Position at Chicago Historical Society

Assistant Conservator for Objects
Chicago Historical Society

Position Purpose: Work as part of conservation team to prepare
objects for exhibition in new galleries; document treatments; advise
mount makers.

Principal Performance Goals, 2004-2006:  Two-year position focused
on conservation needs for the installation of the new long-term
Chicago History exhibition and for four temporary exhibitions to
open in April, 2006.

Constituencies: Curators, designers, mount makers, and architects.

Position duties:

    *   Perform conservation activities necessary to prepare a wide
        range of objects for long-term exhibition.

    *   Maintain proper documentation of conservation projects.

    *   Advise on exhibition materials and methods.

    *   Assist in the de-installation of the current permanent
        exhibits.

    *   Oversee mount-making for the new exhibitions.

    *   Supervise conservation technicians, interns and volunteers
        as necessary.

    *   Oversee the day-to-day activities for object conservation in
        the lab.

Reportability:  Reports to Coordinating Conservator; may oversee
work of temporary project staff, interns, and volunteers.

Working Relationships:  Works as part of a conservation team, with
staff from the departments of Collections and Curatorial Affairs,
Exhibitions, Publications, and with contract architects, designers,
and mount makers to insure the well being of historical materials
used in exhibitions and public programs.

Values, Experience, Knowledge and Abilities:

    *   Bachelor's degree with substantial coursework in relevant
        fields and have graduated from a recognized conservation
        program or have the equivalent experience to demonstrate the
        knowledge of conservation principles, practices and
        procedures.

    *   Ability to work independently and to exercise initiative and
        judgment in planning and carrying out the responsibilities
        of the position.

    *   Excellent organizational, written, oral and interpersonal
        skills.

    *   Creative thinking and problem solving skills.

    *   Knowledge of PC computer systems and databases used for
        conservation documentation purposes is required.

    *   Some experience working with textiles and/or costume
        materials is preferred.

Please send letter, resume, and a list of three references, by July
31, 2004, to:

    Human Resources
    Chicago Historical Society
    1601 Clark Street
    Chicago IL 60614

Please direct questions to:

    Debbie Linn
    Coordinating Conservator
    Chicago Historical Society
    linn [at] chicagohistory__org
    312-799-2069
    Fax: 312-799-2369


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 18:3
                  Distributed: Thursday, June 24, 2004
                        Message Id: cdl-18-3-023
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