Museum Conservation Technician

Museum Conservation Technician

MPM is seeking 3 temporary, part-time Conservation Technicians to support the museum’s goal of moving its 4 million object collection to a new building.  The technicians will work collaboratively under the supervision of 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 preparing 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.  A senior conservator will be contracted sporadically throughout the technician’s tenure to help provide guidance on more complex treatments or conservation needs.

The MPM’s collections span both cultural and natural history disciplines.  The Technicians 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 schedule for the position is Monday through Thursday from 8:30 – 3:30, will begin in May, and the position will run for approximately 1 year with the possibility for extension.  To perform this job successfully, ideal candidates will be expected to complete the following duties: 

• Safely handle and manipulate museum objects 
• Undertake object condition assessments to determine treatment priorities
• Produce thorough and accurate condition reports and other treatment documentation
• Remove dust, grime and otherwise clean objects as required
• Carry out a range of basic conservation treatments
• Photograph objects before, during, and after cleaning or treatment
• Fabricate housing or shipping supports as needed
• Participate in activities related to integrated pest management and environmental monitoring
• Perform basic operations within the museum’s collections database, EMu 
• Other conservation-related collections duties as assigned 

Education and/or Experience: 

A graduate degree in conservation from a recognized conservation training program.  Specialization in ethnographic/archaeological, natural history, or historical conservation is preferred, but not required.  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 
• The ability to use a ladder, and spend much of the day standing, bending, and lifting 
• The ability to undertake basic conservation treatments

Benefits

• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off Package
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match
• Free Museum Membership
• Museum Shop, Food, & Beverage Discounts
• Parking Subsidy/Discounted Bus Pass

The Milwaukee Public Museum

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 and consider applying today!

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