Position at Chicago Historical Society

Exhibitions Conservator
Object or Costume/Textile Specialization
Chicago Historical Society

Position Purpose: To ensure the preservation of the collection and
loan materials on exhibition. To create and disseminate information
on the unique strengths of the collection. To educate and inform the
staff and the general public on the preservation of historical
artifacts.

Principle Performance Goals, 2005-2006: Coordinate and perform
conservation for exhibitions. Work with Exhibition/Collection and
Curatorial team to conserve objects for installation of the Chicago:
Crossroads of America, American History, Treasures exhibitions.
Assist in the development and implementation plan to install these
exhibitions.

Position Duties:

    *   Coordinate exhibition conservation planning in collaboration
        with CHS staff and contract designers, including
        specifications for appropriate display materials, mounting
        techniques, environmental parameters, and installation of
        artifacts.

    *   Participate in the development of institutional policies,
        procedures, and strategies governing the use of the
        collection.

    *   Provide condition assessments, conservation treatment, and
        complete documentation for selected collection holdings,
        including in-coming and outgoing loans, exhibition, and
        non-exhibition artifacts.

    *   Advise CHS staff on environmental, packing, and handling
        specifications for collection storage and outgoing loans.

    *   Conduct training sessions in handling and preventive
        maintenance of the collection for new staff, interns, and
        volunteers.

Reporting: Reports to the Director of Collections and Curatorial
Affairs; may supervise the work of Assistant Conservators, contract
conservators, interns, work-study students and volunteers.

Working Relationships: The Exhibitions Conservator works as part of
a team with staff from the departments of Collection Services,
Exhibitions, and contract design firms to insure the well being of
historical materials used in exhibitions and public programs. The
Exhibitions Conservator advises and works with the Collections
Managers on the maintenance of a safe environment for collection
storage, and the Registrar on the safety and preservation of loan
materials.  The Exhibitions Conservator consults with Curators on
the historical background of collection holdings.

Values, Experiences, Knowledge and Abilities

    *   Advanced degree from a conservation program, or equivalent
        experience in object or costume/textile conservation

    *   Knowledge of museum practices and procedures

    *   Experience conservation for exhibition design and
        preparation of objects for exhibition.

    *   Experience working with computer collections management
        software or databases

    *   Experience working in teams, as well as independently, in
        meeting departmental goals.

    *   Minimum three to five (3 - 5) years experience performing
        artifact treatments.

    *   Excellent project management skills

    *   Excellent organizational skills

    *   Ability to work under pressure

    *   Superior oral and written communication skills

    *   Commitment to excellent customer service

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 18:42
                  Distributed: Friday, March 11, 2005
                       Message Id: cdl-18-42-049
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