What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Conservator position at American Museum of Natural History?
The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s preeminent scientific and cultural institutions, and has as its mission to discover, interpret and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education and exhibition.
The Museum is seeking a full-time Assistant Conservator to support the day-to-day functions of the conservation lab, related to preservation, documentation and exhibition, of anthropology and natural science collections. Working with AMNH staff across scientific disciplines and the facilities management teams, they will pursue a collaborative and interdepartmental approach to the care of the collections.
For more information about Science Conservation at AMNH, including examples of the scope of projects that come through the lab, visit www.amnh.org/research/science-conservation.
Job duties include, but are not limited to:
- Support collections-wide preventive conservation efforts including emergency response, integrated pest management (IPM) and environmental monitoring and assessment.
- Partner with collections and facilities teams to monitor collections conditions and provide data for Museum strategic planning.
- Support research and testing of materials for storage and display. Implement and interpret results from methods such as microchemical testing, Oddy testing and/or analytical procedures including pXRF, FTIR, accelerated aging and digital microscopy.
- Perform conservation treatment supporting routine collection care needs, special projects, permanent and temporary exhibitions and study and outgoing loans.
- Implement a range of procedures for generating, processing and archiving visual and handwritten documentation. Use various equipment and software applications in a manner appropriate for different objects and project needs.
- Develop and provide training and programming for internal teams increasing conservation awareness and building skills to ensure improved care of the anthropology and natural science collections.
- Support day-to-day lab activities, including management of digital and archival conservation records and conservation equipment and supplies.
- Manage lab safety, including staff orientation maintenance of chemical inventory and hazardous waste removal.
The expected salary range for the Assistant Conservator is $72,000/annual – $82,000/annual. The AMNH offers an extensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of our dedicated and diverse community.
Pay will be determined based on several factors. The hiring range for the position at commencement is based on the type of work and the scope of responsibilities. The salary and placement offered is based on a number of individualized factors, including, but not limited to, skills, knowledge, training, education, credentials, areas of specialization and depth and scope of experience.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in art conservation.
- Three years experience in a museum conservation lab.
- Active membership with the American Institute for Conservation.
- Strong knowledge of principles, concepts and methodology of conservation applicable to the full range of procedures for the preservation and treatment of anthropological and natural science collections.
Physical Demands:
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for prolonged periods.
- Must be able to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.
- Must be able to move about the Museum campus.
- Positioning/change of positioning: Must be able to frequently position oneself/body to accomplish job duties.
- Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling.
- Climbing: Ascending or descending physical structures.
Salary : $72,000 - $82,000
