Position available- Anchorage, Alaska for a Conservator

Job Title: Conservator
Summary Position Statement
Under supervision of the Director of Collections/Chief Conservator, this position is responsible for working as part of the Collections department. The incumbent is a professional conservator responsible for all aspects of conservation treatment for the museum’s permanent collections, which includes a wide variety of objects. In addition to treatment, the incumbent performs preventive conservation work, providing technical advice and support for exhibit and loan projects, environmental monitoring, pest management, emergency response, collections handling and use; and assisting in maintaining lab operations. The Conservator may be responsible for supervising staff and volunteers.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.

• In consultation with the Chief Conservator, is responsible for the preservation of objects in both the permanent collection and archives;
• Sets and implements the integrated pest management plan;
• Examines out-going loans and prepares condition reports;
• Performs treatment on works in need of conservation;
• Documents treatments both in written and photographic methods;
• Monitors the condition of objects prior to, during, and immediately after display, whether the property of the museum or on loan;
• Monitors conditions in the building for preservation aimed at minimizing deterioration of the collection;
• Coordinates preventive care with the Collections Registrar and Collections Manager;
• Supervises the conservation laboratory upkeep, including researching and ordering supplies and equipment, and maintenance of materials.

Non-Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides public programs on conservation and the work of a conservator;
• Where appropriate, conceives and conducts conservation research on specific issues;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of conservation theories, methods and techniques; research methods; chemistry, art, anthropology; safety precautions required when using hazardous chemicals; physical and chemical properties of materials; environmental controls, measurement and effects on materials.
Skill in examining and assessing condition of artifacts or works of art; establishing and maintaining optimum environmental conditions; use of laboratory equipment.
Ability to determine and perform techniques required for preservation and/or conservation of objects; establish good working relationships; train others in conservation principles and practices; speak and write effectively.
Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Conservation from an accredited graduate school, recognized by the American Institute for Conservation is required.
• One (1) to two (2) years prior experience as a conservator.
• Experience with Native American art and objects, preferred.

Employee Expectations:
As an AMA employee, the incumbent is expected to model the following traits:

• Foster and maintain open communication and collaboration and actively engage in the exchange of ideas and maintaining constructive relationships.
• Initiative and creativity in all aspects of the position.
• Lead by example by maintaining a high standard of professional ethics and conduct at all times.
• Treat everyone with dignity and respect at all times.
• Support and uphold the policies, procedures of the AMA as directed by the Museum Director and Board of Directors.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to stand; walk; and occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include color and close vision, and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are typical of an office environment and representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
This is an FLSA-exempt-level position. The salary for the successful incumbent will depend on qualifications. The Anchorage Museum offers a competitive benefits package to full-time/staff employees.
Interested parties may complete an employment application and submit it along with a resume and cover letter via email, fax or mail. Please note we are unable to accept resumes in place of an employment application. All positions are open until filled.
LOCATION:
Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center
Attn: Human Resources
625 C Street, Anchorage, Alaska 99501
(907) 929-9200 tel
(907) 929-9216 fax
Email: employment@anchoragemuseum.org
Website: www.anchoragemuseum.org
"The AMA will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex or marital status or who is a 'qualified individual with a disability,' as that phrase is defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act. AMA will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed and that employees are treated during employment without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, marital status or physical or mental disability.”