Conservation Assistant I - Africa/Egypt Exhibit

Field Museum • Chicago, IL

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Field Museum seeks a Conservation Assistant to support the care, documentation, treatment, and preparation of Egyptian archaeological and African social history items as part of the Africa Hall Renovation Project. This is a term position.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in conservation, studio art, anthropology, chemistry, or a related field is required
• Ability to work safely in conservation labs and museum galleries.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with others.
• Demonstrated knowledge of safety precautions to create a safe working environment for self and others; demonstrated ability to work safely with chemicals.
• Ability to learn and use digital tools and systems necessary for documentation and project work, including Google Workspace, Microsoft Office applications, and collection management systems.
• Editing and output to AIC conservation documentation standards will be expected.
• Experience searching data entry, and generating reports in a Collections Management System; experience with KE-EMu collections management software is preferred but not required. Training will be provided
• Ability to work as part of multiple teams to meet departmental goals.
• Ability to perform detailed conservation work requiring close visual examination, precise handling of collection items, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with diverse constituencies to achieve departmental goals.

Nice To Haves

• Previous e Experience working collaboratively with communities of origin on the treatment, display, and storage of museum collections would be a plus is preferred
• Experience with Egyptian archaeological material and/or African social history material is preferred
• Experience conducting chemical spot testing is preferred
• Digital photography experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct condition assessment, documentation, and treatment of archaeological and social history collection items and loans; including written and photographic documentation and, as appropriate, chemical spot testing.
• Handle, document, and assist with the treatment of human remains, sacred items, and other culturally sensitive materials in accordance with Museum policies and established protocols. When guidance from communities of origin differs from established museum practices, prioritize community guidance and work collaboratively to incorporate it into museum practice.
• Ensure documentation, images, analyses, and collaborative discussions are archived both as hard copies and as digital copies in the Collections Management System (KE EMu).
• Assist with specifying and constructing display and storage equipment, and environmental control measures, as needed.
• Assist with performing Oddy tests of proposed exhibition materials.
• Assist in supervising volunteers and interns as needed.
• Assist with incoming and outgoing loans, as assigned.
• Conduct integrated pest management (IPM) monitoring and gallery walk-throughs of assigned areas.
• Share conservation practices, project outcomes, challenges, and solutions with others through discussion, short classes, and presentations, as assigned.
• Maintain a clean and organized collection storage area, workspace, equipment, and supplies clean and well organized.
• Follow safe working practices in conservation laboratories, galleries, collection spaces, and other work areas to protect staff, visitors, and collection items.
• Adhere to departmental policies on the appropriate handling of, and access to, sacred or culturally sensitive materials and ancestral remains.
• Support the maintenance and operation of conservation laboratories, including researching, specifying, procuring, maintaining, and ensuring the safe storage and handling of collections, equipment, and supplies.
• Assist in maintaining clean and organized collection storage, workspace, equipment, and supplies clean and well organized.
• Participate in departmental and project meetings.
• Contribute to a collaborative and inclusive positive work environment through respectful interactions with colleagues, external partners, and the public.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including medical, dental, vision plans, and even pet insurance.
• Financial Security: Life and disability benefits plus a 403(b) savings plan to help you plan for the future.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure you have time to recharge and spend with loved ones.
• Exclusive Perks: Enjoy great employee discounts and complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level