Assistant Conservator

Assistant Conservator

Pay Rate: $25/hour and up, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Schedule: Full Time, Monday – Friday workweek

MPM is seeking a full-time Assistant Conservator to support the museum’s goal of moving its 4 million object collection to a new building.  The Assistant Conservator will work collaboratively with the museum’s Collections Move Project Manager and will interact with all departments within the museum’s collections and research umbrella.  Initial work will focus on assessing, cleaning, and treating large numbers of objects for permanent exhibit display.  In addition to these tasks, future projects may include work with the museum’s preventive conservation needs, storage or shipping mounts, integrated pest management, environmental monitoring, and other activities that directly support the care and preservation of the museum’s collections while they transition to a new facility. 

MPM’s collections span both cultural and natural history disciplines.  The Assistant Conservator should expect to encounter the following object types during their work with the museum: ethnographic and archaeological material, items of historical significance, rocks and minerals, taxidermy mounts, natural history specimens, fluid-collections, botanical specimens, and paleontological material. 

The position will run for approximately 1 year with the possibility for extension up to 2 additional years.  To perform this job successfully, ideal candidates will be expected to complete the following duties: 

• Carry out examination, documentation, survey work, and conservation treatment of artifacts in the Museum’s collection, in compliance with accepted professional standards
• Undertake object condition assessments to determine treatment priorities
• Produce thorough and accurate condition reports and other treatment documentation
• Fabricate housing or shipping supports as needed
• Perform basic operations within the museum’s collections database, EMu 
• Participate in the preventive maintenance of the collection, with demonstrated proficiency in environmental monitoring, microclimates, and integrated pest management
• Undertake technical research related to the treatment needs of the Museum’s collection
• Assist in guiding technician work related to photography, condition reports, and basic cleaning treatments
• Advise and recommend supplies and equipment as required to fulfill job duties
• Other conservation-related collections duties as assigned 

Education and/or Experience: 

A graduate degree in conservation from a recognized conservation training program is required.  Specialization in ethnographic/archaeological, natural history, or historical conservation is preferred.    A minimum of 6 months work experience in a conservation laboratory is preferred.   

Competencies: 

• Comfortable undertaking fine dexterity work and handling delicate materials 
• Detail oriented, with strong problem-solving skills 
• Ability to wear PPE appropriate to the tasks assigned 
• Familiarity with microscopes, cameras, and other laboratory equipment
• Strongly developed 3D-spatial reasoning skills 
• Capable of working independently and as part of a team 
• Ability to write clearly and concisely
• The ability to use a ladder, and spend much of the day standing, bending, and lifting 
• The ability to undertake basic conservation treatments

Benefits

• Vacation
• Personal Days
• Sick Time
• Holidays
• Family Membership Cards
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Discounts
• YMCA Workplace Wellness
• Free Coffee Fridays

The Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM)

is a natural and human history museum located in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The museum is among the oldest in the United States, with a history dating back to the 1850’s. We offer great career opportunities for people with all levels of training, experience, and education. We are a composition of diverse and talented staff working together as a team to offer our visitors the best possible immersive experience in learning and enjoyment.

A career with the Milwaukee Public Museum allows you to connect your skills and abilities in a rewarding position with a non-profit organization doing good work in our community. MPM provides an unlimited opportunity to gain knowledge about our world, as you connect with visitors, donors, innovative staff members, curious students, interns and volunteers in your day-to-day-work. See what MPM has to offer!

The Milwaukee Public Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.

Salary : $25