Project Conservator (Full-Time/Temporary)
The Missouri Historical Society is seeking a Project Conservator with a specialization in the conservation of objects. The Project Conservator will be responsible for the conservation treatment of objects belonging to MHS’s collections in the Missouri History Museum and the Soldiers Memorial Museum in preparation for the latter’s re-opening in 2018. We are looking for an experienced individual who demonstrates professionalism, flexibility, and is detail-oriented to effectively organize the project’s conservation activities, conduct treatments, and other tasks as directed.
The Conservator will be located at the Missouri Historical Society’s existing conservation lab, located in the Library and Research Center. The Project Conservator will be expected to divide their time between projects for Soldiers Memorial Museum and Missouri History Museum. Project start date is immediate upon hire and will conclude at the end of 2017.
Responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to:
- Examine objects and prepare conservation assessments, as required under the supervision of the Objects Conservator
- Prepare conservation documentation, including photography, condition reports, treatment proposals, and treatment reports
- Perform conservation treatments on objects, under the supervision of the Objects Conservator
- Maintain conservation records for performed treatments and contracted work
- Enter conservation information into the institution’s collections database system (Mimsy)
- Organize contract conservation work for textiles, paper, paintings, and other objects as needed
- Assist with the planning of exhibitions and exhibit spaces, including advisement on mount making, material selections, environmental parameters, and lighting requirements, etc. as needed
- Assist with the installation of exhibit material under the supervision of the Objects Conservator, Registrar, and/or Collection Manager as needed
- Assist in the packing, moving, and storage of collections under the supervision of the Objects Conservator, Registrar, and/or Collection Manager as needed
- Preventive conservation duties as assigned, including environmental monitoring, integrated pest management, and collections emergency preparedness
- Active participation in public outreach, including public presentations, lab tours, publications, and the ability to explain the importance of conservation to donors and visitors alike
- Other conservation duties as assigned, including purchasing laboratory supplies, performing inventories, and constructing boxes and mounts for storage upgrades
Qualification Requirements
- Master’s degree in Art Conservation or equivalent, with a specialization in objects conservation
- Several years’ experience handling art and artifacts in a museum environment
- A minimum of one (1) year experience in conservation, preferably in an objects conservation laboratory
Additional Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Thorough knowledge of and adherence to the Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works (AIC)
- Knowledge of best-practice standards, techniques, materials, and equipment used in the conservation of objects
- Demonstrated abilities in the examination, analysis, documentation, and treatment of organic and inorganic materials
- Knowledge of the environmental hazards posed by substances such as solvents and mold and appropriate, safe methods of working with such substances
- Excellent attention to detail and time management skills – the ability to work on several projects simultaneously will be essential
- Must be a creative thinker with excellent problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and analytical abilities
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Ability to work individually and as part of a team
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office and collections management database software, especially MIMSY
Deadline to Apply: Open until filled.
Please submit employment application, letter of interest and resume to: hradmin@mohistory.org
Candidates may also respond to: Missouri History Museum-HR P.O. Box 11940 St. Louis, MO 63112-0040
An Equal Opportunity Employer