Position at Missouri Historical Society

Project Conservator
The Missouri Historical Society (MHS)
St. Louis

Full-time/Temporary

The Missouri Historical Society (MHS) in St. Louis 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 Soldier's 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 Soldier's 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 and 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<-at->mohistory<.>org

Candidates may also respond to:

    Missouri History Museum-HR
    PO Box 11940
    St. Louis MO 63112-0040

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Crista Pack Objects Conservator
Missouri History Museum
Library and Research Center
225 South Skinker Blvd, across from Forest Park
314-746-4543
Fax: 314-746-4548

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 29:35
                 Distributed: Sunday, January 31, 2016
                       Message Id: cdl-29-35-030
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