Conservator

Ingenium • Ottawa, ON

3d • CA$85,661 - CA$104,233 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Conservator supports the Ingenium mandate to establish, maintain, and develop the national collection of scientific and technological objects by ensuring access to the collection through object treatment, hazard management, exhibition, loan, and research. The Conservator cares for objects in Ingenium’s collection, including library and archive materials, and innovates and advises on collection care practices. The Conservator contributes to the interpretation of the collection and the promotion of the organization through the dissemination of research and specialist information.

Requirements

• A university degree (bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD) in conservation and a minimum of 5 years practicing conservation of scientific, technological, industrial, electronic, agricultural, library and archive materials, and/or aviation objects in/for a museum, organization, collections management centre, or private practice; OR a combination of a college diploma in conservation and a university degree (bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD) and a minimum of 8 years practicing conservation of scientific, technological, industrial, electronic, agricultural, library and archive materials, and/or aviation objects in/for a museum, organization, collections management centre, or private practice
• 5+ years supporting object access and preservation by initiating, implementing, and managing treatments, research projects, and collection care initiatives, including those applied to library and archive materials
• 3 to 5 years initiating, managing, or working on projects, including new object acquisitions, museum programming, and facility initiatives with multidisciplinary teams
• 3 to 5 years working with or managing hazardous materials in cultural collections or industry
• 2 years contributing to exhibition and loan development and preparing objects for exhibition or loans
• Experience communicating conservation practices using a variety of methods to a wide range of audiences for the purposes of collection accessibility, professional development, and outreach
• Experience supervising students and interns in a conservation setting
• Experience selecting, using, maintaining, and applying specialist equipment or analytical instruments related to collections care, access, and research
• Thorough knowledge of and experience with collection, object assessments, conservation treatments, restoration and operation goals, and care practices for scientific, technological, mechanical, industrial, aviation, aerospace, agricultural, automotive, library and archival, and other types of objects relevant to the Ingenium collection
• Thorough knowledge of and experience with the physical and chemical properties and characteristics of a wide range of organic and inorganic materials, including modern and hazardous materials in cultural collections and industry
• Thorough knowledge of and experience with the assessment, modification, creation, and implementation of preventive conservation strategies, procedures, and techniques, such as pest management, storage management, packaging, and environmental monitoring
• Thorough knowledge of and experience with best practices for collection documentation and the use of digital databases and data management systems, as well as strategies for their optimal use
• Thorough knowledge of and experience with the assessment of health and safety risks and hazards and implementation of safe work practices relevant to collection work, including the safe operation of equipment
• Thorough knowledge of and experience with the assessment and implementation of best practices for exhibition and display, including environmental and light conditions, travel, security concerns, and material selection
• Thorough knowledge of and experience with methods, tools, and equipment used in the scientific assessment and analysis of objects and the materials of their manufacture
• Knowledge of and experience with “green”, sustainable, energy-saving, or lower-consumption collection care practices
• Knowledge of and ability to critically assess the Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Conservators of the CAPC
• Knowledge of the general processes of manufacture and function, and of sources of technical literature for technical, scientific, and industrial objects relevant to the Ingenium collection
• Knowledge of Canadian conservation networks, including challenges and opportunities related to developing a diverse field of practitioners
• Knowledge of library and archive collection management practices
• Relationship management
• Flexibility
• Professional communication
• Teamwork
• Fine Motor Skills
• Time management
• Project management
• Problem solving skills

Responsibilities

• Object treatment
• Hazard management
• Exhibition
• Loan
• Research
• Caring for objects in Ingenium’s collection, including library and archive materials
• Innovating and advising on collection care practices
• Contributing to the interpretation of the collection
• Promoting the organization through the dissemination of research and specialist information

What This Job Offers

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