Conservation Technician, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is looking for a skilled Conservation Technician for the museum’s new permanent exhibition exploring the natural and cultural history of Los Angeles and Southern California. The Conservation Technician provides support to the Head of Conservation and Assistant Conservator to perform conservation activities related to the Museum’s new permanent History exhibit. We seek an experienced individual who demonstrates professionalism, sound judgment, flexibility, and excellent attention to detail to effectively implement conservation treatment steps and other tasks as directed.
Responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to:
§ Examine objects and prepare conservation assessments as required under the supervision of the Conservators
§ Perform conservation treatments on objects as required under the supervision of the Conservators
§ Prepare conservation documentation, including photography, condition reports, and treatment reports
§ Enter conservation information in the collections database system
§ Construct custom boxes and other housing for objects to help prevent damage during handling, storage, or transport
§ Assist in installation and de-installation of exhibit material under the supervision of Conservator(s), Registrar(s), and/or Collection Manager(s) as required
§ Assist in the crating, packing, moving, and storage of collections under the supervision of Conservator(s), Registrar(s), and/or Collection Manager(s) as required
§ Other conservation duties as assigned, such as mount making and environmental monitoring
This position has the following requirements:
§ Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate museum-related discipline (e.g., art history, fine art, or anthropology) required; additional education, training, and experience in conservation highly desirable
§ Minimum 2 years experience handling art, artifacts, or specimens, preferably working in a museum environment
§ Basic knowledge of the equipment, materials, and techniques used in the conservation of objects
§ Applicable fine art, craft, or fabrication skills and experience, including excellent hand skills
§ Excellent attention to detail and good writing skills required for condition reporting and other documentation
§ Experience with digital photography and image processing software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop)
§ Good computer skills (Microsoft Office Word and Excel); experience with KE EMu database highly desirable
§ Must have excellent team work, interpersonal, and communication skills to work closely with Museum Professionals (this includes but is not limited to Conservators, Registrars, Exhibits personnel, Technicians, Curators, Collection Managers, and Operations Staff) to ensure that all work is executed in a safe, proper and timely manner
§ Work is at times very physical, requiring extended periods of standing, stooping, walking, lifting, pulling, pushing, reaching, object handling, and tool use
§ Required to wear a respirator when necessary
Salary is commensurate with experience plus excellent benefits. This is a temporary, full time, exempt position with an end date anticipated in the fall of 2012.
Review of applications begins immediately and continues until position is filled. Interested candidates please visit www.nhm.org/jobs and click the link of the position for which you are interested or go directly to the online application by clicking https://home.eease.com/recruit/?id=550683. Please be sure to submit a letter of interest, a resume or short CV, and two professional references with your application.
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please, No Phone Calls, No Fax.
Tania Collas
Head of Conservation
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
900 Exposition Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90007
