Conservator for Paper and Photographs

chicago history society•Chicago, IL

1d•$60,000 - $70,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Paper and Photograph Conservator ensures the care and preservation of the Museum’s collections and loan materials. The Paper and Photograph Conservator undertakes diagnostic examination, assessment, strategic conservation planning, treatment, mounting, and other requisite hands-on practical, documentation and preventive conservation work for a variety of paper-based and photographic materials including maps, documents, architectural records, prints, art on paper, manuscripts, books, library materials, photographic prints, film-based negatives and cased objects. The Paper and Photograph Conservator also educates and provides advice and technical assistance to the staff and the general public on the preservation, storage, display and handling of historical artifacts and provides staff training and guidance regarding personal and environmental safety in regard to the storage and handling of collection materials.

Requirements

Advanced degree from an accredited conservation program; significant professional experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree
Minimum of three years of post-graduate experience assessing and treating paper-based archival and photographic materials; experience in a museum environment preferred
Knowledge of professional conservation and museum standards and best practices
Experience in conservation for exhibition design and preparation of objects for exhibition
Experience with relevant technologies; experience with collections management software preferred
Experience working both independently and collaboratively to meet departmental and team goals
Strong project management skills, including ability to plan, prioritize and execute work in a deadline-driven environment
Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multitask and manage competing priorities efficiently
Ability to lift, carry or otherwise move and position objects weighing up to 30 pounds
Ability to ascend and descend ladders and lifts
Experience supervising volunteers, interns, contractors and/or staff
Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing priorities
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Superior visual acuity, fine motor skills, and attention to detail
Ability to deal diplomatically and effectively with a wide range of constituents
Willingness and ability to work occasional evenings and/or weekends
Commitment to the mission, values, and programs of the Chicago History Museum

Nice To Haves

experience in a museum environment preferred
experience with collections management software preferred

Responsibilities

Responsible for the examination, treatment, documentation, and preventive care of objects, including: diagnostic examination and assessment of objects, treatment to clean, stabilize, repair, or otherwise preserve and conserve objects, full written and photographic documentation (traditional and electronic formats) to record condition, previous repairs or restorations, treatment needs, treatment work, and guidelines for handling, display, storage and loan, editing, labeling, and archiving of digital documentary conservation photographs, development and oversight of preventive care strategies, including oversight and/or fabrication of mounts, supports, or housings for storage, display, or photography
Provide guidance and assist with environmental monitoring, collection surveys, packing objects for storage and/or transport, preparing objects for exhibit and loan - including mounting and installation/deinstallation of objects
Provide guidance on best practices, materials and methods for mounting, framing, packing, display and storage of paper and photograph materials, and oversee and/or undertake work to mount, frame, pack, house materials as needed
Assist or lead development of comprehensive strategies to address short-term and long-range preservation needs in collaboration with CHM staff and outside consultants
Assist or lead implementation of preservation initiatives in collaboration with CHM staff and outside consultants, including project planning, grant writing, and progress reports
Develop and implement exhibition conservation guidelines and activities in collaboration with CHM staff, outside contractors and exhibition teams, including serving on exhibition planning teams to provide conservation input on display materials, mounting techniques, environmental parameters, and installation of artifacts
Participate in institutional and departmental policy, procedural and strategic development governing the use of the collections, including departmental goals, objectives, and budget planning
Advise and oversee (as necessary) CHM staff, interns, volunteers and outside contractors on preservation and conservation issues including environmental conditions, packing, display, storage, and handling specifications for new acquisitions, collection materials, and incoming and outgoing loans
Perform research and technical examination and analysis as needed to identify materials and construction techniques, and assess materials and for use in storage, exhibition, and treatment
As needed, provide professional consultation to external organizations and the public on conservation and preservation issues
Maintain the conservation laboratory as a safe, secure and efficient workspace, including general cleaning and upkeep, procurement and inventory of equipment, supplies and materials, management of conservation records, and adherence to appropriate regulations and practices for safe storage, handling and use of conservation materials and supplies (including hazardous materials)
Collaborate with Properties, Security, and other Collections staff to maintain disaster preparedness; in the event of an emergency, serve as a key member of the Collection Emergency Response Team and participate as needed in any resulting collections recovery efforts
Recruit, train, and supervise conservation interns, volunteers, and temporary staff
Conduct training sessions in handling and collections care for new staff, interns, and volunteers
Coordinate and oversee contract conservation services
Serve as member (or Chair) of Institutional Committees, as appropriate
Host lab tours, workshops and presentations to CHM staff, outside professionals, and members of the public
Serve as conservation liaison to regional museums and the public, providing consultations, referrals, lectures, and tours
Represent CHM at local, national, and international forums
Other duties as assigned