Position at Field Museum

Exhibitions Conservator
Field Museum of Natural History

1 Full-time Position (35 hrs/wk)

The Field Museum seeks an experienced Conservator to manage
collection care and conservation issues for all Exhibitions. Under
the co-supervision of the Exhibitions Planning and Operations
Director and Anthropology Chief Conservator and in close
consultation with Collections Managers, and Curatorial Teams, serves
as an interdepartmental liaison as well as the primary contact
within the Anthropology Department for exhibit-related projects and
issues.

Key responsibilities include:

    Works with Exhibition Department staff to monitor, maintain, and
    upgrade Exhibition conditions for Collections and Research
    objects and specimens, utilizing preventive conservation
    methods.

    Functions as contact person for collection care and conservation
    between the Departments of Exhibitions, Anthropology, Protection
    Services, and Facilities, Planning &Operations for the safety
    and security of objects on display in permanent, temporary, and
    traveling exhibitions.

    Works closely with Anthropology Collections Managers when
    installing/deinstalling objects from Exhibits. Monitors movement
    of objects once outside collections areas and keeps inventory
    databases updated. Consults with the Registrar, Collections
    Managers, and Exhibitions Mount Shop staff regarding the
    database and the accuracy of its information.

    Undertakes and coordinates the examination, documentation,
    treatment, preservation, housing, and storage of objects used by
    Exhibitions from the Anthropology Department, other Museum
    departments and outside lenders, as authorized by appropriate
    curators, owners, or agents, with primary responsibility given
    to Anthropology objects. Participates in all object
    installations and de-installations.

    Uses knowledge of the physical and chemical properties of
    materials, including effects of environmental factors and causes
    of damage and deterioration, to advise on exhibition environment
    and construction materials and design. Consults regularly with
    Exhibition development, design, and production staff and the
    Exhibition Registrar on developing and maintaining exhibit
    standards that meet conservation criteria for permanent,
    temporary and traveling exhibit (including but not limited to
    design and case layout, housekeeping and IPM issues, testing
    materials for display, establishing environmental and support
    requirements, providing advice on design issues to promote
    effective and efficient access and maintenance, and developing
    project budgets for object conservation and housing/movement).
    Assists as necessary with maintenance of permanent exhibits
    (including setting environmental criteria and procedures to
    achieve and monitor them, documentation of changes in object
    condition, responding to damage or emergencies that endanger
    objects, object inventory).

    Reviews the design and development of new Collections and
    Research object and specimen displays including case security.

    Reviews, updates, and enforces policies and procedures related
    to exhibit spaces with respect to object care, management and
    conservation.

    On rare occasions, couriers outgoing loans and travels as part
    of Traveling Exhibitions team to condition-report and help
    install objects.

    Supervises relevant collections management assistants,
    conservation assistants, interns, volunteers, and other Exhibits
    staff working with the Anthropology collections. Trains staff on
    artifact handling and collection orientation.

    Assists in the operation and maintenance of the conservation
    laboratories.

    Works according to professional museum standards, operating
    under the Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice of the
    American Institute of Conservation and the Code of Ethics of the
    American Association of Museums.

    Attends and contributes to professional meetings, workshops, and
    other activities as appropriate to keep current in the field of
    conservation, enhance professional knowledge and skills, and
    disseminate information developed on the job.

    Performs other collections-related and conservation activities
    as assigned.

Special Requirements

    Represent the Museum in a positive manner and maintain strict
    confidentiality

    Occasional travel and possession of a current passport.

    Work well with people/institutions of different cultures,
    nationalities, and localities.

    Keep cool and problem-solve creatively in a fast-paced
    environment

    Undertake occasional early, late, weekend, and long hours.

    Comfort with a variety of objects including art, artifacts,
    specimens, and human remains.

    Strenuous activity to be expected and must be able to work with
    artifacts and records for long hours in galleries and storage
    areas.

Qualifications

    Degree in conservation from a recognized training program and at
    least 4 years experience in materials conservation and
    exhibition conservation.

    Strong management, administrative, and interpersonal skills
    required, including good verbal and written communication
    skills.

    Demonstrated superb manual and organizational skills, impeccable
    attention to detail, in-depth knowledge of accepted museum
    collections care and conservation practices and procedures
    expected.

    Demonstrated working knowledge of conservation method, theory,
    and literature.

    Demonstrated computer proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.

    Preference given to candidates with working knowledge of
    Filemaker Pro and KE EMu, and experience in exhibition
    conservation.

Application may be made at

    <URL:http://www.fieldmuseum.org>

Ruth E Norton
Chief Conservator
The Field Museum
1400 S Lake Shore Dr
Chicago IL 60605
312-665-7880


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 25:27
                Distributed: Saturday, December 3, 2011
                       Message Id: cdl-25-27-021
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