museum loans as required.
Consultation (20%):
- Provides exhibition checks and technical advice on preventative conservation measures for objects in storage in collaboration with collections management staff.
- Advises on appropriate temperature, humidity, and light levels for museum galleries and storage spaces.
- Advises staff on appropriate storage systems for complex fragile objects and develops prototypes for storage containers and object re-housing.
- Supervises conservation interns on designated projects.
- Supports the conservation department’s mission and responsibilities and performs other duties as required.
Position Requirements:
Basic Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Conservation and 3+ years of museum experience with 1+ in conservation.
Additional Qualifications:
- Demonstrated excellence performing conservation treatments.
- Knowledge of cultural history, technology, and materials of three-dimensional objects as well as a good understanding of chemical and physical processes of deterioration.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Good analytical and problem solving skills; ability to establish and achieve priorities.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills required.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to lift 35-40 lbs.
- Position may require long periods of standing and bending.
- The work associated with this position is primarily performed in a conservation lab.
- This individual will be using specialized conservation tools, equipment and solvents.
- Must be aware of environmental hazards posed by substances such as solvents and mold and appropriate, safe methods of working with such substances.
For additional information and to apply for this position, see http://hr.harvard.edu/search-jobs, position number 37856BR.