Position at Chicago Historical Society

Assistant Conservator for Objects
Chicago Historical Society

The Chicago Historical Society is undergoing a major building
renovation and complete overhaul of its long-term exhibitions over
the course of the next two years. We are seeking qualified
candidates for the position of Assistant Objects Conservator in the
Department of Collections and Curatorial Affairs for the duration of
this project. This is an 18-month to 2-year term, depending upon the
start date of the accepted candidate.

The Assistant Conservator will be focused on the conservation needs
for the renovation and installation of new long-term exhibits on
Chicago and American history, scheduled to open in late, 2006.  This
project includes working with a team of collections managers on the
deinstallation of all of the artifacts and collections currently on
exhibit and advising on the packing, transport and storage of
oversized objects such as chandeliers, dioramas, and full sized
trains.

The Assistant Conservator will also assist on the conservation of
objects that will be included in four temporary exhibitions that
will open when the renovation of the building is completed. Other
responsibilities may include supervising interns and volunteers,
training other museum staff in proper object handling, and ordering
and maintaining lab supplies.

Position Duties:

    *   Perform conservation activities necessary to prepare a wide
        range of objects such as artifacts recovered from the
        Chicago Fire, Louis Sullivan stained glass windows, Kukla,
        Fran and Ollie puppets, and Abraham Lincoln artifacts, for
        long-term exhibition.

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

    *   Advise on exhibition materials and methods.

    *   Oversee mount-making for the new exhibitions.

    *   Maintain proper documentation of conservation projects.

    *   Supervise conservation technicians, interns and volunteers
        as necessary.

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

Qualifications:

    *   Master's degree from a recognized Art Conservation program
        or have the equivalent working 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.

    *   Ability to supervise manage complex programs and projects.

    *   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.

Salary and Benefits: Salary is competitive. Benefits include
vacation, sick, and PTO time, as well as choice of insurance.

Please send your letter of application, resume, and the names and
phone numbers of three work references to:

        Director of Human Resources
        Chicago Historical Society
        Clark Street at North Avenue
        Chicago, Illinois 60614
        chshr<-a t->chicagohistory< . >org

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
An Equal Opportunity Employer: M/F/D/V

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 18:28
                 Distributed: Tuesday, January 4, 2005
                       Message Id: cdl-18-28-018
                                  ***